For many, a trip to the "Land down Under" is the trip of a lifetime. Australia really does offer something for everyone, exciting cities, spectacular scenery, friendly people and some of the most unique wildlife found anywhere in the world. Part of the excitement of a big trip is in the planning and if you are visiting this huge and fascinating country, there are several things you should not overlook.

The most important thing is your passport. Without this vital document, you will not get very far at all as your airline will not board you. Your passport needs to be valid for the length of your visit to Australia and the name on your passport should exactly match the name on your plane ticket. Actually, it is surprising how many travelers put their middle name or nickname on one or the other.

All visitors to Australia, except citizens of neighboring New Zealand, also need to have a visa, or in keeping with today's electronic environment, an electronic travel authority, (ETA) as it's now called. The ETA is easy to obtain, you can apply for it on line, and most airlines and travel agencies will process your application, for a fee. Unless you are in poor health or have a recent criminal record, you should not have any difficulty being granted the ETA.

There are several different types of ETA, depending on the purpose of your trip. If you are vacationing in Australia, you will need a visitor's visa - valid for three, six or twelve months, although extensions are possible. If you intend to work or conduct business in Australia, you will need one of several visas allowing you to work in the country, either on a temporary or permanent basis.

One thing you probably will not need for your trip to Australia is a paper plane ticket. Today, virtually all plane tickets are electronic, and are usually referred to as e-tickets. You may want to carry with you a faxed or e-mailed copy of your itinerary and receipt when you travel, although it is not actually necessary. Also, it's also a good idea to confirm flight times before leaving, just in case of a schedule change.

Electronic tickets offer big advantages to the airlines as well as passengers, they are less expensive to produce and distribute; and they involve less paperwork to keep together. Previously, if you lost your paper ticket, the airline would generally charge you to replace it. With an electronic ticket, there is usually no such problem, your airline will simply re-send it to you at no cost.

Many people drive while in Australia, a driving trip across the famous Outback is absolutely a memorable experience. If you plan to drive, you will need to take your regular driver's license or an International Driver's Permit with you. It is a rule in Australia that you carry your license with you at all times, it must also be written in English or you will need a translation. The minimum driving age is 16 or 17; sometimes 21 to drive a four wheel drive vehicle.

Many people visit Australia to experience the fascinating culture of the country's original inhabitants, the Aborigines. If you intend to travel on Aboriginal land, other than on a designated road, you will need to contact the Land Council in that state to obtain a permit. You can apply for the permit in advance, although the process can take up to six weeks, so you do not want to leave it until the last minute.

Australia is considered to be one of the safest and healthiest places in the world to visit. No vaccinations are necessary unless you have been in a yellow fever danger zone, usually found in Africa or South America. Be sure to take adequate prescription medication with you. By law, Australian pharmacies can only fill a prescription written by an Australian doctor. And it is a good idea to have a spare pair of glasses or contact lenses.

You may not need to take out additional travel insurance; the insurance included on your credit cards may cover you against such things as lost luggage, airline delays and a tour operator ceasing operations. Most health insurance plans will not provide coverage in Australia and it is vital to take out adequate health insurance, especially if you are planning to visit remote areas. Make sure you have signed everything and filled out all forms correctly.

When flying, always carry important documents and paperwork with you in your carry on bag, never in your checked luggage, just in case your bag is one of the few that is lost. It's also a good idea to make copies of any important papers, passport, plane tickets, tour itinerary, driving license and medical documents. Be prepared and enjoy your trip!