Preparing for a long trip

In a couple of weeks’ time, I shall be on my way to Australia for my annual holiday from work. I shall be with my high school classmates for a long-planned vacation with them in Sydney and Brisbane. Trips, like this, take some time and effort for a successful implementation. From my father’s role modeling, I do not take things for granted. I never take unnecessary risks. And I do things well ahead of the deadlines so that something can be done, in case things would not happen according to expectations.

Such is the case of trips that require visas. Whether is it to China or Japan (strict requirements), to South Africa or India (another one with strict requirements), one must make sure that ALL required legal and supporting papers are in order. Even if I got my first U.S. visa at the age of 20 years old, then granted a renewal of 10 years at the time when U.S. visa renewals were only for 6 months to a year, I have never taken for granted my past record. I still made sure that all my supporting papers were properly attached, just in case the interviewing consul would want to see any of them.

A good example is what happened to my companion in this trip. She is an established exporter for so many years now. She was so busy that she told me to go ahead and apply for my Australian visa, which I did at the end of July. By first week of August, I got my visa. I told her to apply already as we were pressed for time. She did. But unlike me, she did not go through an experienced travel agent. She paid a minimal fee by going through a visa processing center. By mid-August, she received a denial from the Australian Embassy. She went through the same visa processing center, this time guided by what I did with my application.

Meanwhile, I applied for my New Zealand visa using the same visa processing center she used. They charge a minimal fee because all they do is receive your papers and mail it to the embassy. This young lady who attended to me acted like I owe her a favor for receiving my papers. She even smirked when she asked for my NZ visa application form and I told her I did not have one. Complete opposite to the service I got at Wings Travel, a travel agency specializing in trips to Australia. Of course, I paid a higher fee but I got my visa without the hassle of attending to paper requirements. They supervised everything.

By the way, I received my New Zealand visa three days later. Then again, my `papers were all in order from my Australian visa application processing. I just brought everything to the center. All the young lady did was pick up what she felt was needed.

My friend? We are still awaiting her Australian visa result as of this writing. She claims that the visa processing center applied for New Zealand visa at the same time as her Australian. Hopefully, she will get her visas in time. As for me, I can’t buy our inland tickets until I find out about her visa status. So, you can see how last minute things can go haywire and that it is really safe to entrust your visa requirements to experienced travel agencies. I wonder if she had to pay the P3,600.00 visa processing fee for Australian visa all over again. What time, stress and money she could have saved had she taken my route of getting the right travel agency for the destination.

The next thing to do is make a checklist of basic things to bring: medicines for pain, upset stomach, toothache, allergies, etc. Better to come prepared than waste time going to a pharmacy out there. 

Clothes must be suitable to the climate at the destination. For us, it will still be cold in Australia when we go. Just at the start of spring, I believe. (I still will have to clarify through email.) Then, roll the clothes, do not fold. More clothes will be packed this way, and less creases. Of course, mismatch is the name of the game with creaseless garments. Layering is the thing.

Shoes must be one pair for walking and, at least, another pair for more formal dinners. Don’t forget a pair of flip flops. Who knows if one gets the chance to go for indoor swimming, yah? (Meaning, you have the option to insert a swimwear.)

Accessories make the look change, especially if you must mix-match your wardrobe. They don’t occupy space: scarves, bonnets, pashminas, etc.

Ah, the gifts for your hosts! First thing to consider, really.

Now, you are set to go.