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Travel Tips Abroad

To make the most of your time off work and get the best out of your holiday, remember that you can never be too prepared. Leaving your packing and arrangements till the last minute will only make you stressed and run late, while an ignorance about the country that you are visiting will leave you confused.

Planning a Holiday to Another Country

Well before the date of your holiday, ensure that you have a valid passport and any visas required. Closer to the date of departure, make two copies of your passport identification page. One is to be left at home with relatives or friends, and the other should be carried with you in a separate place to the original.

Read any Public Announcements or Travel Warnings for the places you wish to visit. Research in guide books and on the internet to ensure that the area in which you are staying is safe.

A guide book will also give you a good outline of the laws and customs of your chosen country. It is advisable to learn a few basic phrases in the local language to make transactions easier for yourself and for those with whom you deal. If you are going to drive, get your vehicle checked and find out the local driving regulations and road conditions.

To get cheaper flights, taking your holiday out the peak summer season can seem ideal, but be aware of the holidays and events in the country you are visiting. It may be far busier than you were anticipating, or have places you wished to visit closed for national holidays.

In a rented villa or apartment you have the freedom to fend for yourself and dine as you please. It is therefore a good idea to research a little about the cost of local produce and other items to help you plan a budget and not get ripped off.

Stock up on any prescribed medicines that you require, and carry them in their original containers with the generic names as well as the brand. Brand names for prescribed drugs can vary between countries. Ensure that your medicines are carried with you in your hand luggage on the plane as luggage can get delayed or lost. Also make sure that an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses are carried onboard with you. Update your health insurance if necessary and get any vaccinations or health checks required.

Pack plug adaptors as electrical sockets vary from country to country.

Before you go, leave a copy of your plans with friends or family so that you are contactable in case of emergency.

Flying

As soon as your travel plans are made, book your airline reservations. With an early booking you may be able to get discounted flights.

Since September 11th, airport security has become far more stringent. Find out in advance exactly how much hand luggage you can take on board and check in, what the banned items are, and what security procedures to expect. Bags can be checked from 30 minutes to an hour before the flight departs so give yourself time. Some items can be carried in your check-in luggage but not hand luggage. Planes generally now allow one hand luggage bag and one personal item like a laptop or book. If you have bought gifts, do not wrap them prior to the flight. If you are stopped and searched they will be unwrapped.

Do not joke with airport security officials as you will be stopped. Answer any questions seriously and honestly. If stopped, you will be asked about your luggage and so you should know what you are carrying. You should be prepared to open up and demonstrate electronic equipment like mobile phones, laptops, and hand-held consoles. All metal objects where possible should be placed in your hand luggage so it is detected in the scan and not on your person.

Identify your luggage clearly by wrapping some coloured tape around it. Put your name, address, and telephone on the inside and outside of each piece of luggage. If you are travelling in a pair, it may be wise to have half the other person's clothing in their case in the event of one of the suitcases being lost.

Prepare yourself for a long flight by wearing loose, comfortable clothing and removable footwear. Drink plenty of water before, during and after to avoid dehydration, and walk around from time to time to keep your circulation going. Yawning and chewing gum are two pieces of advice said to help pop the ears.

Kids

• Get a set of harness reins for your toddler at the airport. They will be free to move, but not too far. Reins allow you to keep hold of your child while still having free hands to grab the luggage.
• There may be fast track customs points for those travelling with infants.

Pets

• If you are flying with a pet they will need to be old enough and healthy enough. You will need a recent health certificate and rabies vaccination.
• Find out any airline-specific regulations in advance. If your holiday allows, book a non stop midweek flight without plane changes.

The Holiday

Never leave your luggage or rucksacks unattended in a public space and do not accept gift or packages from strangers. Don't let yourself get taken advantage of when buying either. Be aware of the exchange rates and don't be afraid to haggle if the locals do.

Try to blend in and don't draw attention to yourself as a tourist. Only carry what money and credit cards are necessary and distribute them about your person. Avoid wearing conspicuous clothing or excessive and expensive jewellery, particularly in more religious countries. If the local women (and men) tend to dress modestly and reveal little flesh, you should aim to dress in keeping with this when in public areas.

Pick up a local map as soon as you can and familiarise yourself with the area nearby. Always walk purposefully, even if you are lost. Be aware that pickpockets tend to lurk in crowded areas and have numerous distraction tricks like bumping into you and asking the time.