Top travel tips from Consumer NZ staff

1. Put trackers in your luggage

“I took two luggage trackers to the UK with me recently and a comparison of them will be published soon. You pop them inside your suitcases and can track where they are using an app. They’re a relatively cheap back-up plan in case something goes missing.”

- Bryan Wall, product test writer

2. Check for member discounts

“If you’re a member of an organisation like AA, do the research about whether you’re entitled to member discounts before you book. Recently I’ve saved money on car rentals and accommodation. It also gives you discounts on some holiday activities, which can quickly add up and break the holiday budget.”

- Belinda Castles, research and test writer

3. Use Whatsapp to set up automatic translations

“If you're travelling in a country where the primary language isn't English and you have a driver or guide you need to communicate with, you can get their Whatsapp number and you then set up automatic translation within your Whatsapp, rather than having to paste into Google Translate each time. It can be an easier way to communicate directly with someone local if there is a language barrier.”

- Gemma Rasmussen, head of research and advocacy

4. Book flights and accommodation direct

“Book direct with a provider for accommodation or flights rather than through a third-party service. If something goes wrong, it will be easier to sort out.”

- Rebecca Styles, investigative team leader

5. Get a good deal on rental cars

But in saying that, James is a big fan of this website...

“I know this goes against our usual advice but if I’m renting a car, I always seem to find better deals at rentalcars.com. It doesn’t work for all locations, and it might not cover every option – not all the companies in Rarotonga are on there for example. But I reckon it’s saved me hundreds over going to the companies directly.”

- James le Page, Test team leader

6. Pack essentials in your hand luggage

“When I’m travelling overseas, I always take a spare set of clothes, my toiletries (ensuring everything is under 100ml) and phone charger with me in my hand luggage. That way, if my bag goes missing – I’ve at least got another outfit and my essentials with me. Also, some airports overseas make you take off your shoes – so something easy to slip on and off is a must.”

- Aneleise Gawn, consumer advocate

7. Question the excess waiver

“If you’re renting a car, the daily cost of reducing the excess can add up. Check out your travel insurance policy because it might state that it will cover the excess. If you weren’t planning to take out insurance, it could be worth doing the maths. Add up the cost of paying the daily excess waiver and then add up the cost of taking out a policy and paying the policy excess. You might find it’s cheaper to just get insurance.”

- Kate Harvey, digital journalist

8. Check suitcase limits for every airline

“Make sure you check the suitcase size limits for all the airlines you’ll be flying with. My brother flew to New Zealand with Emirates earlier this year and brought a large suitcase with him. When he flew back to the UK with United he found out his suitcase was too large.”

- Maggie Edwards, consumer adviser

9. Rent a pocket WiFi device

“When I travelled around Japan, I rented a Pocket WiFi device. They’re common in many south Asian countries. A device costs a couple of dollars per day with a fast 4G connection and unlimited data. It means you’re always connected when you’re out and about (and you can make calls using VOIP, so you don’t need a local SIM card or costly global roaming access). I used it to get off the beaten track in Tokyo, navigate the Japanese rail system, make bookings, arrange bag storage, and research what to visit. I couldn’t imagine doing that without the internet and Google Maps.”

- Paul Smith, test manager

We’d love it if you added your tips to our list by sharing them in the comments section below.

We’re currently updating the policy premiums in our travel insurance guide and will have them online very soon.