 | Never travel alone and ideally set out with a
friend |
| Think carefully before you act |
| Don't assume that westerners are any more
honest or trustworthy than strangers at home |
| Be aware of people acting suspiciously |
| Wear your passport and most of your money next
to your skin. Leave a little money available to appease robbers |
| Don't keep all possessions in one place. Keep airline tickets separate to passport |
| Take sufficient money as British consular staff cannot send you home if
you run out |
| Carry photocopies of all important documents
separate to the originals (or use internet "safes") |
| Keep travellers cheques numbers separate and
safe |
| Set up an e-mail account at http://www.hotmail.com
or similar service |
| Check out
cybercafes available on your itinerary |
| Keep your parents informed about where you are
going and when |
| Make sure someone trustworthy locally knows
where you are going and when you are due back |
| Have a credit card for emergencies |
| Take basic medicines with you |
| Have adequate comprehensive travel insurance ensuring
coverage for any "hazardous" sports etc you might take part in.
Keep the company's emergency number safe |
| Keep your drink with you at all times. Drugs are sometimes used in rape
and once added to a drink they cannot normally be detected |
| Check cars for explosive devices |
| Respect local dress codes |
| Read up on local laws and customs |
| Find out about local scams used on tourists |
| Drugs: be aware of the, often serious, consequences |
For tips for independent travellers, try the Suzy Lamplugh website www.suzylamplugh.org and the Caroline Shuttle website www.carolinesrainbowfoundation.org or the FCO website for young travellers www.gogapyear.com
Safety training for a gap year: http://www.objectivegapyear.com 01788 899029: "Our intention is to help young people recognise danger by teaching them to think and interpret situations confronting them - without terrifying the living daylights out of them."
The Knowledge Gap www.kgap.co.uk has been established by a group of former journalists, soldiers and experienced travellers who have identified a demand amongst school leavers for gaining some practical advice on travel safety prior to embarking on their gap year.
Tips for older
independent travellers
| Discuss any unusual activities with your doctor
before booking as some may not be suitable for you |
| Discuss immunisations and other methods of
protection again before booking as you may choose to change your travel
plans |
| If you take medication order enough to last
longer than your entire trip; take your repeat prescription order form with
you in case you are challenged by customs officers. Note that the NHS only
provides "reasonable quantities"; expecting you to buy medication
abroad if you are away for a long period |
| Have a dental check up well before leaving;
take spare dentures if appropriate |
| Take spare spectacles/contact lenses and
a copy of your prescription |
| Take a good medical kit |
| Be aware of local health hazards and location
of medical facilities in each area being visited |
| Ensure you have proper travel insurance
preferably with a 24 hour emergency number to an English speaking team.
Remember to check the small print regarding pre-existing medical conditions. |
| Wear good quality supportive shoes designed for
long periods of walking |
| Take a small pillow or neck support for long
journeys |
| Get up and walk around frequently and wiggle
feet and toes to discourage swelling and blood clots. Some swelling is
probably unavoidable so don't take your shoes off or you may not be able to
get them back on! |
| A good quality backpack is useful but don't put
valuables in it |
| Drink plenty of good quality water - at least 8
glasses a day, more in hot weather |
| Consider a medic-alert bracelet or necklace if
there is important medical information foreign staff should know about |
The Minster Practice, Lichfield
