Travelling to Australia requires considerable travel for many delegates. As Australians, we’re accustomed to long-haul flights and we have compiled some of our top recommendations for surviving the journey and thriving once you arrive.

Long-haul travel secrets 

  • Stay hydrated – pack a reusable water bottle. Although you cannot take over 200ml of liquids in your carry-on luggage on overseas flights, we recommend you take an empty water bottle through security and fill it with water in the international airport. Flight cabins are kept at a low humidity level so keeping hydrated is essential. Aim to drink a cup of water every hour. By taking your own bottle you can easily access water throughout the flight. 
  • Stretching while on the flight. Having a short walk break around the plane is ideal as it allows your calf muscles to effectively pump blood back up to your heart. If you’re in the middle or window seat and would prefer to not regularly disturb the person next to you, you can do simple exercises in your seat – such as flexing and relaxing your calf muscles and feet and rolling your ankles one direction, then the other.  
  • Moisturise your skin. The dry cabin air can affect your skin during a long-haul flight, so we recommend packing a hydrating moisturiser for your hands and face, or packing a hydrating mask to wear once the cabin lights are dimmed. 
  • Time your sleep with the destination’s time zone. To minimise jet lag, try to time your sleep on the flight in line with the evening of your destination. For example if you board the flight at 1 00pm in your time zone and it’s 10 00pm in the destination, we’d recommend to try to sleep at take off. This can help your body adapt more easily and make the transition smoother when you arrive. 
  • Noise cancelling headphones and an eye mask. If you’re trying to time your sleep effectively, we recommend travelling with noise cancelling headphones and an eye mask to block out the cabin lights to give yourself the best chance of success.  
  • Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Bad news, but both caffeine and alcohol contribute to dehydration and can disrupt your sleep cycle making you feel more fatigued and jet-lagged upon arrival. Why not opt for herbal tea and water instead? 
  • Walk around on your layover / stopover. Most long-haul flights will have a layover to get a connecting flight. We recommend trying to get your steps in and rehydrate before the next leg of your journey. 
  • Arrive a few days’ early to adjust. As Brisbane is a long journey for many of our delegates, we recommend arriving a few days before IDW 2025 to adjust to the local time zone, and to allow your body and brain to catch up. Hey, why not take it easy and take a few days to explore the region? 

To beat jet lag once you arrive in Australia we recommend getting outside in the natural daylight. Exposure to sunlight helps reset your internal clock and adjust to the new time zone. Stay active during the day and adapt to the local schedule as much as you can by eating meals and sleeping according to Brisbane’s time zone. 

Travelling Sustainably 

Travelling to Australia requires considerable travel for many delegates and, in the spirit of social responsibility, a core principle of hosting the event is a commitment to sustainability. 

Did you know that you can contribute to the rebuilding of a coral tree in the Great Barrier Reef?  

 

Tips for travelling sustainably: 

  • Minimise the carbon produced by your air travel by booking the most direct flight to your destination, or even better, offset your air travel 
  • Look for travel operators that specialise in responsible and sustainable travel options 
  • Bring your own reusable water bottles and avoid single-use plastics 
  • Eat in locally-owned restaurants 
  • Buy locally made handicrafts and gifts to support local businesses 
  • Visit national parks and protected sanctuaries to support funding and continued protection of these natural resources and biodiversity 
  • Opt for public transport or ride-share in your destination 
  • Pack toiletries in reusable containers 

Did you know Brisbane is renowned for its clean air, rich biodiversity, natural habitat, generous green spaces, and a commitment to sustainability that has twice earned it the accolade of Australia’s Most Sustainable City? 

 

Our host venue, Brisbane Exhibition and Convention Centre has achieved EarthCheck Platinum Certification in 2021 and has a number of initiatives designed to support sustainability: 

  • Leftover meals from IDW 2025 will be donated to Foodbank, Australia’s largest hunger relief organisation, to support the homeless. 
  • Over 80% of BCEC produce is sourced from local suppliers to reduce carbon footprint. 
  • Organic waste dehydrator turns 100kg of organic waste into 10kg of nutrient rich biomass to reduce kitchen waste by 85%