Travel Advice

Connected Travel
Tips & Advice

If you require urgent assistance while travelling, please contact the Connected Travel advisor who managed your booking.

Planning a holiday is exciting, but before you pack your bags there are a few important things every traveller should know.

Travel requirements can change at any time and may vary depending on your destination, airline, cruise line, passport, health status and travel style. While Connected Travel and our Travel Advisors are here to guide and support you, travellers are ultimately responsible for ensuring they meet all passport, visa, health and entry requirements for their journey.

The information below is designed to help you prepare for your travels and travel with confidence.

Why Book with an ATIA Accredited Travel Business?

Travel is one of the largest purchases many people make each year, yet many travellers are surprised to learn that not all travel businesses operate to the same standards.

Connected Travel is proudly ATIA Accredited (A14403). ATIA Accreditation is the Australian travel industry’s highest recognised accreditation program and is independently assessed against strict business, financial and professional standards.

In Australia, anyone can call themselves a travel agent. ATIA Accreditation helps consumers identify businesses that have chosen to meet and maintain industry standards designed to protect travellers.

When you book through an ATIA Accredited travel business, you are choosing a business that has been independently assessed and is committed to professionalism, accountability and consumer protection.

What does this mean for you?

industry accreditation

Connected Travel undergoes regular independent assessment to maintain its accreditation and demonstrate ongoing compliance with industry standards.

consumer confidence

ATIA Accredited businesses are required to comply with Australian Consumer Law and the ATIA Code of Conduct, providing travellers with additional confidence when booking travel arrangements.

professional Expertise

Our Travel Advisors are supported by industry training, supplier partnerships and ongoing professional development to help provide informed travel advice and support.

support when things change

Travel plans don’t always go exactly as expected. Whether it’s a schedule change, cancellation, weather event or supplier disruption, having a professional travel advisor to assist can make navigating the situation much easier.

personalised guidance

From family holidays and cruises to luxury escapes and complex itineraries, your Travel Advisor can help you understand your options and make informed travel decisions.

Travel should be exciting. Choosing an ATIA Accredited travel business helps ensure you have experienced professionals supporting you every step of the way.

Government Travel Advice

Before travelling, we strongly recommend reviewing the latest advice issued by the Australian Government through Smartraveller.

Smartraveller provides up-to-date information on:

Travellers can also register their travel plans through Smartraveller to assist Australian authorities in contacting them during emergencies overseas.

Passports

A valid passport is essential for international travel.

Many countries require passports to remain valid for at least six months beyond your intended travel dates. Entry requirements can vary significantly between destinations and may change without notice.

You should ensure:

• Your passport is valid for the duration required by your destination
• Your passport details exactly match your travel documents
• Any passport renewals are completed well before departure

Incorrect passport information can result in denied boarding, denied entry and additional costs.

Visas and Entry Requirements

Visa requirements vary significantly between countries and can change without notice.

Travellers are responsible for:

• Obtaining all required visas and permits
• Meeting all entry and transit requirements
• Ensuring they hold the necessary documentation before departure

Additional requirements may apply to travellers holding non-Australian passports, permanent residency visas or dual citizenship.

While your Travel Advisor may provide guidance, responsibility for obtaining and holding the correct visa remains with the traveller.

Health and Vaccinations

Health requirements differ between destinations and may change at short notice.

We recommend consulting your GP or a specialist travel health provider at least eight weeks before departure.

Travellers should ensure they:

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance for all travellers.

Travel insurance should ideally be arranged at the time you make your first payment towards your travel arrangements, as cancellation fees may apply from that time.

Travel insurance may provide cover for:

Before purchasing any policy, you should carefully read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Financial Services Guide (FSG) to ensure the policy meets your needs.

If you have pre-existing medical conditions, it is important that these are disclosed to your insurer when obtaining cover.

Travel Documents

Travel documents are generally issued electronically.

When you receive your documentation, review it carefully and ensure all details are correct.

If you identify any errors, contact your Travel Advisor immediately.

Travelling with Children

Travelling with children may require additional documentation, particularly where a child is travelling with only one parent, a guardian or another family member.

Airlines, cruise lines and border authorities may require consent forms or supporting documentation.

We recommend checking requirements well before departure.

Accessibility and Special Requirements

If you have any mobility, medical, dietary or accessibility requirements, please advise your Travel Advisor as early as possible.

While we will communicate these requests to the relevant Travel Providers, accommodation of such requests is always subject to supplier availability and operational requirements.

When Things Don’t Go to Plan

Travel disruptions can occur despite the best planning.

Weather events, airline operational issues, supplier insolvencies, government actions, industrial action and other unforeseen circumstances can affect travel plans.

When you book through Connected Travel, you have a dedicated Travel Advisor who can help you understand your options, liaise with suppliers and provide guidance during disruptions.

While outcomes remain subject to supplier policies and conditions, having an experienced travel professional advocating on your behalf can make a significant difference during challenging situations.

Helpful Resources

If you have any questions about your travel plans, documentation or travel requirements, please contact your Connected Travel Advisor before departure.