Flights & Travel

There are a wide choice of flights and carriers available and it is always good to check out fare flexibility, return ticket versus round the world offers and the number of stops.

The following online companies have competitive prices so well worth a look!

http://www.travel.com.au
http://www.travel.co.nz
http://www.travel.co.za
http://www.webjet.com.au
http://www.zuji.com.au
http://www.travelonline.co.za
http://www.qantas.com.au
http://www.airnz.co.nz
http://www.flightcentre.com.au
http://www.flightcentre.co.nz

The following sites are also worthwhile keeping handy for when you are in the UK and are looking to travel to other destinations.

http://www.flightcomparison.co.uk
http://www.Cheapflights.co.uk

Baggage/Packing

As you are traveling a long distance you may want to keep your baggage to a minimum and certainly you will be restricted to a baggage allowance of between 20-30kg depending on your airline.  Any excess baggage can incur high costs so it is better to avoid this if possible.

It is important to consider the basic essentials needed for a varied/cooler climate such as:

• A good warm/waterproof coat or jacket
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Day pack/bag
• Umbrella
• Mobile Phone (with International Roaming Service)

Most rented accommodation in the UK is furnished except for towels and bed linen but these can be bought easily and cheaply.  It is a good idea to take a travel towel as these fold up very small and dry out quickly so excellent for space saving.

General Advice/Packing Tips

Remembering to take your passport with visa confirmation is obviously one thing you do not want to leave behind!  It is also important to travel with sufficient Identification Documents (or copies) so you able to organize your living/banking and work arrangements.  To avoid losing these important items you may consider scanning documents on to a jump drive or e-mail these to yourself so you can access them electronically on your arrival.

Paperwork you may want to take or access easily:

• Birth/Marriage Certificate
• Drivers Licence]
• Travel/Medical Insurance details
• Property/Car Insurance details
• Bank Account Information
• Copies of Qualifications
• Criminal Clearance documents
• Passport Photos

Traveling with Pets

If you are taking your pets with you it is important to check whether they need to go through quarantine and the procedures for this. 

The Travel Scheme (PETS) allows pet animals from certain countries to enter the UK without quarantine as long as they meet certain rules.  To bring your dog or cat into the UK under PETS from one of the listed countries you must first get them micro chipped and then vaccinated against rabies and then blood tested.

24-48 hours (but no more than 48 hours) before check in your pet must be given tick and tapeworm treatment by the approved transport company that brings it in to the UK. Your pet can then enter the UK with the approved transport company on an authorized route.

If during your journey to the UK your pet transits an unlisted country it must remain within the perimeter of the airport of that country or secured within the vessel if travelling by sea.  You will need a letter from the transport company to confirm this was the case.

**The Six-Month Rule!
Your pet may not enter the UK under PETS until 6 months have passed from the date your vet took the blood sample which led to a successful test result.  Once the Vet has signed the PETS certificate and 6 months have passed, the PETS certificate is valid and your pet may enter the UK.

For more Information:

http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/index.htm

Providers of Pet Transport

http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/pets/contacts.htm#transport

Travelling with Children

Schooling in England

Children's education in England is normally divided into two separate stages. They begin with primary education at the age of five and this usually lasts until they are eleven. Then they move to secondary school, there they stay until they reach sixteen, seventeen or eighteen years of age.
The main categories of school are:-

• local authority maintained schools (State Schools)
  Free to all children between the ages of 5 - 16
• Independent schools. (Private/Public Schools)
  Parents pay for their children's' education.

Making the decision about where to send your children to school can be a daunting task.  Each county has a local education authority that processes all school admission applications and can be a good resource for locating schools in your area.  Your colleagues at your school will know which schools have credible records and OFSTED holds reports on all schools across England and these reports will give you a thorough overview of your local schools.

www.dfes.gov.uk/localauthorities/index.cfm?action=authority
www.dfes.gov.uk/sacode/docs/DFES-School%20Admissions.pdf
www.ofsted.gov.uk/reports

The schools finder is also a great search engine for locating schools by location.

Find information about schools, childcare and nurseries
http://schoolsfinder.direct.gov.uk/

Childcare

Childcare options may include day nurseries, pre-school playgroups, accredited child minders and children’s centres.

The local Children’s Information Service can also advise you on childcare options available in your area.  They provide impartial information and guidance on child care and children’s services.
http://childcarelink.gov.au