Travelling to beat the winter blues

Last updated
Friday, 19/06/2026

 

The mid-year travel season can be busy as winter hits Australia, with many Aussies travelling to escape the cold. Whether it's to Southeast Asia for a tropical getaway or Europe for summer fun, we've put together some advice to help keep you walking on sunshine during your winter escape.

Before you go:

While you're away:

Before you go

Do your research

Planning ahead can help your trip go smoothly.

Keep current events in mind

Fuel shortages

Global fuel supply shortages may continue for some time. Flights, local transport and essential services may be impacted.

Check with your airline and travel providers well before your trip to see how you might be affected. Have backup plans and emergency funds in place, in case you need to change your plans at short notice.

New entry measures for Europe and the UK

Countries in Europe have implemented the European Union Entry/Exit System (EES) for non-EU nationals entering the Schengen Area for a short stay. The new measures are causing delays at some EU airports, sometimes for several hours. Take delays into account when booking your flights, particularly if you have a connecting flight. Arrive well before your flight is due to leave.

The UK is enforcing Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirements for travellers. This may affect you if you are a dual citizen of the UK. Check before you travel.

Read more about travelling to the Schengen Area and travelling to the UK.

Transiting the Middle East

Remember 'Do not travel' also means 'Do not transit', and 'Reconsider your need to travel' means 'Reconsider your need to transit'.

  • Airspace may close at short notice. Flights can change or stop suddenly. Borders can close.
  • Even if you don't plan to leave the airport, choose a safer location for transits and stopovers on your holiday.
  • If you have no other option, stay as short a time as possible, minimise time spent in high-risk locations and avoid unnecessary activities.

Travel insurance may not cover you in these locations. Always read the fine print or ask your insurance provider.

Get comprehensive travel insurance

Sometimes things don't go to plan, no matter how prepared you are. Having travel insurance makes it more likely you won't have to foot the bill.

  • Buy insurance as soon as you book travel to cover yourself against cancellations.
  • Read the fine print before you buy. Ensure you understand what it does and doesn't cover.
  • Give a copy of your insurance policy to a person you trust, along with a copy of your itinerary and passport.

Check if your travel insurance policy covers flight delays and cancellations.

Read more about travel insurance.

Talk to your doctor

At least 6 weeks before you go, talk to your doctor about:

  • any recommended travel vaccinations and other preventive measures
  • whether your medications are legal in the countries you're visiting
  • how to adjust medication safely when changing time zones.

Read more advice about taking care of your health while travelling. Also see our advice about travel and your mental health. 

Organise your passport and visas

You can't travel without them!

  • Get your passport out and check it at least 6 weeks before you travel. Check the expiry date and look for any damage.
  • Find out what visas you may need.
  • Check for any other entry requirements in your destination.

While you're away

Party safely

Spiking, through drinks or needles, is a risk. Tourists, especially women, may be targeted by criminals. Drunk and disoriented travellers are targets for criminals. Especially for robbery and assault.

Methanol poisoning is a risk in some countries.

Before you go, know the symptoms of drink spiking and methanol poisoning.

  • If you think you or your friend has been spiked, get to safety and get medical care if needed.
  • Seek urgent medical attention if you suspect methanol poisoning.

Read our advice on partying safely.

Look after your belongings

Having belongings like your passport, wallet or phone stolen can quickly turn a holiday stressful. Take precautions to protect your valuables while you're travelling. Opportunistic theft is common.

  • Keep hold of your bag and phone in public. Even putting them on a café table next to you can be risky.
  • Be aware of your surroundings, particularly when moving through crowded areas where pickpockets may prey on tourists. Don't walk through crowds distracted by your phone or a map.
  • Keep your passport safe and know what to do if it's stolen, lost or damaged.
  • Stay alert on public transport. Criminals could target you if you seem distracted.

Read more about preventing theft while you're travelling. Learn what to do if you're the victim of a crime overseas.

Look after yourself

Don't lower your safety standards just because you're on holiday.

  • Never drink alcohol and drive a car, scooter or bike. Always wear a helmet. Even if not wearing one is legal.
  • Be safe around water. Follow warning signs about where it's safe to swim and remember that alcohol and swimming don't mix.
  • Check any equipment you hire before you use it. If it looks or sounds wrong, raise it with the hire company.

The risk of crimes such as sexual harassment and assault can be greater in some countries. Take extra care if you're travelling alone. Don't share accommodation with strangers or publicise where you're staying. Only use official public transport.

Terrorism remains a threat across the world. Be prepared for the possibility, no matter where you go. Take extra caution in higher-risk destinations.

Read more:

Where to get help

We list local emergency contact details under Local Contacts in the travel advice for your destination.

To contact the Australian Government in an emergency:

The Australian Government is limited in how and when it can help Australians overseas. It's important you understand our limits. Read the Consular Services Charter.