International travel is now permitted for many in Australia, but the cost and complexity of undertaking an overseas trip is vastly different from pre-Covid times
Since the Australian government lifted the ban on fully vaccinated Australian citizens and permanent residents leaving the country without an exemption, on 1 November, interest in overseas travel has skyrocketed.
Research commissioned by Skyscanner in mid-November found that 44% of Australians were interested in travelling internationally in the next 12 months, and in November the flight service experienced a 128% month-on-month increase in searches for flights from December to February 2022.
Complete a detailed risk/benefit analysis before you book.
Develop a realistic travel budget that includes payment for multiple PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests – usually a minimum of three, and often more in some destinations – for all trip members. Test costs can vary widely but are likely to be between $80 and $200 a person per test.
You will also need adequate contingency funding should Covid-19 conditions require you to extend your trip, possibly indefinitely.
Fully research and keep up to date with all the latest requirements for leaving and re-entering Australia (and each state) and entering the countries you wish to visit.
Read the fine print on your travel insurance closely, and be aware of which Covid conditions are covered and not covered.
Consider using the services of an experienced travel agent who is across the ever-changing travel regulations and can communicate them to you, both before you leave and while you’re on the road; make changes or cancellations to travel bookings; and assist with reimbursements.
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