Got an overseas holiday coming up? Here are 10 tasks to tick off before you go
If you’ve got a walk down an air bridge coming up soon, you’ve probably got a checklist well underway. To make sure you haven’t missed anything, we’ve put together one, too. If you’ve forgotten to do any of these tasks, don’t worry – they’re all things we can help with.
1. Make sure your suitcase is travel worthy
==================================
Don’t hold off getting out your suitcase until a couple of days before you leave. Check the wheels and zip are strong and you still remember the code for the lock. If it’s time to replace your old suitcase, we can help you find a good buy. You’ll find a range, from Kmart and The Warehouse cheapies right up to a pricey Samsonite, in our luggage test results.
2. Check your luggage limits
=======================
This is especially important if you’re flying with multiple airlines. Check the allowed luggage dimensions to make sure you won’t have issues at the airport. Also keep in mind that, just because a bag is sold as a carry-on, it might exceed an airline’s size limits. We’ve noted if each of the small cases meet Air New Zealand and Jetstar criteria in our luggage test results.
3. Get ready to spend
==================
There are different ways of paying for things while you’re overseas. Our investigative writer Ruairi O’Shea has done the hard yards to assess all the options. His analysis makes it easy to see if you’d be better off with a debit card, credit card, travel card, cash or one of the new apps – Wise and Revolut. He’s even put together a handy summary of what he thinks you should do. You can read all about it in his article Travel money: the best cards to use overseas.
4. Check your travel insurance coverage
================================
Hopefully you’ve got travel insurance sorted – but have you read the policy yet? It’s a good idea to understand any limits listed in the fine print. That way you can decide if any holiday activities you’re planning are covered and if it’s OK to take certain valuables with you. If you do still need travel insurance, check out our travel insurance buying guide and policy comparison.
5. Keep an eye on things back home
=============================
A security camera that connects to your WiFi network and sends you a notification when it detects motion can give you peace of mind while you’re away. There are 44 cameras, from brands including Ring and Arlo, in our security camera test results.
6. Know how you’ll use your phone
=============================
If you go overseas without a plan for how you’ll keep using your phone, you could find yourself coming home to a big phone bill. You can find out about different roaming packs, local SIM cards and eSIMs and learn what Consumer staff members have done in our article How to keep using your phone overseas.
7. Get clued up on airport security
===========================
Do you know where to pack that power bank or hearing aids charger? If you need to freshen up on the rules around what you can take in your carry-on and check-in, have a peruse of our airport security tips.
8. Consider paying for an extra bag
=============================
If hitting the malls is going to be a big part of your trip, it could work out cheaper to plan ahead and prepay to take an extra bag. We’ve found it can be cheaper than paying the excess baggage fee when you show up to the airport with a heavy suitcase on the way home.
9. Do your duty-free research
========================
If you know you’ll be tempted by duty-free at the airport, now’s the time to do some research online. You might find the bottles of Pinot or perfume are cheaper back home or in the shops at your destination. We’ve shared our tips for making the most of duty-free shopping.
10. Consider tracking your luggage
=============================
I recently found myself standing in an airport office with a bunch of other travelers whose luggage hadn’t shown up on the conveyer belt. We were all wishing we’d thought ahead and popped a tracker in our bags. At least that would have given us an idea of whether it was worth waiting around for them.
======================================================
Poll: 🤖 What skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
The Reserve Bank has shared some pretty blunt advice: there’s no such thing as a “safe” job anymore 🛟😑
Robots are stepping into repetitive roles in factories, plants and warehouses. AI is taking care of the admin tasks that once filled many mid-level office jobs.
We want to know: As the world evolves, what skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
Want to read more? The Press has you covered!
-
52.5% Human-centred experience and communication
-
14.6% Critical thinking
-
29.8% Resilience and adaptability
-
3% Other - I will share below!
The Gospel’s Relevance Today**
The Gospel, meaning ‘good news’, is the cornerstone of the message contained in the Bible’s first four books—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. While these records were written approximately 2,000 years ago, a natural question arises: why is this Gospel still relevant and vital for us today? This analysis seeks to explore what the Bible itself defines as the Gospel and to understand its enduring significance.
**Defining the Gospel: Core Biblical References**
The Gospel is not a vague concept; Scripture provides clear descriptions of its content and focus.
* **The Gospel of the Kingdom:** In Matthew 4:23, as Jesus begins his ministry, he is described as “preaching the gospel of the kingdom.” This immediately establishes that the good news is centrally about a kingdom—the Kingdom of God. His accompanying miracles served to validate the authority of this message.
* **The Gospel of Jesus Christ:** Mark 1:1 opens with, “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” Here, “Christ” is a title meaning ‘anointed one’. Thus, the good news is intrinsically about Jesus: his identity as the Anointed One and his unique status as the Son of God.
* **The Gospel of God’s Grace:** In Acts 20:24, the Apostle Paul speaks of his mission to “testify the gospel of the grace of God.” Grace signifies an undeserved gift. This reveals that the Gospel involves a gift from God, offered not because it is merited, but out of His benevolence.
* **The Gospel of Salvation and Peace:** Romans 1:16 declares the Gospel is “the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes,” breaking down barriers between Jew and Gentile (Greek). Furthermore, Romans 10:15 calls it the “gospel of peace,” pointing to a future state of peace brought about by this message.
* **The Gospel Summarised:** 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 provides a foundational summary. Paul reminds believers of the gospel he preached, “by which also you are saved.” He then states its core historical facts: “that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.” The Gospel is therefore rooted in the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus.
In synthesis, the Gospel is the good news of **salvation and future peace in the Kingdom of God**, made possible by **the grace of God** and **the obedient sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ**, and offered to all who believe.
**Old Testament Foundations: The Gospel Preached to Abraham**
A crucial question is whether the Gospel is confined to the New Testament. Scripture shows its foundations were laid much earlier. Galatians 3:8 states explicitly that “the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, ‘In you all the nations shall be blessed.’”
This reference points back to Genesis 12:1-3, where God made profound promises to Abraham: to make him a great nation, to bless those who blessed him, and that “in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” These promises—later reaffirmed to Isaac and Jacob—form the bedrock of the Gospel hope. The good news of salvation through Christ is the fulfillment of how **all nations** would be blessed through Abraham’s “seed.”
**The Gospel’s Personal Relevance: Good News for You Today**
How does this ancient message become “good news for you” today? The application is clearly outlined in Galatians 3.
* **Access through Faith in Christ:** Galatians 3:26 declares, “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.” The promise made to Abraham is now extended to anyone with faith in Jesus.
* **The Role of Baptism:** Verse 27 explains, “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” Baptism is the God-appointed act of faith that identifies a believer with Christ’s death and resurrection.
* **Unity and Inheritance:** Verses 28-29 reveal the glorious outcome: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Through the Gospel, all barriers are removed; believers become spiritual descendants of Abraham and heirs to the promises of the Kingdom.
This Gospel was once a mystery hidden in God’s purpose (Ephesians 3:3-9). Now, it has been revealed: the unsearchable riches of Christ, offering salvation to all who heed the call, believe the message, and are baptised into him.
**Conclusion: An Enduring and Open Invitation**
The Gospel is far more than a historical account; it is the living, powerful good news of God’s plan for salvation. It is rooted in promises to Abraham, accomplished through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and open to all people without distinction. It offers a tangible hope—the hope of resurrection, peace, and an inheritance in the coming Kingdom of God. This is why the Gospel remains profoundly relevant. It is an invitation to listen, believe, and stand firm in this hope, linking our lives today to the eternal purpose of God.
Room for rent
🌿 Beautiful Private Space Available for Rent – Perfect for 2 Girls or a Couple 🌿
Located in the peaceful and family-friendly suburb of Lynfield, this warm and welcoming home offers a comfortable living space in a highly sought-after top school zone.
✨ What’s Included:
🏡 2 Spacious Bedrooms
🛁 Private Bathroom
🍳 Separate Kitchen
🛏️ 1 Bed with Mattress
🔥 Stove
📟 Microwave
Unlimited WiFi included
✔ Power & water included
✔ Bus stop in front of the house
✔ Nearby shops and supermarkets
This setup is ideal for two girls or a couple looking for a quiet, safe, and relaxed place to call home.
🌸 Enjoy living in a serene neighbourhood with a friendly community atmosphere, while still being conveniently close to schools, shops, and transport.
If you're looking for comfort, privacy, and a peaceful lifestyle — this could be your perfect new home 💛
📍 Location: Lynfield, Auckland
📩 Message for more details or to arrange a viewing. For couple $450 for one bedroom. $600 for the 2 bedroom and kitchen and bathroom. Feel free to contact me on 022-422-0145 for any other details
Loading…
