The great aspect of this trip is that most of the fee’s, trips, transport and some meals are covered.  There is little option to spend much more, being that there is no major tourist outlets, alcohol is reasonable cheap and your gear will always be safe as theft is considered a non-issue. 

You will have to get used to saying hello to everyone - it is rude not to!!

Other Points:

1. •No need for a Passport (although bring it if you have one) - even though we will be flying through the International Airport in Perth.  You will need some form of photo ID however, i.e. a license will do. A Passport tends to make it easier.
   

2. •When packing, you will be allowed up to 23kg checked luggage, and 7kg (i.e. Camera Bag) with carry-on.  If your checked luggage is heavier than 23kg - expect an additional charge.  Baggage is charged per piece - 1 piece is included in your package.  Extra pieces will need to be paid for on the day of the flight, but it is important to note that extra pieces will not be given priority.  It would be best to keep your luggage to the one piece at or less than 23kg, plus your carry on.  It may get complicated if this is not met.
   

3. •Flight food is fairly basic, but you won’t starve! - Bring an iPad for entertainment if you want.
   

4. •Temperatures are moderate (22-28 degree’s) - ALL year round.  No need for warm clothing (at best a light jacket or pair of jeans), so luggage is minimal.  You might need to consider some rain gear for yourself and camera gear.
   

5. •Voltage / Plugs: is 240V and same as Australia
   

6. •Phone Coverage / Internet - Cocos Keeling Islands: does not have a mobile coverage (so your currently mobile phone will not work in any way).  There are mobile phones available from the CRC (Community Resource Centre) if you desperately need to keep in touch, and there are some phone boxes you can call from. Internet is VERY (consider dial-up) SLOW - with limited bandwidth and speed.  You will NOT be able to upload masses of photos or update images on FaceBook / Instagram etc.  So be prepared for limited internet access.
   

7. •Phone Coverage - Christmas Island: - has Telstra coverage.  You can bring a sim card or purchase at the local post office, if you don’t have a Telstra account.  Rooms at the VQ3 lodge have phones also. Internet - as per Cocos-Keeling Islands. Whilst available is quite limited.  The odd photo to FaceBook would be OK - but consider one per day, rather than bulk.  Even then don’t be surprised if it does not get through...
   

8. •There are no major ‘bities’ on either island.
   

9. •You won’t find any shells to take home - the crabs live in them all!!
   

10. •Consider capturing iconic photos for your wall at home - these are remote and amazing destinations.
    

Costs Covered (part of the package):

1. •Flights from Perth International Airport - to Cocos Keeling Islands, to Christmas Island and then back to Perth from Christmas Island.
   

2. •Baggage - 1 Carry-on (up to 7kg) and 1 Checked Baggage up to 23kg.  Excess baggage charges generally apply for items over this amount and will be at your cost.  Click HERE for more information.
   

3. •Accommodation on both Islands - Does not include breakfast - see below the meals covered.
   

MEALS Costs Covered:

1. •Following Meals on Cocos Keeling Islands
   

2. •Lunch - Coconut Tour Package - Day 2
   

3. •Breakfast - Day 4 - Included in the Turtle Canoe Trip
   

4. •Dinner - Day 4 - at Canoe Beach
   

5. •Dinner - Day 5 at the Rasa Da Sayang - Home Island - Authentic Island food
   

6. •Lunch - Day 6 - Packaged lunch on Direction Island
   

7. •Breakfast - Day 7 - Part of the Canoe Tour
   

8. •Dinner - Day 7 - Dinner at Kylie and Ash’s
   

9. •Following Meals on Christmas Island
   

10. •Lunch - Day 9 - Supplied Picnic Style at Martin Point
    

11. •Dinner - Day 9 - Sunset Drinks and Food at South Point for Sunset
    

OTHER Costs Covered:

1. •Presentation by Rik Soderlund - Day 2 on Cocos Keeling Islands - TBC
   

2. •Canoe Trip - Day 4 on Cocos Keeling Islands - Turtle Canoe Trip
   

3. •Ferry Trip - Day 5 - To Home Island and Return.
   

4. •Ferry Trip - Day 6 - To Direction Island and Return.
   

5. •Canoe Trip - Day 7 on Cocos Keeling Islands - Champagne Breakfast Canoe Trip
   

6. •Use of Coach / Transport whilst at Cocos Keeling Islands (no transport costs)
   

7. •Use of 4x4’s whilst at Christmas Island (no transport costs)
   

8. •Presentation by Kirsty - Day 9 on Christmas Island - at the ‘Lodge’ - Amazing local photographer.
   

9. •Access to Resource Centre and Emailing etc - Cocos Keeling Islands.  (Please note, large files / emails and data transfers will not be able to be undertaken due to the limited data capability of the satellite system.  Emailing / Facebook updates etc will take a little time, similar to dial-up!)

What to Bring:

1. •Camera Gear - Consider Weight - Only 7kg of Carry-On and 23kg of Checked Baggage.
   

2. •Battery Charger(s) for your Camera(s) and Flash(s) - Power is as per AUS - 240V and same plugs
   

3. •Tripod - try to pack it in your checked luggage.
   

4. •Personal Sunscreen - you can buy on the Islands - but will be considerably more expensive
   

5. •Towels (1 Beach only - others are supplied)
   

6. •Swimming Gear - there is lots of water and you will enjoy the swimming-snorkeling.
   

7. •Snorkeling Mask - If you have your own and it fits well - worth bringing.  Others will be available for hire or loan on both islands. 
   

8. •Hat - Being the tropics the sun can be quite damaging!
   

9. •Only a couple changes of clothes - No need for a coat or heavy warm clothing - it does NOT get cold.
   

10. •Your laptop - it will be safe and we will have a few chances to do some editing etc.
    

11. •Hiking Boots / closed-in waterproof sandals (mostly for Christmas Island - crabs and sharp rocks).
    

12. •SIM Card if you don’t have a Telstra Account (for Christmas Island only) - Coco Keeling Islands have no mobile coverage - see general information above for more on this...  Also you won’t be able to post photos via Instagram via the Telstra Network on Christmas Island - the network is not capable of managing the file sizes.
    

13. •We are coming off the wet-season - maybe some wet-weather clothing and protection for your camera gear.  It will not be cold however, so no need for coats and the like :)
    

14. •Any Medical requirements - there is reasonable medical facilities on both islands - so ensure any scripts and even some minor things like panadol are considered.