Plan Your Trip

There are many things to consider and do in the lead-up to your European holiday. Use this travel planning timeline to ensure you get done all the things you need to...without leaving it to the last minute.

6-12 months before you go

This is the time to start thing where you'd like to go.  If you are planning on using airline reward points for your air travel, you'll need to start this process 12 months out from your planned departure. Flights on which rewards points can be redeemed are released by the airlines 12 months ahead and the limited number of seats available can fill up fast.

Choose where you're going to go  [more...]

Get good guidebooks  [more...]

Book your airfare

Apply for a Passport if you don't already have one [more...]

Do you need a visa? [more...] 

Learn a language

Consider if renting a house for a week is an option

Make your hotel reservations

Read books and watch movies set in the places you'll visit

3 months before you go

Refine your itinerary

Work out a budget

Choose your luggage

Get a good pair of walking shoes

Get a medical check-up

2 months before you go

Organise how you'll get around (train, car) [more...]

Make any museum reservations you need to do (eg Uffizi Gallery in Florence)

Get a camera if you don't already have one

1 month before you go

Organise your money  [more...]

Take out travel insurance

Set up a travel blog 

Make a list of your family and friends' addresses and emails to take with you

Organise roaming facility on your mobile phone

1 week before you go

Call your credit card companies

Register with Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade  [more...] 

Leave your itinerary and contact details with family and friends 

Gather all your medical supplies

Pack light  [more...]

Happy travels!