He looks friendly enough, he's smiling at you and directing you his way... but something tells you this is not quite right!

When you plan a holiday you want everything to go smoothly. You want to relax, enjoy yourself and come home with some stories to tell about your trip and feeling relaxed. The last think you want is to remember the holiday for the way you were ripped-off by the airline, the hotel or the taxi driver at the airport. But when you travel you are vulnerable, unless you take precautions. We've put together a list of 10 things the savvy traveller needs to know.

1. Arrange an airport transfer to your hotel - don’t bank on getting a taxi

Ever felt you paid too much for a taxi from the airport to your accommodation? Or felt that you really don’t need the hassle of choosing the taxi service or drive you will use as you struggle with your luggage out of customs?
When you arrive at your destination, especially after a long flight, you are usually disoriented even if you don’t feel over-tired. By asking your travel agent to organize an airport transfer to your hotel you will be met by a smiling person, holding a piece of cardboard with your name on it. You will be escorted to a waiting car, someone will take your luggage to put into the car and you won’t be asked for tips, or pestered by men with trolleys. You will be whisked away to your hotel feeling comfortable and just a little bit special. Sound good! It doesn’t cost extra it is all part of the service provided by your travel agent and the travel provider at your destination.

2. Don’t hire a car at the airport

This is a great way to sign up for something you weren’t aware of – and of paying much more than the price you should be paying!  When you hand over your credit card, you handing over permission to be charged for all sorts of extras. Book your car before you leave home – use your travel agent to do it for you – no extra charge. He gets his commission from the hire car company not you – and he (or she) will make sure you get the best deal.

3. Arrange your tours through your travel agent – or your hotel

There is nothing worse than being taken on a tour of shops or markets where you are directed to particular stalls and you know that your guide is being paid a commission. When you organize tours – even shopping tours – ahead of time you will have to consider what you are getting, and to make the choice that suits you.

4. Double check money conversions

Most mobile phones have currency converters – if you need to upload an app before you leave home do – and use it to check the calculation. If you need to change money when you arrive at the airport and you have a local tour escort meeting you, ask him or her where they would advise you to do the exchange.

5. Have some small change on hand

If you travel to Europe regularly (even once every 2 years or so) keep the small change with your passport. Next time you go you will have small change for airport trolleys. Ask for low denominations when you get money changed – it helps to avoid rip-offs.

6. Don’t roll-up at a hotel reception desk without a booking

You will get what they call the rack rate! Plus which you will not get added extras such as breakfast if it is not included in the rack rate.  And it is always more than you would pay through a booking agent, be it your travel agent or online. If you arrive somewhere without having a hotel booking go to a travel agent and ask them to book you a room.

7. When you are shopping in a country where bargaining is common play hard-ball.

Even if you really want something and it really appears to be verrrry cheap compared to what you would pay at home, play hardball. Unless you know the price the locals are paying you are likely to pay more than they would anyway, so learn to bargain. It’s difficult the first time, but it gets easier – and can be fun. If you can’t get what you think is a sensible price – walk away!

8. Do your research

When you arrive in new city, do a city tour. Your travel agent can organize this, you can book it at the hotel desk or in a tourist information centre. Have a good map with you and mark the places you want to come back to as you go around.
If you plan to explore the city on your own at some stage find out about public transport. Where do you buy tickets, do you have to buy a ticket for every journey, how does the ticketing system work? Be sure you know the answers to these questions and that you have a public transport map with you.

9. Don’t phone on your mobile phone outside Australia

Skype is a great way to keep in touch when you are travelling, so are emails. Set up a travel blog if you think you will have time to write it while you are away – and send the URL to your friends and relatives so they can keep up with your adventures. Only send text messages home, don’t call. When you arrive for more than a few days get a local SIM card in your phone and use it for local calls (taxis, restaurants etc) – swap it with your home SIM for text messages.

10. Watch for hidden fees

Some you may encounter

• charges for cabin baggage, seat placement, headphones, pillows or blankets on some airlines. If you book with a travel agent you can expect to be told about such charges – or to be on an airline that doesn’t make up for cheap fares by adding on extras.
• Charges for Wi-Fi in hotels. Some hotels include Wi-Fi free of charge, others will charge after a certain time – or if you want to use Wi-Fi in your room. If you want to use your own computer, check this before you make the booking.
• Charges for using the coffee machine in your room. It’s there, so are the coffee capsules – so you have a coffee. But when you get the bill you find you pay for each capsule you use.