Travel Tips that will help you Avoid some Pitfalls

Traveling can be both one of the most exciting times of your life - it is this excitement and awe of discovery that can sometimes also cause you the greatest stress of your life.
There are four Golden Rules you should follow when travelling:
  1. Always register your travel plans with government and family
  2. Always have good travel insurance that covers everything necessary
  3. Always see your travel doctor well before departing and follow their advice
  4. Always be alert and aware of your surroundings, which may mean rethinking potentially risking situations.
The following tips and stories will help your holiday focus on fun and excitement rather than worry and stress.
  • Avoid drinking a lot of alcohol, as this will dehydrate you.
  • If you have a sinus problem or a head cold ask the cabin crew for an inhalant sachet before landing. Inhaling this it will help avoid massive pains in your head.
  • Weigh your suitcases on your bathroom scales BEFORE you leave home.
  • Have clearly marked luggage tags or ties to easily identify your bags on the carousel. There are many bags that look the same and can easily be confused.
  • Make sure you have locks or zip ties on your bags. Don’t run the risk of anyone putting something into your bags. We take a small pair of nail clippers on board to cut the zip ties.
  • Check if visas are required for your trip and make sure that your passport has at least six months validity when you arrive at your destination (final destination if going to multiple countries). Some countries such as China require two clear pages on your passport.
  • Keep your valuables are safe. Either a money belt or secure bag (not backpack) is necessary. There are many places where pick pockets are everywhere, just looking for vulnerable tourists. Read the article on pick pockets.
  • Be careful and familiarise yourself with and respect the country's protocols and culture. Some countries do not allow you to take photographs in certain places, show affection in public places, or dress in a certain way. It is your responsibility to check this out before you start your holiday. There are some great smart phone apps that will give you details on cultures in different countries - a must read....!
  • Read warning signs and check travel websites for other travel tips that may be relevant to your specific destination.
  • Allow plenty of time between flights. Even though it is not fun hanging around airports for hours, it is better to allow a reasonable time for late arrivals or unforeseen circumstances. Missed flights can be have a disastrous effect on your holiday.
  • Check your departure airport - many cities have more than one airport and most airports in large centres have multiple terminals.
  • Check with your mobile phone provider to determine the best options in the countries you are visiting. Otherwise you may have massive phone bills when you return, as you are also charged for incoming calls.
  • Avoid taking a hire car that is just hanging around waiting to pick up people at the airport. They may be illegal, uninsured, and just taking you somewhere to rob you! You are better to take a hotel shuttle bus or a taxi from the taxi queue.
  • Make sure you have a small amount of money in the currency of the country you are visiting when you land - usually the most expensive exchange rate is at the airport ATM!
  • It is a good idea to always carry a photocopy of your passport identification with you. However, when going out for the day only take what you need and leave passports and valuables in the safe in your room. Don't forget to take them when you leave!
  • Finally, but a good book on Travel Tips to read on the plane!

Register Your Travel Plans

Register travel plans with your Government's website, and also register for email updates on your destinations, such as extreme weather forecasts, terrorist risks, political problems, etc.   
If you are traveling to an earthquake-prone region, or somewhere that has volcano warnings, know what to do in the case of an emergency.
Be diligent, leave your itinerary with friends or family and don't take risks that could spoil your perfect holiday. In Australia go to http://www.smartraveller.gov.au

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