Travel tips

Start with your holiday package by choosing a guided tour package. It’s the best way to travel with family because all the details are pre-planned for you. This is especially important if you are not keen on researching destinations yourself.

For those who do pre-plan, take some time to create a complete itinerary following some research on the destination you are visiting. Pay special attention to special festivals, weather, and political climate when you are working on the itinerary. This provides space for back up plans in case of unforeseen travel problems.

The itinerary also ensures that everything is planned based on what you/ your family wants to see and experience. Just make sure all the activities are something worth trying and gives you and your fellow travelers a new dimension of the places visited.

If you are travelling on a budget then you should plan with flight, ground arrangements, passport, visa, meals, transport, shopping and contingency cash for emergency.

Before you travel, try to take an extra day off after you come back. This will help you rest and recover from tiredness or jet lag, especially if you’re flying. Also, make sure all your travel bookings and documents are confirmed at least 3 to 4 days before your trip, so you have time to fix any last-minute issues.

When packing, only take what you really need and leave some space for shopping at your destination. If you’re travelling with family, especially kids or elderly people, make a list of their needs and pack carefully to avoid any trouble or discomfort during the trip.

Don’t forget to inform your close friends or relatives about your travel plans. It’s also a good idea to arrange someone to take care of your home or pets while you’re away. Lastly, call your bank to let them know you’re travelling, so your debit or credit card works smoothly for big purchases during the trip.

Before travelling anywhere, make sure you have all your regular vaccines up to date. Some vaccines are also needed especially for travel. These include the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, chickenpox (varicella) vaccine, polio vaccine, and the yearly flu shot. You can check the latest vaccine updates at your nearby clinic or hospital.

Visa rules for some countries can change at any time. Before planning or booking your trip, it’s a good idea to confirm the latest information. You can check with your travel agent or contact the Embassy or High Commission of the country you are visiting in Malaysia.

Different countries have different entry rules, and sometimes these rules depend on your nationality, the purpose of your visit, or how long you plan to stay. For example, some countries may allow short visits without a visa, while others may require you to apply in advance.

To avoid any last-minute issues, make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your travel date, and always carry all necessary documents. If you need help, your travel agent can guide you on the visa process, the required documents, and how long it may take to get approval.

Checking visa requirements early will save you time and prevent travel problems. Staying updated ensures that your holiday goes smoothly and without any unexpected surprises. It’s always better to be prepared before your journey begins.

Travel insurance helps protect you from unexpected problems during your trip. Some common things it covers include:

• Personal Accident – If you get injured during your trip.

• Medical Expenses – If you fall sick or need medical help while travelling.

• Loss of Luggage or Personal Belongings – If your bags or items get lost or stolen.

• Loss of Travel Documents – If you lose your passport or important papers.

• Baggage Delay – If your luggage arrives late.

• Travel Delay – If your flight or trip is delayed.

• Missed Departure – If you miss your flight due to reasons covered in the policy.

• Flight Overbooked – If you can’t board your flight because of overbooking.

• Hijack Inconvenience – If your trip is affected due to hijacking.

• Trip Cancellation – If your trip gets cancelled for valid reasons.

• Loss of Money or Valuables – If your cash or valuable items go missing.

…and other similar types of protection, depending on your policy.

Travel insurance does not cover everything. Here are some common exclusions:

• Any kind of war or invasion, whether declared or not.

• Radiation-related damages or destruction.

• Suicide, self-harm, or intentional injury caused by the insured person.

• Any incident involving military or law enforcement action.

• Taking part in professional sports, races, or dangerous activities like adventure sports or high-risk training.

On your travel day, make a checklist of important things to carry like your luggage, passport, and tickets. Write your name and address (both home and holiday address) inside and outside your bags. Before you leave, weigh your luggage to make sure it meets the airline’s baggage limit.

It’s also a good idea to get travel insurance. It helps if your bags get lost, your flight is cancelled, or your passport or wallet goes missing. Travel insurance keeps you stress-free and protected during your trip.

Did you know you can travel with just hand luggage? Just make sure you know the airline’s rules about carrying liquids so you don’t have to throw anything away at the security check. To avoid jet lag, drink plenty of water during the flight and skip tea or coffee they can make you dehydrated.

Before Your Flight

Make sure you have all the required travel documents ready before your flight. You’ll need to show them to airport and government officers when entering or leaving a country. This includes your passport, visa, health documents, and any other papers needed by the country you are flying from, to, or through.

Check-in

Self check-in is free, quick, and easy! It helps you save time at the airport.
If you prefer to check in at the counter, it opens 3 hours before your flight and closes 1 hour before departure.
Note: Check-in timings may differ at some airports.
Since airport security lines can be long, it’s best to check in early and go straight to your departure gate — or you might miss your flight.

Baggage

You can pre-book your checked baggage to save both time and money.
Each checked bag must weigh less than 30 kg.
If you’re flying with others under the same booking, you can combine your baggage weight.

The baggage drop counter opens 3 hours before and closes 45 minutes before your flight.
You must already have your boarding pass to drop your baggage.

Carrying Liquids

You can carry liquids in your hand luggage, but only in containers up to 100 ml each.
All items must be packed in a clear, resealable plastic bag, following the local airport rules.

Boarding

Be at your boarding gate at least 20 minutes before your flight time.
If you arrive late, you won’t be allowed to board the flight.

Make sure your car has a good GPS and location maps. Sometimes GPS doesn’t work properly, so maps can help you find the way.

Carry enough water and snacks for the trip. Some parts of the road are long, and you might not find any shops or stops in between.

Try to reach your destination before it gets dark. Many roads go through forests or farms where there are no street lights.

If you’re travelling with kids, plan some fun games, bring short story books, or sing songs together to keep them happy.

Keep an umbrella in the car in case it rains or drizzles.

Always keep your fuel tank full. Refill it before it goes below a quarter, as petrol stations can be far apart. You might also lose your way, so it’s better to be safe.

It’s a good idea to buy travel insurance for both the driver and passengers.

When you are overseas/ holiday destination, do call your close relatives/ friends to let them know you have arrived safely and keep them updated of where you are if you are moving around. Make sure to always keep your luggage locked when leaving them behind in the hotel. Carry your passport with you and ensure you don’t carry excessive cash that might attract attention. If you are taking a self drive holiday, make sure you collect the car from the airport and get a GPS.

When you are abroad and if you want to try something local, make sure it is a recommendation from a trustworthy source. To make life easier, get a local map and identify the tourist info centres. Moreover for safety precautions, avoid walking alone at night or in dark areas and beware of pickpockets whose modus operandi is by distracting you. Also, if you drive, follow the local traffic rules and avoid driving at night.

Before your return flight, do confirm your flight details in case of delays or cancellations. It is best to ensure that you have all travel documents prepared and easily accessible for check in. Always plan your packing and don’t do too much last minute shopping that can’t fit your luggage. Keep track with the luggage requirements of the country you’re visiting in mind.

Do not forget to remind your close relatives/ friends of your return and make arrangements for an airport pick up. Keep track of all your valuables and make sure that they are in your hand- wallet, passport, camera, watch, jewellery.

Last but not least, make sure you are at the airport two hours (or 3-4 hours in some countries) earlier to avoid missing the flight.