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Your money checklist for travelling overseas
Planning an international holiday? Here are some tips on choosing the financial products to pack for your trip including travel money and insurance.
How could the invasion of Ukraine affect international travel from Australia?
With a crisis unfolding in Ukraine following an invasion by Russian forces, how could international travel from Australia be affected?
Travel loans: Options for travellers as COVID restrictions ease
Explore some of the travel loan and other finance options available for travellers and get some expert advice on travelling in 2022 as COVID restrictions ease.
Will travel insurance be cheaper for vaccinated travellers?
Canstar investigates how travel insurance providers plan to price policies for vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers once Australian borders open up for international travel.
Travel money cards for New Zealand
Are you hoping to visit New Zealand once the travel bubble opens?
Can you use Velocity Frequent Flyer points to travel within Australia with Virgin?
Aussies eager for a local holiday are once again able to fly with Virgin Australia using their Velocity points, after redemptions were brought forward to this week. Spending points on domestic flights may not always add up to the best value, but during tough times it could just be worth it for some people, one expert says. Velocity unpaused the redemption of points for Virgin flights a few weeks ahead of schedule, for trips from Tuesday 21 July. The company also told its Frequent Flyer members they could spend points to book stays at more than 15,000 hotels, effective immediately, … Continued
How to lay-by your next holiday
It’s possible to lay-by a holiday, which can make the cost more manageable. We take a look at the pros and cons plus what to consider.
Coronavirus: Can I still buy Cancel for Any Reason cover?
Planning to travel overseas soon and worried about travel insurance? While many policies now exclude coverage for cancellation due to coronavirus, there is one policy add-on that you could investigate. How does “cancel for any reason” cover work? 13 March. 2020, UPDATE: Cover-More suspended the sale of new Cancel for Any Reason add-on products in Australia and New Zealand from “end-of-day, Friday, 13 March”. In a statement, Cover-More Travel Insurance announced the suspension was “in the wake of the rapidly changing and escalating global impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak”: Cover-More CEO, Asia Pacific, Judith Crompton said Cover-More has made … Continued
Does your travel insurance cover coronavirus? | Infographic
So, you’re heading off overseas and worrying about COVID-19 (commonly known as coronavirus). For questions about your health, you’re best to speak with a medical professional. However, Canstar can help with the travel insurance implications. An Italian street scene before the country put itself into lockdown due to coronavirus. Image: Praszkiewicz (Shutterstock) Our view has always been that you should not leave Australia without travel insurance. There are all sorts of costs if something goes wrong overseas – lost baggage and cash, forfeited pre-paid accommodation and flights, and medical expenses arising from illness or injury, to name a few. Generally … Continued
Australia on high alert: What does it mean now coronavirus is a 'pandemic'?
The World Health Organisation has declared that the novel coronavirus – now called COVID-19 – is now a pandemic. This comes as the virus continues to spread across the world. So what is a pandemic and what does it mean now coronavirus is declared to be one? Image source: Corona Borealis Studio (Shutterstock) What is a pandemic? A pandemic refers to the worldwide spread of a new disease, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). “Pandemic comes from the Greek word ‘pandemos’, which means everybody,” Dr Michael Ryan, Executive Director of the WHO Health Emergencies Programme, told reporters at a … Continued
7 ways the coronavirus may affect Aussies
The spread of coronavirus has rattled the international community, and here in Australia, you don’t have to catch the bug to feel the impact. The coronavirus has dominated news headlines since early 2020. Thankfully, the number of confirmed cases in Australia is relatively low – a far cry from the situation in China where more than 80,000 cases have been recorded. First and foremost, coronavirus is a human crisis. It makes now the time for heightened hygiene and taking every precaution to safeguard yourself and your family. The latest advice from experts is that frequent handwashing is one of the … Continued
Rushing out for hand sanitiser? Read these 5 surprising facts first
Fears of contracting coronavirus (COVID-19) have sent the price of hand sanitiser skyrocketing, as supermarkets warn that stocks are low. However, is it really that effective against viruses? And is it value for money? Here are five surprising facts about hand sanitiser. Source: Tradol (Shutterstock) As the number of novel coronavirus infections rises across the world, people are reaching for hand sanitisers to try and prevent its spread. The World Health Organisation (WHO) – which recently declared the virus an international public health emergency – has issued a list of preventative measures, including a recommendation for people to clean their … Continued
Top tips for travelling with your camera
If you’re a photography lover and heading on holidays, your camera gear is probably at the top of your packing list. However, you will likely also want to make sure your camera (and breathtaking Instagram-ready shots) come home safely with you. Here I break down some of our top tips for travelling safely with your camera gear. 1. Consider insuring your camera While travelling can offer priceless experiences and memories, it can also bring a risk of your much-loved camera or its gear being lost, stolen or damaged, no matter how careful you are. A well-chosen travel insurance policy may help … Continued
When is the best time to visit Sri Lanka?
Known for its diverse array of wildlife, golden beaches and historical Buddhist temples, Sri Lanka seems to be popping up more and more as a dream holiday destination. But before you grab your passport, take a look at our overview of the Indian Ocean island’s climate and other factors which could help you decide when’s best to visit. You certainly won’t be the only Aussie tourist with your sights set on Sri Lanka. Nearly 9,000 Australians made the trip there in September 2019 alone, according to the Trading Economics website, although that number is down over 20% on the same … Continued
Unleash your wanderlust with this insider’s guide to solo female travel
Thinking of ticking off some bucket list items but can’t find anyone to go with you? Then you could consider going solo! More and more people are taking the plunge when it comes to travelling by themselves, and according to Solo Traveler World, the majority of solo travellers are women. I know, the idea of booking those plane tickets and going it alone can feel like a big step, but I personally have become a huge fan. Why? Firstly, I’ve found that travelling by yourself means you can experience total freedom from anyone’s plans or expectations but your own. It … Continued
Canstar's Most Satisfied Customers - Travel Insurer Award: Winner revealed
Australians love to travel, and it seems they also love to know that their travel insurer has their back. Canstar surveyed 1,188 policyholders across a total of 80 providers, to find out just how satisfied Australian travelers were with their travel insurer, with the results forming the basis of our first Most Satisfied Customers – Travel Insurer Award. Along with rating overall satisfaction, survey respondents were asked how they felt their travel insurers performed in regards to customer service, value for money, cost, comprehensiveness of cover and customer communication. Our Most Satisfied Customers Awards are aimed at empowering consumers to … Continued
Click Frenzy Mayhem: Watch out for "impulsive purchases"
A consumer expert has warned that Click Frenzy’s latest mega sale could lure shoppers into spending money they don’t have. The popular Australian shopping deals website will host a 29-hour sale called Click Frenzy Mayhem from 7pm tonight to midnight on Wednesday, 22 May. According to Click Frenzy, there are more than 2,000 exclusive deals available from 300 retailers, including big brands such as Webjet, Flight Centre, Ikea, Myer, Woolworths and travel insurers such as InsureandGo. Flight Centre deals will include discounts of up to 41% on a Fijian resort holiday and 20% off hotel bookings, while Webjet will offer 10% off flights … Continued
The Ultimate Filming Locations & Tours For Game Of Thrones Fans
Are you a fan of Game of Thrones? Then you may be wondering where you can find some of the beautiful real-life destinations that serve as backdrops to this epic fantasy. From lavish palaces in Spain to frozen craters in Iceland, here are 13 Game of Thrones (GoT) filming locations you can visit. After a long wait of over a year and a half, GoT is back on our screens for the final season, giving us all something we can talk about with our colleagues. For those die-hard fans wanting a taste of the real-life world behind GoT, there are many stunning … Continued
Click Frenzy Travel: What to think about in the rush
With more than one million people expected to jump on the Click Frenzy Travel website tonight to bag a bargain for their next holiday, one finance expert says it’s important to factor in the need for travel insurance. More than 750 deals will be up for grabs at the annual Click Frenzy Travel sale across airfares, holiday packages, accommodation, cruises and more. Webjet, Flight Centre, STA Travel and Intrepid Travel will be among the major travel brands to offer significant discounts during the 29-hour sale open from 7pm AEDT until midnight on Wednesday. Canstar Group Executive of Financial Services Steve Mickenbecker said … Continued
6 Tips To Help You Keep To Budget When Holidaying In Japan
Japan is a wonderfully traditional, eclectic, friendly, and at times overstimulating place (my hat off to anyone who can stay in the pachinko parlours for more than one minute) that is proving incredibly popular with Australian tourists. In fact, recent data from the Japan National Tourism Organisation showed 170% growth in Australians visiting Japan over the last five years. From its world-renowned low rates of petty and violent crimes (Japan Times reported its crime rate in 2018 was at its lowest since World War II), through to high-tech toilets that cater to all requirements (I wonder what happens if I … Continued
Important Information
For those that love the detail
This advice is general and has not taken into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider whether this advice is right for you.