GRAND AUSSIE

TRIP CODE: OXGADS-8

TOPDECKER, meet WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Big cities to small towns, golden sands to crystal clear waters - take a massive bite out of Oz on this grand ol' trip. You'll hop to Fraser Island and sail the Whitsundays and back on solid ground, 26 you'll cover a few thousand miles with stops at Byron, Uluru, Kakadu, an authentic Aussie farm and Cairns (just to name a few). If you want to say you've done the East Coast, this is the trip to Explorer Nights take. Please note: For departures dates in 2017/18 please check out 27 Day Grand Aussie

WORTH NOTING… A Sector trip is part of a larger journey, meaning your new friends Android/iPhone This is a sector might continue on or after you leave, or you might be joining a trip app download trip. already in progress. info HI, and thanks for choosing to holiday with Topdeck

You can rest assured that we’ll pull out all the stops to make your trip unforgettable. Now it’s time to get excited about your holiday...

ON THE BUCKET LIST (INCLUDED) ABOUT YOUR TRIP NOTES + Full + day Fraser Island 4WD experience These Trip Notes contain everything you need to know before including Lake McKenzie your trip departs – including where to meet and what to bring. We recommend that you read these notes thoroughly so you know + Valley of the Winds walk at Kata Tjuta what to expect on your trip of a lifetime. Also, you can easily + Visit West MacDonnell Ranges download and print this document off so you can bring it with you when you travel. + Guided hike of Kings Canyon + Experience sunset & sunrise at Uluru Please bear in mind that some points should be taken as a guide + Visit Whitehaven Beach only – after all, everyone’s different! For example, daily spending + Overnight sailing in the Whitsunday Islands money and clothing lists can vary from one person to the next, so don't be alarmed if you don't expect to spend (or even wear) so + Surf lesson at Topdeck's surf camp much! + Magnetic Island PLEASE NOTE: We strongly urge you to refresh this document as close to the time of your departure as possible to MORE INCLUSIONS ensure you have the most up-to-date accommodation list and + Visit Bowali Visitor Centre information available. + Entry to Kakadu National Park + Visit Aboriginal Rock Art sites in Kakadu National Park + Visit traditional Arnhemland (dry season) + National Park entry + Guluyambi Cruise on the East Alligator River (dry season) + + Lawn bowls night + Visit Mount Conner + Uluru sunset drinks & snacks + Sunrise over Uluru + Uluru base walks + Anangu Visitor centre + Guided walk by your Topdeck Crew + Guided hike of Kings Canyon + Garden of Eden walk + Visit Standley Chasm + Visit Simpsons Gap + Airport transfers + Cairns walking tour + Magnetic Island Hopper Pass + Overnight sailing in the Whitsunday Islands + Visit the Big Mango + Private tour of the local wildlife park + Whitsunday sailing + Whitehaven Beach + Snorkelling + Farm sunset + Full-day Fraser Island 4WD experience + Visit Lake McKenzie + Visit Central Station + Visit Coloured Sands + Visit Maheno Shipwreck + Visit Eli Creek + Brisbane city walking tour + Surfers Paradise + Byron Bay highlights walking tour + Visit the Big Banana + Surf lesson

YOUR TRIP WILL YOUR TRIP WILL Trip currencies START FINISH PICK UP: DROP OFF: + Australia - AUD

Darwin Sydney Australia Australia Your Itinerary AWESOME TRIP LEADER

DAY 1 | DARWIN TO KAKADU NATIONAL PARK

Kakadu, here we come. Inside the 20,000 square kilometre park, we'll head to the village of Jabiru and check out the Bowali Visitors Centre. For the next two nights you'll be calling the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Kakadu National Park home. Expect phenomenal wildlife, like-worthy scenery and of course local Indigenous culture. Tonight, get to know your coach mates over dinner. Wet season itineraries Nov - May will vary slightly and will be adjusted to suit the conditions of the day. All included available sights and walks that are open and can be accessed will remain on the itinerary.

 MEALS:  INCLUDED TODAY:

+ Dinner + Visit Bowali Visitor Centre + Entry to Kakadu National Park

DAY 2 | KAKADU NATIONAL PARK

Aboriginal rock art sites are high on the list for today, as our Kakadu National Park exploring continues. This morning we venture to Nourlangie Rock to spot some of the most famous Australian Indigenous art works. Then we'll swap artwork for alligators on a East Alligator River cruise in Arnhemland (dry season only). Naturally. Stepping into Arnhemland and getting a look into the Aboriginal lifestyles is a real privilege (we've been given special permission to enter this area). Try your hand at spear throwing while you're there. Then: fancy getting high and mighty? You could take an optional scenic flight over the Escarpment that borders Kakadu and Arnhemland. Then we'll see some ancient Aboriginal rock art at Ubirr before climbing to the top of a rocky lookout for beautiful views over the Nardab floodplain. Enjoy the sunset before heading back to our lodge. **Wet season itineraries Nov - May: will vary on this day with access to some areas cut by high water levels. Your crew will ensure that you see and participate in as many areas / activities that are open and available within Kakadu, and include an optional sightseeing boat cruise (substituted when access to East Alligator River is unable).

 MEALS:  INCLUDED TODAY:

+ Breakfast + Visit Aboriginal Rock Art sites in Kakadu National Park + Visit traditional Arnhemland (dry season) + National Park entry + Guluyambi Cruise on the East Alligator River (dry season) DAY 3 | KAKADU NATIONAL PARK TO KATHERINE

Check out the southern parts of Kakadu this morning. We'll grab some picnic bits and head to one of the NT's best al fresco lunch spots. Explore the magical Edith Falls and have a dip in one of the world's most idyllic natural pools. Cooled off and refreshed we are on the road again and headed for Katherine. As the day draws to a close, we round it out with an evening game of lawn bowls and a BBQ with some locals at the nearby Country Club.

 MEALS:  INCLUDED TODAY:

+ Breakfast + Edith Falls + Dinner + Lawn bowls night

DAY 4 | KATHERINE TO

Katherine Gorge is well known as a superb spot for a cruise (see for yourself with an optional boat trip). With its dramatic cliffs plunging down to the pandanus-lined Katherine River, the gorge is all yours to explore. We get back on the famous Stuart Highway heading for Batchelor, the gateway to the stunning Litchfield National Park.

 MEALS:  OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES: + Breakfast + Katherine Gorge Cruise

DAY 5 | LITCHFIELD NATIONAL PARK TO DARWIN

National Park, pools and a picnic are the order of the day. In Litchfield NP you'll see waterfalls, pockets of rainforest and beautiful pools. Check out giant termite mounds, Wangi Falls and slip into the natural pool of . Then venture over to the Buley Rock Holes for another soaking. After lunch outdoors, we'll take on the short drive and last leg of our discovery back into the heart of Darwin.

 MEALS:

+ Breakfast + Lunch

DAY 6 | DARWIN

A free day in Darwin. What to do? There's Mindil Beach for chilling on, a fair few food markets to feast at and plenty of shops for a spot of souvenir shopping. Tonight you could hit the lively waterfront.

 MEALS:

+ Breakfast

DAY 7 | DARWIN TO ALICE SPRINGS

Today we'll take to the skies, bound for Alice Springs where you'll meet up with your new crew.

 MEALS:

+ Breakfast DAY 8 | ALICE SPRINGS TO ULURU

We're hitting the red ground running as we pull into Yulara. It's off to the breathtaking Uluru in the afternoon for a guided tour, and a glass of bubbles as the glow of sunset morphs through 50 shades of red. Tonight hone your Aussie BBQ skills and cook your own steak (or veggie burger) and maybe grab a 'coldie'. Welcome to the outback, mate.

 MEALS:  INCLUDED TODAY:

+ Breakfast + Visit Mount Conner + Dinner + Uluru sunset drinks & snacks + National Park entry

DAY 9 | ULURU

Start your day with a big bowl of 'oh my god' thanks to a breathtaking sunrise back at Uluru. Follow in the footsteps of the traditional owners of this sacred World Heritage site with a full base walk, where you can escape the crowds and check out hidden waterholes. Keep watch for wedge-tailed eagles, spinifex hopping mice and thorny devils. Or splurge on a scenic flight and soar over the rock. Later, join a meditative dot painting class in the Aboriginal Art Markets and give yourself a free astrology lesson, stargazing at the endless Southern night sky.

 MEALS:  INCLUDED TODAY:  OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES: + Breakfast + Sunrise over Uluru + National Park entry + Scenic flights + Uluru base walks + Camel ride in the outback + Anangu Visitor centre + Guided walk by your Topdeck Crew

DAY 10 | ULURU TO KINGS CANYON

Kakadu, here we come. Inside the 20,000 square kilometre park, we'll head to the village of Jabiru and check out the Bowali Visitors Centre. For the next two nights you'll be calling the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Kakadu National Park home. Expect phenomenal wildlife, like-worthy scenery and of course local Indigenous culture. Tonight, get to know your coach mates over dinner. Wet season itineraries Nov - May will vary slightly and will be adjusted to suit the conditions of the day. All included available sights and walks that are open and can be accessed will remain on the itinerary.

 MEALS:  INCLUDED TODAY:

+ Dinner + Visit Bowali Visitor Centre + Entry to Kakadu National Park DAY 11 | KINGS CANYON TO ALICE SPRINGS

If you would walk 500 miles (steps), then you'll make it through the toughest part of the Rim Walk - Heart Attack Hill. The Kings Canyon Rim Walk is the real deal and the most famous canyon in Oz. Think age-old cycads, eroded dome shapes, a visit to The Lost City - and that's not even the best part. The sheltered valley and waterhole of the Garden of Eden makes today bloody bonza (translation: awesome).

 MEALS:  INCLUDED TODAY:

+ Breakfast + Guided hike of Kings Canyon + Garden of Eden walk

DAY 12 | ALICE SPRINGS

Wake up. Rub eyes. Climb into a hot air balloon. Just saying, it's an option...and an amazing start to the day. Back to earth venture on an excursion out amongst the Western MacDonnell Ranges. Our stops include the peaceful Simpsons Gap and the impressive Standley Chasm. It's back to Alice Springs to grab a late lunch and explore the town centre. This afternoon, have a wander and check out our options. There are local Aboriginal art galleries to check out, the Desert Park Gardens to explore and the Reptile Centre to get creeped out in. Book in the optional late afternoon Kangaroo Sanctuary tour for sunset.

 MEALS:  INCLUDED TODAY:  OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES: + Breakfast + Visit Standley Chasm + Visit Simpsons Gap + Visit the Desert Park + Visit the Alice Springs Reptile Centre + Visit the Kangaroo Sanctuary in Alice Springs

DAY 13 | ALICE SPRINGS TO CAIRNS

Today we'll fly from the Red Centre and dry climate of Alice Springs into the tropical surrounds of Cairns to meet your new crew. After dinner and getting to know your new trip buddies, the night is yours to explore.

 MEALS:  INCLUDED TODAY:

+ Breakfast + Airport transfers

DAY 14 | CAIRNS

After breakfast, take a walk around town with your crew, and get the lay of the land. The afternoon is all yours to play with. You could go big with an optional bungy jump or skydiving, or take to the rapids and go whitewater rafting. This place has plenty to keep you busy.

 MEALS:  INCLUDED TODAY:  OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES: + Breakfast + Cairns walking tour + Skydiving + Whitewater rafting + Bungy jumping DAY 15 | CAIRNS

Ramp up the adventure with today's optionals. You could be paddling the rapids of the Tully River or getting an aerial view of the tropics by plummeting towards it. But who could pass up the chance to see The Great Barrier Reef? Join the optional day tour and you'll set out on a catamaran to stop at a couple of exclusive reef locations. Pop on a snorkel and dive in (there's optional scuba diving too) to see sea turtles and zillion types of tropical fish. There's a tasty buffet lunch included. Back in Cairns, check out the nightlife after dark.

 MEALS:  OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES: + Breakfast + Great Barrier Reef day trip + Whitewater rafting + Skydiving + Bungy jumping

DAY 16 | CAIRNS TO MAGNETIC ISLAND

Hard as it will be to leave, our time in Cairns has come to an end. Today we head south to explore the natural and wildlife wonders of Magnetic Island. Keep your eyes peeled for the rare and endangered cassowary bird on our morning drive, and then it's a quick ferry trip before you have the afternoon to explore this amazing piece of paradise. Discover secluded beaches and national park walking trails, - or just laze by the pool with a cocktail. We won't judge.

 MEALS:  INCLUDED TODAY:

+ Breakfast + Magnetic Island Hopper Pass + Dinner

DAY 17 | MAGNETIC ISLAND TO WHITSUNDAY SAILING

Feeling like you need more air in your hair? Leave the bus and board your own private yacht for our overnight sailing trip in the beautiful Whitsunday Islands. Normally a toy for the rich and famous, today the yacht is all yours to learn the ropes while sailing in paradise. More of a land-lover? Take the diva option and let the crew do the work whilst you feast, swim and snorkel. Please note: We ask that you pack a small overnight bag to take onboard with you as space on the overnight sailing is limited. Pack items like swimmers, beach towel, chargers, hat, sunscreen, camera, jacket, toiletries, sandals/flip flops and casual clothes for two days.

 MEALS:  INCLUDED TODAY:

+ Breakfast + Overnight sailing in the + Dinner Whitsunday Islands + Visit the Big Mango + Private tour of the local wildlife park DAY 18 | WHITSUNDAY SAILING TO AIRLIE BEACH

Wake up to pure paradise in one of the many sheltered coves that make up the Whitsundays. Today we'll set sail for golden sandy beaches, snorkel over coral reefs and soak up the sun. A visit to the famous blinding white sands of Whitehaven Beach and a nearby reef location will also be an option if the weather behaves (fingers crossed!). If you're a budding captain, you can even help set the sails and take the helm whilst further exploring the islands. Later this afternoon, set course for our return to land where we'll spend the night in Airlie Beach. Read: pool, shower, dinner, dancing - all in that order!

 INCLUDED TODAY:

+ Whitsunday sailing + Whitehaven Beach + Snorkelling

DAY 19 | AIRLIE BEACH TO MYELLA FARM

Get out of the hammock and head south to our farm stay, Myella Farm. Think: dusty plains and wide open spaces. After chowing down on a home-cooked meal this evening, slurp a steaming billy tea and gather around the campfire with your buddies. This is the life.

 MEALS:

+ Breakfast + Dinner

DAY 20 | MYELLA FARM

Embrace your inner cowboy and prepare for some whip cracking and lassoing - today there's a full day on the farm to sink your teeth into. Opt in for the chance to explore on horseback. This evening, watch the sun set over those open plains. Yep, this is the Australia that dreams are made of.

 MEALS:  INCLUDED TODAY:  OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES: + Breakfast + Farm sunset + Lunch + Horse riding + Dinner

DAY 21 | MYELLA FARM TO FRASER ISLAND

Wake up and smell the coffee. Kick off your day with a farm breakfast before catching a ferry bound for the UNESCO World Heritage listed Fraser Island (via the Bundaberg rum distillery). This place is the world's largest sand island, with the longest beach in Queensland - all 75 miles (120km) of it.

 MEALS:

+ Breakfast + Dinner DAY 22 | FRASER ISLAND

Fraser is literally one huge pile of sand - as if someone dropped the Sahara Desert into the Pacific Ocean and scattered it with dingoes and rainforests. Four-wheel-drive along the beach highway to mingle with the Pinnacles Coloured Sands (considered a place of good luck for the Indigenous Butchulla women), Eli Creek and the Maheno Shipwreck before testing out your stand up paddling skills on the crystal clear waters of Lake McKenzie.

 MEALS:  INCLUDED TODAY:  OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES: + Breakfast + Full-day Fraser Island 4WD + Lunch experience + Scenic flights from the beach + Visit Lake McKenzie + Visit Central Station + Visit Coloured Sands + Visit Maheno Shipwreck + Visit Eli Creek

DAY 23 | FRASER ISLAND TO BRISBANE

Our morning travels will take us to Noosa, where we'll have a wander around the national park (ten points if you spot a koala!), then it's onwards to the dormant volcanoes of the Glasshouse Mountains before we reach the cosmopolitan charm of Brisbane.

 MEALS:  INCLUDED TODAY:

+ Breakfast + Brisbane city walking tour

DAY 24 | BRISBANE TO BYRON BAY

Before leaving Brisbane, we've got two awesome optionals for you to get involved in. What's it going to be? Theme park or skywalk? Don't forget, we're stopping by Surfers Paradise on our way to even more surf vibes in Byron. Here you can burn incense, sip chai, become a yoga teacher and win cash for being a Cheeky Monkey all in one day.

 MEALS:  INCLUDED TODAY:  OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES: + Breakfast + Surfers Paradise + Gold Coast theme parks + Skywalk

DAY 25 | BYRON BAY

Anti-McDonald's and anti-anything mass produced (but pro juice bars, beer gardens and beards), Byron is so laid back it's wonder it hasn't fallen over. Hit the shops, or opt in to paddle a sea kayak with the dolphins, or take a surfing lesson or watch whales breach from the lighthouse in winter. This is the town where peace and tranquillity go to relax. You should too. Or jump out of a plane (optional). Byron doesn't care as long as you're happy.

 MEALS:  INCLUDED TODAY:  OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES: + Breakfast + Byron Bay highlights walking tour + Dolphin kayaking + Skydiving + Surf lessons DAY 26 | BYRON BAY TO CRESCENT HEAD

Let the wave chasing begin as we cruise down the coast to the surfing mecca of Crescent Head. Here's your chance to become a bona fide surf master. Kelly Slater, who?

 MEALS:  INCLUDED TODAY:

+ Breakfast + Visit the Big Banana + Dinner

DAY 27 | CRESCENT HEAD TO SYDNEY

Wrap up your surfari adventure with a final surf lesson, then it's onwards to the beachside hustle and bustle of Sydney, where we say our goodbyes. It might be the end of this trip, but there is plenty more Oz out there and plenty more Topdeck trips to pick from.

 MEALS:  INCLUDED TODAY:

+ Breakfast + Surf lesson + Lunch

Meals

Your included meals are detailed in the 'Included Essentials' section of this document.

Breakfasts (usually continental breakfasts) are included every day, except on the first morning of your trip. A typical continental breakfast may consist of cereals with milk or yogurt, bread, croissants, cold meats, and cheese – with fruit juice, tea or coffee to drink. It is rare to get a hot breakfast, though on the odd occasion a cooked breakfast will be available.

Included meals will be provided at local restaurants and the accommodations in which we stay. In most cases, table water is provided with meals. If you wish to purchase additional drinks, you can do so at your own expense.

If you have any dietary requirements, we’ll make every effort to cater to your needs – as long as you advise your travel agent or Customer Service Consultant when you book. You can also make a note of dietary requirements in the Topdeck app when you check-in.

Please note: Although we’ll do everything in our power to cater to your needs, we cannot guarantee this will be possible in every restaurant we visit. We also cannot cater to tastes or dislikes, as most of our included evening meals feature a set menu.

Tipping

NO TIP NECESSARY

Your Topdeck Trip Leaders and Drivers never expect tips, and they won’t ask for any either. We also know how much tipping can cost you. So go ahead – spoil yourself with the money you save traveling with us (just don’t forget Mum’s souvenir).

Topdeck Travel App Our app is available to download before you travel. With a range of cool features including a currency converter, budget planner, check-in tool and group chat, it’ll help you plan your trip like a pro. Think of it as your very own Topdeck Trip Leader in the palm of your hand.

TRIP GROUP CHAT Connect with your fellow Topdeckers before you depart and begin your magical friendship in the flash of a winking face emoji.

ITINERARY VIEWER Get the lowdown on where you’ll be going and what activities you’ll be doing on each day of your trip with this handy little tool.

CHECK-IN Plug in all your vital deets and we’ll keep them safe for when you really need them. Making your life easier, one swipe at a time.

BUDGET TRACKER Keep an eye on your holiday spending, leaving you with more FUN-ds to play with. Think: elaborate Spanish feasts (not questionable supermarket sandwiches).

MAPS Navigate your way to meeting points and lesser-known local gems using pins dropped by your Trip Leader, seek out your own bucket list sites and take to the streets like a pro.

Once the trip is over, you’ll need the app to give us feedback about your trip experience. We love to hear what you thought about your trip, as it helps to give us an idea of the things we’re doing well and the things we could be doing better.

PLEASE NOTE: The Topdeck Travel App should only be downloaded once you have booked your trip. You will not be able to log in unless you have a Topdeck booking reference number.

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Passenger safety

NIGHTS OUT One of the best parts of travelling is experiencing the nightlife and entertainment each city has to offer. However, amidst the fun and excitement, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and personal safety as well. Before you hit the road with us, be sure to familiarise yourself with the following safety information. When you’re on a night out, remember to avoid walking alone, particularly through deserted areas like beaches and back streets. Always stick together, take a registered taxi where possible, and keep a note of your accommodation details so you can find your way back to your fellow Topdeckers if you become separated. It’s also a good idea to get your Topdeck trip mates’ mobile numbers in case you need to get hold of them while out and about. In some countries, alcoholic measures can be considerably larger than what you may be used to. Try to keep track of what you’re drinking, and if you see one of your trip mates looking a little worse for wear, take them back to your accommodation. Never leave your drink unattended. It’s also important to be aware that what you might consider harmless flirting may be interpreted differently in some countries. Be yourself and have fun, but stay savvy – you don’t want to find yourself in an uncomfortable situation.

RESPECTING FELLOW PASSENGERS Here at Topdeck, we’re all about inclusivity. We want to make sure that everyone has a great time on our trips, and that everyone feels like they’re part of one happy Topdeck family. What we’re not about is excluding people or making them feel like they don’t belong – that’s just not what families do. That’s why we always encourage Topdeckers to be kind and courteous to their fellow passengers. The golden rules? Always remember to respect each other’s space, be mindful of causing excessive noise in shared accommodation and treat others how you’d wish to be treated yourself. Easy!

DRUG USE Topdeck has a strict zero-tolerance drug policy. Passengers should not bring any illegal substances onto the Topdeck coach or into any of the accommodation we stay in on our trips. This includes marijuana, even if it is legal in some of the states your trip passes through. If you are found in possession of drugs, you will be removed from the trip. All instances of drug possession will be reported to Topdeck Head Office, who may consider alerting the relevant authorities. REMEMBER – if you are found in possession of drugs, not only could you risk getting in trouble with the local police, but our Driver will also be held responsible if drugs are found on the Topdeck coach. Trust us, you wouldn’t want that to happen to any of our Drivers – they’re awesome.

MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING Culture shock, homesickness, random periods of feeling down – these things happen and are totally normal. You can rest assured that if you’re feeling low, your Topdeck crew will do their utmost to cheer you up again. Measures you can take to look after your mental health and wellbeing while on the road with us are: + Call home. Sometimes it’s nice to hear a familiar voice and have a good old-fashioned catch up with your loved ones + Eat well. Never underestimate the power of a good, wholesome meal. Nobody feels at their best when they’re hungry! + Drink responsibly. Not only will you swerve the dreaded hangover, but by keeping an eye on what you drink, you could also avoid getting into any potentially uncomfortable situations + Talk to your Trip Leader. Don’t forget, they’re probably far from home, too – so they’re sure to know of some tried- and-tested ways to beat the blues + Integrate with your fellow Topdeckers. This one is key! The more fun you’re having on your trip, the less likely you are to feel homesick (trust us).

HOW TO BE A RESPONSIBLE TRAVELLER Responsible travel isn’t difficult to achieve. With a little conscious thought and preparation, you can have an awesome holiday AND have a positive impact on the places you visit. Sweet! Here are five things you can do to ensure you’re travelling responsibly: + Conserve water. You know the drill – reuse your hotel towels, take short showers and remember to turn off the tap when you’re brushing your teeth + Reduce your waste. Ditch the plastic bag, refuse unnecessary packaging, dispose of your waste responsibly and recycle as much as possible + Go local. Hunt down locally owned and operated restaurants and bars, shop in local markets and book tours and activities run by local guides + Consider the wildlife. Avoid any attractions that involve closely engaging with wild animals + Respect local people and culture. Obeying local laws is a given – but also remember to dress and behave in a manner appropriate to the community. Be polite and keep an open mind!

OTHER INFORMATION Insurance

Before your trip departs, it’s compulsory for all passengers to take out comprehensive travel insurance covering cancellation, medical expenses (including repatriation), loss or damage to baggage and personal belongings, money and personal liability. World Nomads provides comprehensive travel insurance for people from over 140 countries. For more information, visit www.topdeck.travel/travel-insurance.

Passports and Visas

Please make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after the last day of your trip. Some countries will refuse entry if you do not have at least six months validity remaining on your passport after your departure date. Depending on your nationality, you may require a visa to enter certain countries. It is your responsibility to obtain visas prior to your trip departure. To determine which visas you’ll need, you can consult either your own government’s website or the government websites of the countries in which you will be travelling. PLEASE NOTE: Some visas can take up to six weeks to acquire, so don’t leave it until the last minute. Also, bear in mind that the validity of a visa often runs from its date of issue rather than the date of entry into the country. Please check with the appropriate embassy/embassies prior to departure, as requirements do change periodically.

What to bring

Based on our experience, these items are key. Everyone’s different though – so if you want to bring more or less, go for it (as long as you don’t exceed your 20kg allowance, that is!) Heading on our Namaste India trip? Your luggage is capped at 15kg, so maybe leave the hairdryer at home.

+ 1 pair of comfortable walking shoes + 1 pair of smart casual shoes + 1 pair of thongs/jandals/flip-flops + 2 pairs of jeans/trousers + 2 pairs of shorts/skirts + 4 shirts/T-shirts + 2 sweaters/jumpers + Smart casual evening wear + 1 rainproof jacket + 1 warm jacket + Underwear and socks + Swimwear + Towel + Toiletries + Hat and sunscreen + Basic medical kit (including plasters, aspirin etc) + Insect repellent + Conversion plug + Reusable water bottle + Snow gear

 THAT'S IT!