What Aussies Will Have To Rethink About International Travel

Travel is still a wonderful experience, but the key to travelling well these days is checking and re-checking what you need to make it happen.

Longing to get overseas and travel again? Before you blow the dust off your passport, know that there have been significant changes to how the world approaches international travel. And while our friends overseas have had time to adjust, Australians could do with checking out this cheat sheet to get up to speed.

From vaccination passes to travel bans, here are 21 things you’ll need to consider when booking that long-awaited international trip.

1. Vaccinations

Let’s start with the big one – vaccinations. If you’re an Australian citizen, currently you won’t even be able to leave the country unless you’re fully vaccinated, have a medical exemption, or have a travel exemption. Get the full list at Smartraveller, as well as the current definitions of ‘fully vaccinated’.

Many countries around the world have set limits on what you can and cannot do, based on your vaccination status, including whether you can even enter. For example, a non-U.S. citizen or resident must be vaccinated from a list of approved vaccines a minimum number of days before entering the country. If vaccination status is an issue for you, it may limit the number of countries you can visit, so plan accordingly.

Have your vaccine passports at the ready.

2. Travel agents

Pre-the COVID years, some of us would pride ourselves on our honed Skyscanner searching skills, flicking through flight changes and prices like no tomorrow. Blazing with self-righteousness and independent planning, we would never dream of darkening a travel agent’s door.

But in a murky world of extended layover times, unexplained flight cancellations and confusing fine print, the travel agent is your new best friend.

3. That big Europe trip

Say adieu to hopping through a dozen countries in so many days. With a complicated vaccine-pass landscape in Europe for Australians (more about that below), as well as unexpected lockdowns, it’s unlikely we’ll be able to do the whopper multi-country Europe trip anytime soon. Instead, minimise your stress and maximise your time in a select few locations.

Schonbrunn Palace, Vienna, Austria — Austria’s Schönbrunn Palace and magnificent gardens.

4. Travel insurance

Really read the fine print – for real this time. While it can sometimes be confusing, go over your travel insurance contract with a fine-tooth comb before you sign it. Make sure you understand what you are, and aren’t, covered for.

Some companies will be offering COVID-19 insurance on top of travel insurance, covering costs of things such as quarantine or medical costs if you test positive.

Take note, countries such as Cambodia, Jordan and Thailand won’t let you in without proving your insurance covers COVID-19-related medical expenses to a certain number of dollars.

5. Holiday leave

Before you start planning your trip away, have a chat with your employer. Like many others, you might have saved a lot of leave, waiting for international travel to resume. To get ahead of every employee who’s submitting their leave at the same time, submit yours sooner rather than later.

If you don’t have enough leave, it might also be worth seeing if your employer offers time-in-lieu – meaning working extra hours now, to guarantee more time on your trip.

6. Taking your work with you

If you’re fortunate enough to be able to work remotely, consider a plan with your workplace on how you and your laptop could live your best #digitalnomad lives if you get caught overseas longer than planned.

Remote laptop working — Make the world your office.

7. Group tours

While group sizes in multi-day holiday tours seem to be getting smaller, you might not feel comfortable travelling with groups of any size. That being said, having someone like an agency to guide you through complicated borders, and potentially guaranteeing you get help if you’re sick, could give you peace of mind.

8. Travel bans

Things can shift quickly, and travel bans can be put in place against someone who has been in certain countries. Consider the likelihood of this happening to you, and what actions you would need to take if it did.

9. Rental cars

Like in Australia, road trips are becoming the transport à la mode of the EU and North America, with travellers not wanting to risk enclosed and crowded trains, buses and planes. If you want a car, check well ahead to a) guarantee a booking and b) that you won’t get charged through the nose.

10. Pre-arrival testing

You’ll need a bit of paperwork ready before you take off, including documentation of negative test results. For places like the US, you’ll need to present a negative COVID-19 test to the airline before you board. If you know you’ll be overseas when you need this done, check out in advance how easy it is to get a PCR or RAT, as some countries have pop up free or paid clinics.

11. Getting on the plane

Once you’ve presented the requirements needed to get past check-in, it’s time to settle in for the flight. This might once have been a simple matter of downloading the latest Liane Moriarty on Audible and packing an extra moisturising night cream, but now there are a few other things to pop into your carry-on.

Number one, pack a few spare, well-fitted and comfy face masks. Remember that embarrassing time you woke up in the aisle seat with drool on your face? Now imagine that … but with a soggy mask that you still need to wear for another 22 hours. You will also be wearing it for extended hours, so a back of the head strap to protect your ears will be a lifesaver. Next up, sanitiser and wipes. While airlines have cleaning protocols in place, you might feel more at ease having them to hand.

12. Layover time

Today, getting off and onto the flight is a slower process, in part to prevent crowding. If you present an itinerary at an airport where you haven’t given yourself enough time to get to the next leg, you could face issues.

13. Arrival

Some countries require individuals to quarantine upon arrival. This might be for seven days, like in India, or not at all if you are vaccinated, like in the UK. Countries like the UK, India and Fiji will need you to take a COVID-19 test within a set time of your arrival. Plan your accommodation and itinerary accordingly.

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14. Mask wearing

Different countries will have different mask requirements. In Japan, mask-wearing is not mandated, but masks are worn almost across the board. In Austria, the KN95 or FFP2 masks have been specifically mandated at this time. Stock up on whichever you need before you land.

Face mask travellers on an airplane — It’s mandatory to wear masks while flying.

15. Travel apps

Like Australia, other destinations might have check-in apps to research and download. For example, Singaporeans use TraceTogether. Travelling there? Make sure it works on your phone before you leave (or see about getting a token).

The itinerary planning app, TripIt, has a handy feature where it’ll tell you COVID-19 rules, such as entry requirements, whether masks will be needed and what check-in apps are needed, for the destinations you have added to your itinerary. TripAdvisor forums are also excellent for getting a feel of how COVID-19 restrictions and rules work in practice, as told by fellow travellers who are already there.

16. Mobile phones and data

To use these apps, and to keep up to date with last-minute changes that may affect your travel plans, make sure you have plenty of data. Check if you will need a smartphone to travel, and consider renting one on arrival, if needed.

17. Getting into venues

As well as submitting to temperature checks, you could need to show your vaccination status to enter spaces like cafes or bars on your travels. Unfortunately, it has been reported by travellers that the Australian International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate, while invaluable at the borders, is quite unhelpful in this aspect in Europe, as it is not in line with the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC) in use there.

Until the Australian government gets around to fixing this hefty problem, there are some workarounds. For example, purchasing a ‘Passe Sanitaire’ at a French pharmacy for use in France, or applying for a Swiss Covid Pass, which is currently recognised for use across the EU. In some countries, you may need to present daily negative tests for a pass.

18. Disconnecting

With the need to stay up-to-date with shifting restrictions, regulations and bans concerning COVID-19, a digital disconnect will be hard. Allot some time in your day to check for changes, but then try to switch off to enjoy a poolside margarita.

19. Extra savings

Your return home might be delayed if you test positive or if there are flight cancellations. While there is a glass-half-full viewpoint to being on an extended holiday, factor this in as a cost. Assess how much savings you will need to spend on accommodation and new flights if you are not covered.

20. Quarantine

Caught that spicy cough? You may need to quarantine. Check out the testing and isolating requirements of each country in advance.

21. Returning to Australia

When you’re ready to switch back to Vegemite, there are a few requirements to tick off first. An Australian citizen, permanent resident, or those with an exemption will need to fill out an Australian Travel Declaration at a minimum of 72 hours before departure. You’ll also need to show a negative PCR test, and prove you are vaccinated. Each state has their own quarantine requirements once you touch down.

Return to Australia — There is a checklist of things to do before you return to Australia.

Wellbeing means different things to different travellers. Here’s how to pick a hotel that gets it right for you.

The best wellness holidays aren’t necessarily spent wrapped in a spa robe. Sometimes they’re found around a dinner table in Cambodia, on a hiking trail in New Zealand or after finally beating jet lag on the other side of the world. The hotel you choose is what makes them happen.

1. Easy access to good food

meals from Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 — Taste delicious meals at Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20.

One of the quickest ways to derail healthy habits on holiday is to spend half of it working out where to eat instead of digging into the culture around you. Thankfully, Novotel has done much of the hard work already, with chefs building menus that lean into the flavours, ingredients and traditions of each destination.

In Sihanoukville, Cambodia, Korkor soup – often dubbed ‘Cambodian ratatouille’ – sits alongside raw blue crab dressed with lime and chilli, best enjoyed with views across the Gulf of Thailand.

In the lovingly chaotic city of Bangkok, the presence of food cranks up the sociability. At Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20, you can settle in with mango sticky rice and stranger-turned-friends beside the pool at Sky on 20 rooftop bar, or bring them along to tackle river prawns and stir-fried crab with holy basil at the buzzing Crab Paradise Dinner Buffet.

Then Novotel Dubai Al Barsha welcomes you with a laidback twist on the level of indulgence the Middle Eastern city is best known for up on Deck Se7en. Looking towards Burj Al Arab, the rooftop lounge has everything from Mediterranean-style dishes like seabass ceviche to Italian prosecco sundowners.

At the other end of the scale, in the hills that surround the Novotel Bali Ubud Resort, calm comes from nature. At Siralada restaurant, Balinese traditions shape the menu while thunder rumbles over the surrounding jungle – proving the setting is as nourishing as the food itself.

While at Novotel Nha Trang, chef Kieu Thi My Hanh and her team showcase Vietnam’s knack for balancing freshness, texture and fragrant herbs. Pho remains a favourite, while seafood salad with pomelo and mango brings those flavours together in one bright dish.

It’s all an approach backed by partnerships with expert food creators such as Alfie Steiner, whose plant-forward recipes prove healthy food should never taste plain.

2. Better sleep options

Novotel Bali Ubud Resort room — Sleep deeply with Novotel.

There are few travel experiences more disappointing than arriving in a new country, determined to seize the day, only to fall asleep fully clothed by 3pm.

For Australian travellers, jet lag is often an unavoidable part of the journey. That’s one reason Novotel runs sleep-focused initiatives that help guests adjust quickly without compromising on health. We’re talking partnerships with Sydney-based sleep specialist Olivia Arezzolo, known for her advice on everything from better sleep habits to beating jet lag, alongside features like pillow menus, in-room yoga content and tailored sleep guidance.

The sooner you’re operating on local time, the sooner you can get back to more pressing matters – like deciding which spa treatment to book.

3. More ways to move

woman hiking around queenstown new zealand — Stay at Novotel Queenstown Lakeside and explore local hiking trails. (Credit: GettyI mages/ naruedom)

Every place in the world has its own way of getting you moving: whether that’s hiking up ice-bitten mountains before a sauna or gentle stretching by the pool before a facial. From fitness centres to spas, Novotel recognises that wellbeing rarely looks the same.

At Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, activity is inescapable. Here, hiking trails, ski fields, bungee jumps, and white-water rafting have made the region famous. The hotel’s location on the shores of Lake Wakatipu means less time spent organising yourself and more time out there experiencing them. To top it all off, you can book a private hot tub for the evening before heading back into the wilderness tomorrow.

Bali, of course, takes a softer approach. At Novotel Bali Ubud Resort or Novotel Bali Nusa Dua, movement is less about conquering a mountain and more about a dance class between the tropical gardens and lagoon pools. Afterwards, the spa takes over, with traditional treatments like a Lulur body scrub: a combination of rice, turmeric, sandalwood, ginger and jasmine that’ll soothe muscles already relaxed by the Balinese heat.

4. Better connections

Kids will love a stay at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh.

One of the best things about travel is that it gives your family stories you’ll be telling for years. Novotel helps create them with activities that bring everyone together, whether that’s trying something new, learning a local skill, or simply spending more time together.

Go for a distinctly Thai twist at Novotel Phuket Vintage Park, where many of the family activities draw on local culture. Kids can try everything from beginner Thai boxing and language lessons to umbrella painting and – a pastime beloved by children the world over – pool foam parties. Everyone is welcome to join in, whether that’s getting splashed, covered in paint, or simply watching their children discover a new side of Thailand during the dedicated Family & Kids Day.

A different adventure awaits at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh. Kids could be perfectly content with discos, drawing classes and new holiday friends, but the Red Sea has other ideas. Sitting on the edge of Naama Bay, days here might involve snorkelling colourful reefs, taking a boat trip to Ras Mohammed National Park or heading into the desert by quad bike or camel for a Bedouin-style dinner beneath the stars.

5. Location is everything

Surin Beach, Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket, Thaiföld — Explore Phuket’s gorgeous beaches. (Credit: Bence Biczo)

Everyone’s idea of wellness looks a little different. With more than 600 hotels across 65 countries, Novotel gives guests the freedom to choose the destination that suits them best. Whether that’s a beachside escape in Phuket, an alpine expedition in Queenstown or a city break in Bangkok, there’s a good chance a Novotel isn’t far away.

All that’s left? Choosing your version of wellbeing.

Discover stays to inspire your everyday at novotel.accor.com.

21 things Aussies will need to rethink about international travel