1. Health risks can vary between countries. Know the risks so you can make informed choices about where you go, what you do there and what preventive measures you can take. Read here travel advice for your destinations

2. Read travel guides, do online research and talk to people you know who've been there before. For each destination you're travelling to. Eliminate stress by having a rough plan of what you are doing

3. Get travel insurance. Read below about important considerations. Health cover is one of the main reasons Australians get travel insurance

4. Take a small first aid kit with you, including any regular medication that you take. It can be impossible to get these abroad if you forget them

5. Ensure that you are aware of the local laws around certain activities or medications in the areas you are travelling to.

1. Whatever activities you are planning to do, make sure you are aware of the risks involved. Check here

2. Look into any tour or service providers you're using. Ensure they have a good reputation

3. Review your travel insurance policy carefully. Standard policies often exclude coverage for higher-risk activities. You might be surprised by the exclusions in some plans. In many cases, coverage for such activities is only included if you pay an additional premium

4. If you're going overseas for a medical procedure, choose your hospital and surgeon wisely. Read our advice on medical tourism and organ transplant tourism

5. Are you hoping to go quad biking, hiking, zip wire climbing, white water rafting, snorkelling, riding a motorbike? Are there skills that you could brush up on in advance of your trip so you don’t miss out on activites through fear whilst you are away?

1. Extended flights can cause dehydration. Consume light meals, keep hydrated, avoid coffee and alcohol, and limit sugar intake until near the end of the flight. For long flights compression socks are a good idea.

2. Remember to take all the things that will make travelling more comfortable such as. eye masks, neck cushion. noise cancelling headphones and small toothbrush and toothpaste.

3. Spend the money on decent hand luggage. Backpacks can be a great option because then your hands are free. We like this one with Bellroy

4. Opt for an airport lounge. Cost effective and comfortable. Once you’re inside, all food and drink is free so you’re not going to go hungry. You’ll likely have access to complimentary Wi-Fi too

5. Bring a ‘business class’ travel kit. Recreate what you’d be given if you were flying business. An eye mask, a face mask or face mist, hand cream and lip balm.

1. Disable data roaming
It sounds straightforward, yet numerous travellers overlook this step and end up devastated when their phone bill arrives with unexpected charges

2. Seize the unforgettable moments
A gondola ride may be pricier than expected, but visiting Venice without giving it a go could leave you wondering what you missed. Consider the unique memories you’ll make

3. Expect plenty of walking
Make sure to wear your shoes in well before your trip – painful blisters can completely ruin your day. And don’t forget to bring sneakers

4. Cut yourself some slack and don’t cram too much in! At the end of the day it is a fine balance between making the most of the trip, and going home completely exhausted.

5. Save a little space in your case! You may never visit this country again and having a little trinket will keep the memories going forever.