Travel Advice

As a traveller in a foreign land, you should always be conscious of your host nations culture and language.  And, although it`s great to immerse yourself in the place and mix with the locals, there are a few things you should do "just in case" something goes wrong:

• Photocopy your itinerary, passport, credit cards, travel insurance documents and important phone numbers.  Keep a copy separate from the originals and leave another copy with someone in your home country.

• Do not carry large amounts of cash, if you do - don`t keep it all together.  Take travellers cheques and two major credit cards  (keep one credit card separate from your other valuables). Also, be aware that some countries have limited credit card facilities and therefore cash advances may not be available.   Ask your travel agent or bank for advice on the appropriate credit cards, currency and travellers cheques to take.

• Keep your passport and valuables in something you can wear around your neck or waist and conceal out of sight, under your clothes.  Bum bags are highly visible and easy prey to skilled thieves. 

• Take a reputable and current guide-book with you. A good guide book will not only help you find a great place to stay, but can also be a life saver for it`s list of local emergency contacts.

• When you`re not on the road, wherever possible, leave passports, credit cards, travellers cheques and other valuables in a safety deposit box or safe at your hostel - but make sure it is safe to do so. Some unscrupulous hostels ask for your passport as a linen or key deposit, never agree to this - you may never see it again.

• If you are robbed or lose your passport and valuables, go to the nearest police station and obtain a police report - immediately. A police report will be required to obtain a new passport and to process insurance claims.

• Ensure you have entry visas where necessary.  Some countries require passports to be valid for six months after expiry of the visa.  You should be aware that having a visa does not guarantee entry into a country.

• Having travel insurance is a very good idea - if you don`t, you risk not being treated if you`re injured or sick as some hospitals will not even admit injured people, without insurance. Ensure you fully understand what your insurance policy covers.

• These days there really is no excuse for not keeping in touch with family and friends.  Lack of communication can cause unnecessary distress, worry and could make you the subject of a major police search instigated by your worried relatives.

• Have a health and dental check up and ensure you have the necessary vaccination shots well before you plan to travel.

• If you`re planning to drive while overseas, make sure you get an international drivers licence and also take your current licence as additional identification.

• Never, ever agree to carry packages or luggage for other people through customs or boarders. You might find yourself an unwitting drug trafficker.  Every country has their own laws and you are subject to them regardless of whether you agree with them or not - so don`t do anything you might regret.

• Before you go:

  • Your trip will be so much more enjoyable if you are fit and healthy - so make sure your have a full medical and dental check up before you leave.  And ensure you have had all the correct immunisations relevant to the region you`re heading to.  The Travel Clinic is an Australian association of medical practices with expertise in travel medicine.  They will be able to give you practical advice and are also a good place to pick up a travel essential - a first aid kit.  For more information visit www.travelclinic.com.au
    

  • If you wear glasses or contact lenses take a spare pair and your prescription. 

  • If you are on medication take an adequate supply, and a good first aid kit. Take the prescription or, better still, part of the packaging showing the generic rather than the brand name (which may not be locally available), as it will make getting replacements easier.  It`s wise to have a legible prescription or a letter from your doctor with you to prove that you legally use the medication to avoid any problems.

• Travel Insurance:

  • It really is a good idea to get a travel-insurance policy that covers theft, loss and medical problems. There is a wide variety of policies available and your travel agent will be able to make recommendations.

  • WORLD NOMADS: Backpacker Travel Insurance - are specialist travel insurance providers catering only to Backpackers and Independent Travellers.  Backed by one of the world`s largest financial giants, Allianz, WORLD NOMADS offers clients a `Best of Both Worlds` confidence.  Knowing the Backpacker market intimately they provide a product that caters to the specific needs of Backpackers and, with Allianz, are backed by one of the world`s most secure financial institutions with assets under management in excess of one trillion euros. Click here for further information.

  • Policies differ in price range - those offering medical-expense options are a good idea when travelling to the United States.  Read the small print.

  • Some policies specifically exclude `dangerous activities`, including scuba diving, motorcycling and even trekking. If such activities are on your agenda then you don`t want that sort of policy.

  • You may prefer a policy which pays doctors or hospitals direct rather than you having to pay on the spot and claim later. If you have to claim later make sure you keep all documentation. Some policies ask you to call back (reverse charges) to a center in your home country where an immediate assessment of your problem is made.

  • Check if the policy covers ambulances or an emergency flight home.

  What to Pack?!

  • Pile all the clothes you would like to take, on you bed - and halve, you really don`t need them.  And unless you are going on a formal cruise or business trip, leave your suits, evening gowns and dress shoes at home.
  • Keep your wardrobe simple, casual and versatile - the truth is you`ll probably end up wearing the same t-shirt and shorts everyday anyway. Washing clothes is not a western invention, so don`t worry, washing powder is sold everywhere.
  • To fit as much into your backpack as possible, roll your clothes and put an elastic band around them - instead of folding, stuff socks into shoes and utilize pockets in clothing and the side compartments on your backpack.
  • Just in case your luggage is lost, pack your underwear and an extra set of clothing in your hand luggage.
  • A good trick to ensure you recognise your luggage, when it comes off the carousel at a transport terminal, is to tie a ribbon to it or put a unique sticker on it.