Travelling has changed dramatically over the past few years, and if you haven’t been on holiday for a while, you may be a little unfamiliar with travel procedures. From packing to booking your travel insurance, there’s more than ever to consider before heading off on holiday. 

To make your journey as enjoyable as possible, here are a few things to consider before taking to the skies – a 2023 travel checklist.

1) Research your destination

To make sure you make the most of your time abroad, it’s important to research your destination and plan ahead of time. What will the weather be like when you intend to visit, and do you need any new vaccinations for this country? We’ve been so preoccupied with COVID-19 for the past few years, it’s easy to forget there are other medical precautions to be aware of. Don’t forget to look up the currency and exchange rate – especially if you enjoy bartering at markets. And finally, it’s important to have a good understanding of the local culture, to avoid any social faux pas.

2) Update your packing list

Part of the excitement of preparing for a holiday is purchasing a new wardrobe, whether that’s a slick new pair of sunglasses or a trusty, stylish backpack as a carry-on bag. But before you dive into the fun stuff, take stock of what you already have – and what practical bits you need to upgrade. For instance, is your suitcase still flight-ready or is it long overdue for a replacement? Can you still find your travel adapter? And if you have trouble sleeping on airplanes or noisy cities, now is the time to invest in a pair of noise-cancelling headphones that can carry enough charge for your entire flight.

It’s easy to redeem your miles for travel essentials when you shop with Cathay. Browse sleek suitcases by leading brands, as well as a range of handy travel adapters, phone accessories, headphones and more.

3) Book activities ahead of time

Once you’ve done your research, it’s time for the fun part: choosing your hotel, deciding which landmarks to visit, selecting some exciting activities and, of course, choosing which local delicacies you’d like to sample. Be sure to book all of this with plenty of time to spare – not only to make sure you don’t miss out on everything you want to see, eat and do, but also to avoid the higher prices that often accompany later or last-minute bookings. Luckily, you can secure lots of amazing activities with Cathay after you book your flight and hotel, which will earn you Asia Miles, too. And if you book everything with your Standard Chartered Cathay Pacific Mastercard you can earn even more miles to put towards your next trip.

4) Look into travel insurance for peace of mind

Although border restrictions and regulations have relaxed considerably, flights can still be disrupted. It’s a good idea to build in a few flexible days around your travels, just in case. Opting for flexible flight tickets can save headaches if your schedule is disrupted, as will having travel insurance such as Cathay’s Premier Travel Cover in partnership with Chubb, which offers solid coverage plans to help you with unexpected medical expenses.

5) Be proactive about your health and hygiene

COVID-19 isn’t the only illness to watch out for when you’re on holiday, and staying on top of hygiene can help prevent an unwanted doctor’s visit. Carrying hand sanitiser is recommended, as is drinking filtered or bottled water to avoid stomach bugs. Other useful pharmacy staples to have in your suitcase include anti-nausea tablets, bug spray, anti-inflammatories and antihistamines.

6) Get to the airport early

You can never be sure how long the queue will be at check-in – especially with the increased number of flights and holiday-goers – so it’s best to arrive with plenty of time to spare. Allowing yourself an extra hour or so can help prevent unnecessarily stressful situations and give you more time to deal with any surprises that might arise – not to mention an excuse for more duty-free shopping time.

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