Whether you're looking to save money, avoid jet lag or keep the kids entertained, these tips will help you make the most of your holiday.

Notify your bank Tell them about your travel plans to stop them cancelling your credit or debit card when you're overseas, which can happen when they notice ‘unusual activity' on your account. And take some local currency with you so you don't get caught short.

Do your research Before you arrive in a new city, do your homework. Learning about transportation, weather and tipping customs ahead of time can be invaluable. When you arrive, head to a tourist information centre to ensure you haven't missed anything.

Get permission Check you have all necessary visas, and don't forget to fill out the emergency information page at the back of your passport, just in case.

Add colour Your black suitcase may be smart, but it won't stand out from the rest when you're standing by the baggage claim conveyor belt. Opt for a brightly coloured case or customise it to make it more identifiable.

Picture this Take photos of your clothes, gadgets, sport equipment and jewellery to speed up your insurance claim should your luggage get lost.

Be a copy cat Photocopy your passport and other important documents such as your driving license to make it easier to get replacements if your originals go missing.

Learn the lingo If you're visiting a country where they speak a foreign language, look up important words such as ‘hospital', ‘doctor', and ‘police', then write them down phonetically and carry them around with you, just in case. Knowing ‘thank you' and ‘please' goes a
long way, too.

Take a shot Find out which vaccinations you need at least eight weeks before you travel. Some vaccinations require many doses over a period of time, so it's good to be prepared. Check out www.travel-essentials.co.nz for up-to-date information on which vaccinations you will require.

See your GP If you need to take any medication away with you, ask your doctor to write a letter confirming which drugs you need and why. This should help avoid any complications when passing through customs.

Get travel insurance As soon as you book your holiday, get insurance to cover cancellations. Make sure the policy covers any sporting activities you're planning such as skiing or scuba diving - these are often extra.

Budget

Take advantage When passing through the airport at your destination, pick up any free magazines or brochures and thumb through them in the customs queue. They often contain vouchers for everything from cheap car hire to discounts on entry fees.

Be well informed Before you jump in a taxi from your hotel, ask reception how much you might expect to pay to get to your destination. This should help prevent you getting ripped off while you're coming to terms with the exchange rate.

Don't spend money on travel guides Most libraries have an up-to-date collection that you can use for free instead. Or use internet resources - www.tripadvisor.com has advice, tips and reviews on hotels, restaurants, attractions and more.

Travel by night If your trip involves a long plane, bus or train journey, travel at night to save yourself a night's accommodation.

Hold on If you're not fussy about where you travel, wait until as late as you can before booking as there are many last-minute deals to be had online or from travel agents.

Cut your fees ATMs are a quick, easy way to get local currency, but they do charge fees on every transaction. You can minimise these by making fewer, larger withdrawals and keeping the money somewhere secure, such as a hotel safe, until you need it.

Cook for yourself This isn't many people's idea of a holiday, but self-catering with local ingredients and different supermarkets can fun as well as cheaper.

Be call smart Phoning overseas from hotel phones or mobiles can cost the earth, so buy a phone card to use from a pay phone. The rates are much cheaper.

Shuttle along When you arrive at your destination airport, don't just head for a taxi. Most airports have a shuttle bus service or direct train route into the city centre for a fraction of the price.

Swap houses Save on accommodation with a home swap. You exchange homes with someone for an agreed period of time and no money changes hands. For local or overseas swaps see www.homelinkinternational.co.nz.

Get a refund Many countries offer a sales tax (GST or equivalent) refund to visitors. The specifics vary from country to country, but often it's as simple as filling in a form at the point of sale. Ask in store or at the airport for more information.

Children

Buy a disposable camera Give a cheap camera to each of your kids. The trip is photographed from their perspective, and it will keep them from dropping yours.

Carry baby wipes Hand sanitiser and wipes are invaluable for cleaning up when there's no bathroom nearby.

Stay in contact Visit a local hospital and ask them to make a plastic bracelet for each
of your kids. Write your contact details on a piece of paper and slip it into the bracelet in case they get lost. And always keep a photo of your kids with you in case they run off in a crowded area and you need help finding them.

Bring games Entertainment and snacks will keep kids occupied on long journeys.

Pack as a family Share space in each suitcase. That way, if one bag goes AWOL, you'll all still have something to wear.

Transport

Don't advertise When filling out your luggage tags, don't write your home address because thieves may spot it and know your house is likely to be empty. Instead, write your work address or just your phone number.

Choose your seat You can pre-book your seat on many airlines. Find out the exact dimensions of every seat on all commercial planes by visiting www.seatexpert.com, www.seatguru.com or www.seatplans.com. These sites can even tell you which seats you should avoid.

Rug up Take your own pashmina or blanket with you on a plane, train or coach. Even if it's hot outside, the air-con can leave you feeling the cold. Planes often have blankets supplied but not all airlines wash them every time, so give these a miss.

Make a meal of it With aeroplane food, it pays to know what you're getting. Websites such as www.airguideonline.com and www.airlinemeals.net have reviews of meals broken down by airline.

Banish jet lag When the pilot announces the local time, reset your mind as well as your watch and don't spend the rest of your holiday reminding yourself what time it is back home. When you arrive, stay awake until an early local bedtime.

act fragile At the check-in desk, ask that your bags be marked as fragile. This will ensure they stay at the top of the pile and will be among the first to come through baggage claim.

Get insider information Website www.insidetrip.com rates every airline by price, speed and comfort. Simply type in where you're flying from and to, and they'll rate what's available. At your destination

Leave jewellery at home The wealthier you look, the bigger a target you'll be for pickpockets.

Shoot smart If you're travelling alone and want someone to take a photo of you with your camera, look for someone with a good camera of their own. They're more likely to know how to take a great picture and hopefully won't cut off your head or shoot you out of focus.

Get a bottle Every country's water contains different microbes and minerals that may make you ill if you're not used to them. So when you're overseas, be safe and use bottled water instead of tap, even when brushing your teeth - and make sure the bottles are sealed.

Carry a cheap purse Keep a small amount of money in a fake wallet or purse in case you come across a mugger or pickpocket. Carry the rest of your money in a pouch strapped to your body.

Most importantly Use common sense and have fun - it's a holiday, after all!

Get out of the city Staying in a smaller town just outside the city tends to be less expensive, and a short walk or bus ride can save a bundle.

Fill Up Eat a big brekkie if it's included with your hotel stay. A big meal will set you up for the day and you won't have to splash out on an expensive lunch.

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