What the experts say: the world opens up at last

CEO, Caravan Industry Association of Australia talks to Explore about what he’s booking for next year

I holidayed closer to home, opting for short breaks to mitigate lockdown risk and ensure I can get back home quickly. Being Queensland based, I have seized the opportunity to escape the city … Earlier this year we took advantage of short trips to the Northern Territory, the Scenic Rim, Gold Coast and Cairns, and we have plans to spend time in Bundaberg, the South Burnett Region and Noosa before the year end.

Travel prospects look more promising for 2022 and I am excited to consider travel beyond the state. A week in Tasmania is first on my list, then a longer campervan adventure around outback Queensland and New South Wales trying our luck at gem-hunting follows.

Immerse yourself in the local culture and get to know its denizens. Not everything worth visiting is listed on the internet. If you want to step out of the “tourist bubble” and have a genuine or authentic experience … this is the way to go. Many of Australia’s great experiences are out in the regions. What is more you are helping local communities – stay that extra night, buy that extra cup of coffee, it makes a huge difference.

It’s been the travel talking point all week: did you tear up as you watched the scenes at Sydney airport as families were reunited after almost two years of separation?

QF12 from Los Angeles touched down in Sydney at 6am on Monday with no border or quarantine restrictions for incoming passengers – the first regular Qantas international passengers to arrive after restrictions were lifted. Half an hour earlier, a flight from Singapore touched down.

The US, the UK and Thailand are open to Australians heading overseas. Singapore joins the list on Monday, followed by Fiji from December 1. It all means a $1 billion boost to the NSW and Victorian economies.

It also means freedom for those of us who love to travel the world. And there are quite a few of us, it seems. Travel agents report a surge in business as Australians, one of the world’s inveterate explorers, seek out ways to rediscover the world in relative safety with an expert to help iron out the problems.

In this edition, we report on the state of Asia, including favourites like Bali. And we continue to report on local offerings as Australia spreads its arms in welcome. As always, share your views, reviews and read more at exploretravel.com.au.

Peter Lynch, Editor

• If you are an active – albeit grounded – traveller, you’ll have been watching the government’s Smartraveller website recently to chart the changes. This week, you’ll have been pleased to see things have, indeed, changed.

Hong Kong, Japan, Fiji are all listed as “Exercise a High Degree of Caution”. If that still sounds quite dangerous, it’s a big improvement over: “Do not travel”.

And the site, issued a new list of things to consider before overseas travel. Here, in an edited version, is what the Smartraveller experts say.

Decide whether it’s safe to go

Read the travel advice for your destination. Make sure you understand the risks for every place you’re planning to visit.

Plan for what you would do if you end up overseas longer than expected due to travel restrictions, flight cancellations or testing positive to COVID-19. Subscribe for updates and follow Smartraveller on Facebook and Twitter.

Check your passport is in date and valid for at least six months from when you plan your trip to end. Some destinations won’t let you enter if your passport is expiring soon. Arrange your visas. If you’re travelling to Europe, make sure you understand how Schengen area visa requirements apply to you.

Book your travel insurance. Read the conditions carefully so you know what’s covered. Book any COVID-19 tests that you require.

Don’t forget your mask! Masks are mandatory in Australian airports. Many airlines and destinations still have mask mandates in place.

When you check in, have the following ready: your International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate or foreign vaccination certificate and your negative COVID-19 test results, if needed.

Stay up-to-date with any changes to local restrictions.