Travel

Jennifer Merigan Travel Editor click here to email me         Let’s go travelling It is more than 12 months since we changed our Let’s go Travelling to a lift out. July 2011 saw us celebrate our 20th anniversary of publishing Have a Go News and to celebrate readers can now access the paper digitally through the website – see the home page and click on the link! Our interaction with our readers ensures that we are the most ‘picked’ up free newspaper in the state which in turn achieves excellent results for our advertisers. Our travel stories cover the world from the diversity of Western Australia to the far reaches of the earth such as the Arctic, we have writers filing stories from all over the globe – and these writers are all mature travellers. Caravan and Camping grows in popularity each year and our readers who love this lifestyle are catered for each month in the lift out too. Join us in our travel section each month and discover the freedom of travel in your mature years. Talking Travel Whether you have travelled extensively, or just a little, talking about travel is one of life’s great pleasures. The Talking Travel group is an initiative of our two Talking Travel sessions held in March have proved to be very popular. If you would like to join the group and ‘talk travel’, you are very welcome to come along. At the talks readers have the opportunity to exchange travel information and stories in an informal and friendly setting where your contributions are welcomed and encouraged. The groups number in size from 15 to not more than 25 so everyone has a chance to share their travel experiences. Upcoming meetings The Talking Travel program will begin again in February next year. We will advise you in our January edition. Thanks to the many readers and guest speakers who attended the events through out the year. Refreshments are available at the end of the session and these usually run for around and hour and half and are held at our office located at 224 Stirling Street, Perth on the corner of Brewer Street with entry in Brewer Street. Paid parking is available in Stirling Street. For those using public transport, the office is about a 15-minute walk from the train or bus stations. Just a gentle reminder: as we have many people who wish to come along to these talks, if you have booked a session and cannot attend, please contact us prior to the day so that we can offer a place to others on the list. Bookings are essential ­ please call 9227 8283 or email Jen@haveagonews.com.au   We’re here to help… Please feel free to contact our travel editor Jen Merigan with any questions relating to travel. She has an excellent knowledge of the travel industry and looks forward to helping Have a Go News’ readers in any way. My Malaysia… I have travelled to Malaysia many times and I have a deep understanding of the culture making it feel like it is my second home. I love the food, the people and the atmosphere of this country which is so close to Western Australia. I work closely with Tourism Malaysia to promote Malaysia as a destination for Western Australians. Each month I will bring you a selection of stories and updates about exciting events and activities from one of our closest neighbours. As they say in Malaysia ‘Selamat Datang’ - Welcome to my Malaysia - Click Here!. Jen Merigan Travel Tips I recommend the following when travelling – Jen Merigan Travel insurance Don’t forget to ensure you are fully covered whenever you travel. You should ensure that your insurance covers your belongings and your (and your family/partner) as well as your travel arrangements. And make sure you read the fine print in the policy. It is well worth shopping around for the best policy. Age loadings apply depending on the company but it is well worth paying the extra for insurance. Don’t leave home without insurance no matter what your age! Medicines When travelling overseas ensure you take a stock of basic medicines including anti-vomiting medicine, anti-diarrhoea medicine, dehydration formula, general painkillers and a small first aid kit. Also ensure you visit your doctor prior to ensure you are up to date with boosters for TB, polio, and other general immunizations that may be required when visiting certain countries. Packing To prevent your clothes from creasing slide pieces of tissue paper or plastic from dry cleaning between your clothes, it works well in preventing creases. And remember to mix and match your clothes, so you don’t take unnecessary items. A pre trip list is a great idea so you don’t forget important items such as your camera. Packing to come home Remember when packing your case to return to Australia that you ensure that any items that need to be declared to customs are all packed together. This saves time when going through customs and quarantine. Also when in doubt about an item just declare it. Documents Before leaving on a trip always photocopy passports, tickets and visas prior to departure. Ensure you give a copy of your documents to a friend or family member and take a copy of the documents with you which are placed away from your original documents. If you can take an emergency credit card as well ensure it is packed away from your wallet so if your bags are stolen or lost you have access to money and copies of the important documents to expedite replacements. Jetlag The best thing to avoid jetlag is to stay well hydrated with water and to eat light meals while in flight. If you can try and sleep on longer legs of the flight in will help your body adjust better to a new time zone. Have a Go Holidays - just for our readers Each year Have a Go News presents for our readers a selection of holidays. Our holidays are specifically designed for older people and use our long standing travel partner Kings Tours and Travels. Our final holiday for the year will be a tour to historic Norfolk Island. See the itinerary below for details. In 2012 we will have our annual pilgrimage to Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia and due to popular demand the French River Cruise will depart during the European summer. Itineraries will be available later in the year for our 2012 departures. Kings Tours organise our bookings and all our trips are inclusive of airfares, accommodation, most meals and include home pick up and return, travel insurance (age loading additional if applicable) and tour escort. Click here for a detailed itinerary of our: French Rver Cruise For detailed itineraries and bookings on any Have a Go Holidays please call our travel agent Kings Tours and Travel on 9380 6656 or 1800 677 760. *Data from HAGN readership survey.