For most Australians overseas travel is a wonderful experience. Unfortunately, however, every day our consular officers deal with human tragedies involving the death, injury or hospitalisation of Australians abroad. Travellers who are not covered by insurance are personally liable for covering incurred medical and associated costs.

To find out more, visit the Smarttraveller website, provided by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

To increase your safety, there are new rules about taking liquids, aerosols and gels on flights into and out of Australia.

To find out more, download the guide in PDF format issued by the Australian Government Department of Transport and Regional Services.

Think you've got everything? Cast your eyes over our handy checklist to be sure.

• travel pillow
• ear plugs and an eye mask
• international power plugs
• penknife (must not be in carry-on luggage)
• books, cards, solitaire
• diary or notepaper
• pens
• a couple of padded bags, self addressed, to send home those bulky books, maps leaflets etc. you pick up
• address book
• heavy duty plastic garbage bag for dirty clothes
• spare shoelaces
• sticky tape
• extra prescriptions for medications and a doctor’s letter confirming they have been prescribed for a medical condition
• a next-to-the-body holder for passports, tickets, credit cards etc.
• photos of Australia, your home, pets, and family to share your
• background with new friends
• penlight torch
• alarm clock
• photocopies of your passport and visas to be stored separately from the originals in case of loss or theft
• a nylon bag that rolls up and zips into itself for extra purchases
• small pack of tissues and/or towelettes
• extra batteries
• calculator for converting currency