Book the hardest thing first
Permits, timed tickets and limited-capacity stays sell out first. Secure those, then fill in around them.
Planning
Travel tools
Small tools for a well-planned journey
Everything here works in your browser and saves only on this device. Jump to: Budget · Packing · Itinerary · Tips.
Travel budget calculator
Enter your own estimates. SATRAM does not know live fares or room rates, so this adds up what you tell it. Your inputs stay in this browser.
Estimated total for 2 travellers over 8 days
$3,456
$1,728 per person · $432 per day overall
| Accommodation | $630 |
|---|---|
| Food and drink | $560 |
| Local transport | $192 |
| Activities and entry fees | $320 |
| Flights / long-distance travel | $1,200 |
| Visas, insurance and other | $240 |
| Contingency | $314 |
Packing checklist
Choose the kinds of trip you are taking, then tick items off. Add your own. Saved in this browser only.
0 of 8 packed
Itinerary builder
Lay out your days, reorder activities and export as text. Saved in this browser only.
Day 1
Travel-tips directory
Leave a slow day after each big one
A rest or low-key day between long journeys keeps energy and enthusiasm up.
Planning
Check official sources for access
Use the attraction’s, park’s or transport operator’s own site for hours, tickets and closures; they change often.
Planning
Keep offline copies
Save bookings, maps and key phrases offline in case signal fails.
Planning
Carry two ways to pay
A second card and a little cash cover lost cards and cash-only places.
Money
Pay in local currency
When a card terminal offers to charge in your home currency, local currency usually avoids a poor exchange rate.
Money
Build in a buffer
Ten per cent for the unexpected is a sensible starting point; use the budget calculator.
Money
Check vaccinations early
Some destinations recommend or require vaccines that need weeks to take effect. Ask a travel clinic or use an official health-advice site.
Health
Acclimatise to altitude
Ascend gradually, rest, drink water and know the warning signs before travelling high.
Health
Pack a small first-aid kit
Include regular medicines in original packaging, plasters, rehydration salts and pain relief.
Health
Read your government’s travel advice
It changes quickly and may affect insurance. Check just before you travel.
Safety
Share your plans
Leave your itinerary with someone and check in at agreed times on remote trips.
Safety
Use licensed guides for risky terrain
Ice, caves, deserts, volcanoes and open water are best explored with accredited local guides.
Safety
Travel slowly and stay longer
Fewer places for more nights spreads benefits locally and reduces transport emissions.
Responsible travel
Respect local customs and photography
Dress appropriately, ask before photographing people and follow rules at sacred places.
Responsible travel
Leave places as you found them
Carry out waste, stay on paths, never touch coral or feed wildlife.
Responsible travel
Buy local
Choose family-run guesthouses, local guides and artisans where possible.
Responsible travel
More: Visa guide · Travel gear · Responsible travel · Travel Assistant.