Before you go

If you’re planning a getaway to the snow there’s a few things you’ll want to bring along with you because they may not be available at any of the local stores and resort shops. It’s good to make a checklist before you start packing so you don’t forget anything. Here’s a couple of suggestions to help you get started.

Things to pack:

• A mobile phone and all the local area emergency contact details
• Good suncream and lip balm to block out harmful UV rays.
• The right clothing and accessories, including a hat or beanie, snow gloves, eye protection and, depending on the conditions, a face covering to protect your skin from wind burn.
• Wind and waterproof outer laters to keep you warm and dry.
• All the appropriate ski equipment – make sure you check this before you leave to ensure it’s in good order.
• If you’ve already bought lift tickets, plane tickets, lessons or rental equipment, make sure that you print out all the necessary receipts and pieces of paper to take with you.
• Any prescription medication, along with a copy of the prescription and a letter from your doctor.
• It’s a good idea to have a few dollars in the local currency before you arrive so you can catch a bus or taxi and not be forced to change money at the airport or border. Depending on where you’re travelling, it’s a good idea to take a combination of travellers cheques, local currency and credit cards.
• Travel insurance – we can’t stress how important it is that you have coverage while you’re at the snow, whether you’re staying in Australia or headed overseas.

Before you leave home:

• Make sure your passport is current for at least six months after you intend to return from your travels and has enough blank pages for the stamps you’ll accrue. Any necessary visas will need to be applied for and inserted into your passport before you leave.
• Make sure you’re up to date with standard immunisations like tetanus, diphtheria, polio, measles and rubella. Check with your GP or specialist travellers medical centre for any additional vaccinations or medications required for your destination.
• If you are away for more than a few days, agree to a ‘keep in touch’ plan with friends and family so that they know where you are and can raise the alarm if you don’t turn up as expected. Leave them a copy of your itinerary including details of where and when they can contact you. You can also register online with DFAT at www.smartraveller.gov.au to facilitate contacting you in an emergency.
• Learn about hypothermia – ways to avoid, signs of onset and what to do if you need treatment.
• If you’re driving, check the weather regularly to ensure your journey will be a safe one and take care on the roads!
• Make sure your car is in good shape – check the oil and water levels and pack some anti-freeze.

Numbers and records to keep with you

It’s always a good idea to have the following written down somewhere and kept in safe place away from your main belongings and try to leave a copy of these with a friend or relative at home in case of emergency.

• Your passport and visa details – travel with photocopies of the personal information page/s of your passport as well as photo copies of any visas. Take a couple of spare passport photos and an alternative photo ID as well.
• A copy of your travel insurance policy certificate
• Contact details of your country’s consulate in the countries you are visiting
• Contact details for the company that issued your travellers cheques and credit card/debit card (to cancel it if necessary), as well as a record of the cheque number and denomination of all of your travellers cheques
• Health care provider details, such as your regular doctor or pharmacist (if you are travelling with medication or required injections for your trip).
• Details of your next of kin or the persons to contact in an emergency.