SAFETY TIPS WHEN TRAVELLING ABROAD

Millions of people travel abroad every year without any problems whatsoever, if we are well prepared for every eventuality our travelling experiences become wonderful memories.  Before you go, here are a few very wise tips to make note of.

• Don't reveal your travel plans on social networking sites, most of us have added friends we don't know.
• Scan all your important documents eg. Passport, Birth Certificate, Flight Details, Itinerary and Emergency credit card phone numbers and e-mail to yourself and a trusted family member.
• Find out the emergency telephone numbers of the country you are visiting.  We are compling a list on this blog.
• Do you have overseas medical insurance? Check your policy.
• Travelling in the EU? Get a free European Health Insurance Card for free or reduced emergency care.
• All first time adult passport applicants must now attend an interview to prove their identity, it can take up to 6 weeks to process.
• Remember you are subject to the laws and customs of the country you are visiting, so do some research.
• Some countries require a visa when entering as well as a passport, for example India. When in doubt, check it out.
• You may need a course of anti-malaria tablets or vaccination against certain illnesses in specific countries, these may need to be taken well in advance of leaving, so make this a high priority.
• Be aware of restrictions on items that may be taken overseas.
• If you have a pre-existing medical condition, you may need a doctor's letter as proof, including the generic names of the precribed medication.

Now that you have taken all of these tips into consideration, the next list of tips are how to stay safe whilst you are at your chosen destination. 

• Do not wear conspicuous clothing or jewellery.
• Tourists are common targets for pick-pockets, so don't flash your cash or credit cards.
• Do not leave unattended baggage in public places.
• Only carry small amounts of cash with you, most countries have ATM machines. 
• Only use ATM machines in the daytime where there is a large volume of pedestrian traffic.
• Do not accept packages from strangers.
• Try not to be out alone at night (this can happen, especially after an argument), stay in well lit areas and walk close to groups of people (use your common sense) until you get back to your accommodation.
• Avoid binge drinking, this applies to both men and women.
• Drink only bottled water and only eat in cafes and restaurants that are busy, they are busy for good reason. Always use your eyes and nose, if the food doesn't look or smell good it is not worth the risk.
• Avoid high risk activities. If you do decide to participate please ensure you have adequate insurance to cover this and experienced support.
• Drug use abroad can result in severe consequences.
• Drink spiking is on the increase, there are lots of gadgets out there that you can use to protect your drinks.  Don't accept drinks of any kind from strangers.

Winter Driving Tips

BEFORE YOU LEAVE

If you are about to embark on a long journey by car this winter, take all the necessary precautions before you leave.  Make sure your car is serviced and tyres are checked by a qualified mechanic, as you already know, a well maintained car is a reliable one, especially when road-side breakdowns in treacherous conditions are at their highest.  Carry your mobile phone and make sure the battery is full, also bring your in-car charger along with you.  Let someone know your departure time, route and arrival time.  Have a full tank of fuel and dress according to weather conditions.

You don't want to end up having problems with your car insurance company if the worst should happen, due to faulty tyres or mechanical problems.  If you are driving in a foreign country make sure your insurance covers this. Keep this in mind.

JET-LAG TIPS

Jet-lag affects most of us, symptoms include dehydration, irritability, swollen limbs and eyes, dry nose and throat, headaches, fatigue and gastro-intestinal upset. So the week before you set off, make sure you treat yourself kindly.  Have plenty of rest, exercise, take vitamins, eat healthy foods and most of all, stay hydrated!! Do NOT travel on a long-haul flight with a hangover.  Try and exercise before you go to the airport and get plenty of fresh air, you will sleep better on the plane.  Floor exercises are beneficial if you can do leg raises (especially good for those prone to DVT).  

At the airport, (if you can), do your best to avoid escalators and moving platforms. Walk and take the stairs.  If you are a wheelchair user, wheel yourself around the airport.  It will help you sleep on the flight.

Family Travel Tips

There is nothing more frustrating than forgetting something really useful when travelling with babies and children.  Here is a list of MUST BRING NECESSITIES for an enjoyable travelling experience for you and your precious family.  After all, you have worked hard to pay for this vacation, and with a simple checklist like this could make a vast difference to your level of enjoyment, so bookmark this page and share it with your friends!

• SUN SCREEN
• PRESCRIBED MEDICATION
• BABY WIPES AND PACK OF TISSUES
• PLAYING CARDS
• ANTISEPTIC HAND GEL- use a travel size of 100 ml maximum for your hand luggage

Packing Tips

The savvy traveller hits the nail cleanly on the head when it comes to packing, usually learning from their own personal mistakes and then picking up tips like the following to create stress free travel.

Pack clothing and minimal accessories around the same colour scheme.

Distribute the weight evenly throughout the suitcase. 

Swap an outfit with a co-traveller and vice versa in case of a luggage delay.

Pack as many crease resistant clothes as possible and hang the remaining creased articles in a steam-filled bathroom after you arrive.

Rolling clothes works really well with pants, skirts and stretchy tops. (backpackers especially swear by this method).  You can also take two or more garments laid flat and fold them all at the same time, they are less likely to crease this way.

BED AND BREAKFAST TIPS

Bed and breakfasts are mainly owner-operated some are run by innkeepers.  As you are predominantly staying in someone's home, their valuables are usually heirlooms and antiques that cannnot be replaced.  This is why B&B's are so special.

Each B&B has its own set of rules on arrivals/departure times, children, pets (even horses) etc.  Also some B&B's close their doors to the public in low season so it is important to check these things out before you set off.

Lots of B&B's have sitting rooms for guests or a TV in your bedroom.  You usually have tea and coffee making facilities in your room.  It is not uncommon to be asked by your host to join them for the evening!

Always ask prior to booking what amenities are available, for example, WIFI, baby items, bicycles, beach chairs, towels etc. 

Travel Tips for Backpackers

Backpacking will change your life and thats a fact. You will not only make life long friends, you will lose that haunting, repressed, unconnected feeling that bugged you for all those years.  These tips will aid your backpacking experience, so it is the most exciting and stress free adventure of your life.

Always carry lighter items at the bottom of your backpack, heavier items on top provide better support for your spine and muscles.

Use your mobile phone as a journal instead of carrying a book (added weight).  Save as draft if you're on a tight budget; but for extra safety send them to your e mail along with photo's for your own personal travel blog; a great way to share your journey with loved ones.

Passport Tips

Your photographs MUST be taken in a booth, or by a recognised passport photographer.   Don't be tempted to have them taken at home as they will only get sent back to you.


If you are flying from England to Ireland with Ryanair, make sure you have an up-to-date passport.  All other airline companies accept expired passports flying from UK to Ireland EXCEPT Ryanair.