Navigation

Tips for Travelling Abroad - Travel Checklists for Travellers

News

Although most trips abroad are trouble free, being prepared willgo a long way to avoiding the possibility of serious trouble. Ifyou are travelling abroad here are some of things you need to doto make your trip easier: 1. Check the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) Travel Advice(call 0845 850 2829) for Public Announcements or Travel Warningsfor the countries you plan to visit. Public Announcementsprovide fast-breaking information about relatively short-termconditions that may pose risks to the security of travellers. 2. Get a good guidebook and get to know your destination.Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs of thecountries to which you are travelling. While in a foreigncountry, you are subject to that country's laws. Learn about thecountries that you plan to visit. Before departing, take thetime to do some research about the people and their culture, andany problems that the country is experiencing that may affectyour travel plans. 3. Get travel insurance and check that the cover is appropriateand check what vaccinations you need 2 months before you travel.Also, consider whether you need to take extra healthprecautions. Make sure your insurance covers your emergencymedical needs (including medical evacuation) while you areoverseas. 4. Take enough money for your trip and some back-up funds suchas traveller's cheques, sterling or US dollars. 5. To avoid being a target of crime, try not to wear conspicuousclothing and expensive jewellery and do not carry excessiveamounts of money or unnecessary credit cards. 6. While abroad,


travel,,Flights,,vacation package

avoid using illicit drugs or drinking excessiveamounts of alcoholic beverages, and associating with people whodo. 7. In order to avoid violating local laws, deal only withauthorized agents when you exchange money or purchase art orantiques. 8. If your travel involves passage on airlines with which youare unfamiliar, you may wish to check their safety andreliability with a reputable travel agent. 9. Do not leave your luggage unattended in public areas and donot accept packages from strangers. 10. Ensure you have a valid passport that is in good conditionand the necessary visas, if required. 11. Make several copies of your passport, insurance policy plus24-hour emergency number, and ticket details. Leave thesecopies, your itinerary and contact details with family andfriends. Carry the other copies with you in a separate placefrom your passport. This will facilitate replacement if yourpassport is lost or stolen. 12. Ensure that your travel organiser or travel agent canprovide sufficient evidence of security for the refunding andrepatriation of consumers in the event of insolvency. Thissecurity must be in place by one of several Financial ProtectionOrganisations. 13. Leave a copy of your itinerary with family or friends athome so that you can be contacted in case of an emergency. About the author: Copyright 2005. Bridget Mwape writes for The Travel Gear UKwebsite. Get the gear you need for travelling abroad at: http://www.travel-gear.org.uk/ and purchase unique gifts foryour friends and family at: http://www.unusual-gifts-uk.org.uk/

Written by: Bridget Mwape

XML error: mismatched tag at line 20