1) Get covered

Do not be tempted to cut back on your travel insurance, as this could prove a false economy should something go wrong. Do not automatically buy your insurance from a travel agent or holiday company when you book your break, as you can almost certainly get a better deal by shopping online. A few minutes spent comparing cover and prices from a range of insurance providers can mean big savings.

2) Avoid commission bills

You can now convert your currency at a number of commission-free outlets, such Travelex and the Post Office, but make sure you check out the exchange rate – as well as any handling charges and delivery fees.

Whatsoever you do, don’t leave your money-changing until the last minute, as airports are one of the most costly places to buy currency. Also be careful when doing your foreign currency calculations, as it’s easy to think you’ve bagged a bargain when in fact you’ve paid over the odds. Packing a pocket calculator or currency converter will help you stay on top of your spending.

3) Play your cards right

Most credit card providers levy a currency “loading fee” of around 2.75% on all overseas purchases, while many also charge an additional “handling fee” of around 2.75% if you use your card to withdraw cash.

Get your active a credit card that doesn’t levy these charges, such as the Post Office MasterCard or the Santander Zero card. For debit card users, the Nationwide building society card remains one of the more tempting options.

4) Credit card cover

If you’re buying goods or services over £100, then make these payments on your credit card as this gives you purchase protection under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. This means you wish be covered if your purchase is faulty or broken – giving you peace of mind when spending at home or overseas.

Also remember to tell your card provider that you’re going on holiday, otherwise they may think the overseas transactions are fraudulent, and could put a stop on your cards.

5) In case of emergency

Make sure you have all the necessary contact phone numbers in case you need to cancel any of your cards if they are lost or stolen – and keep a stash of emergency cash and a spare card in the safe at your hotel.

Also note that some providers offer emergency help when you are travelling abroad, such as prompt card replacement and cash advances if a card is lost or stolen – so check this with your provider.

6) Heading to the USA? Then read this!

If you’re planning a trip to America, there’s something new to add to your checklist of what not to forget. British visitors now have to get ESTA clearance before travelling. Failure to do so could result in you being barred from entering the United States.

The capitol of Tasmania is Australia’s second oldest city, Hobart. With the River Derwent running through it and Mount Wellington just behind, Hobart doesn’t lack charm and beauty. Numerous of the historic colonial houses and buildings in Hobart have been carried on, and are now used as restaurants, art studios, cafes and boutique hotels.

Some of the most pop attractions in Hobart include:

1. Bonorong Wildlife Center offers visitants the chance to interact with native animals, including koalas, Tasmanian devils, kangaroos, emus and wombats. Open year round, except for national holidays. Tours run twice daily.
2. Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens are settled near the city center and are home to historic plant collections and a large number of substantial trees, some dating back to the nineteenth century. Open year round except for Christmas day and Good Friday. Admission is free!
3. Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery is a great place to catch out about Tasmania’s history, including its Aboriginal heritage. Also features traveling art exhibits. Open year round. Admission is fre
4. Salamanca Place is Hobart’s amusement hotspot, offering a wide variety of shopping, restaurants, galleries, pubs and nightlife. It’s home to the famous Salamanca Market, which is open every Saturday.
5. Kayak tours are among the best, and perhaps most interesting way to see Hobart. Dozens of tour companies offer these tours year round. Most are about 2 hours long.
6. Walking tours can be a fun way to see this scenic city. At that place are many different tour choices available, one to suit just about everyone, including historic tours, coastal walks, treasure hunts and ghost tours.

Mount Wellington abides right behind the city of Hobart. When it’s not covered in snow, there are a lot of walking trails to explore its heavily forested slopes. Near the top is an enclosed look out which provides spectacular views of the city below.

Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs are settled just about 80 miles south of Hobart. The richly decorated cave is one of the few caves in Australia formed by dolomite. It began forming over 40 million years ago. Admission to the Cave Tour also includes use of the thermal spring pools, changing rooms, hot showers and barbeques for the day. Open year round.

Port Arthur Historic Site is the best preserved convict settlement in Australia. Every feature of this historic site has a story to tell. Besides the historic buildings, Port Arthur also features magnificent gardens, guided tours and a restaurant and café. It is open every day of the year, except Christmas.

The Cradle Mountain – Lake St. Claire National Park is one of the most popular and beautiful natural areas in Tasmania. The park contains a network of walking trails and paths, many of them leading to lookout points with breathtaking views below. There are many picnic areas complete with barbeques throughout the park.

Vineyards and Wineries. Tasmania has over 60 vineyards and wineries, spanning over seven wine regions, mainly on the east side of the state. The wines produced in Tasmania include Chardonnay, Merlot, Riesling and Pinot Noir, just to name a few. Many of the wineries offer tours and free wine tastings.