| Planning for and travelling to a trip abroad can be tiring | | | | you can be contacted in case of emergency. |
| and stressful. To help relieve those holiday worries | | | | Life at home doesn't stop while you're away, and you |
| we've put together our top 10 travel tips, so you can | | | | may need to be quickly contacted by friends or family |
| make the most of your time away. | | | | should there be an emergency. Make sure they can |
| 1. Make sure you have a signed, valid passport and | | | | do this by leaving your travel details (address & |
| visas, if required. | | | | telephone number of your accommodation, email |
| Imagine, you're at the airport, you're about to check in, | | | | address & travel itinerary) with selected friends |
| and you notice your passport has expired! Your | | | | and family. |
| holiday is over before it's even begun. Avoid this | | | | 6. Do not leave your luggage unattended in public |
| disappointment by ensuring your passport is up to date. | | | | areas. Do not accept packages from strangers. |
| In most cases you'll find that your passport must be | | | | With all the security measures currently in place in |
| valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay. | | | | public areas such as airports and train stations it is |
| If you don't have a passport, your current passport | | | | essential to ensure that you keep hold of your luggage |
| has expired or is close to expiration, we recommend | | | | at all times. If you're asked to hold an item for a |
| applying for one now. In the UK it is recommended that | | | | stranger, politely decline. |
| you leave at least a month between applying for your | | | | 7. Avoid being a target of crime. Avoid wearing |
| passport and arranging travel – this time period | | | | conspicuous clothing and expensive jewellery, and |
| may be longer in other countries. Also bear in mind that | | | | carrying excessive amounts of money, credit cards or |
| during summer months your passport office will be | | | | gadgets. |
| inundated with applications, and this may cause a | | | | Travellers and tourists are obvious targets for foreign |
| backlog. Be sure to apply for your new passport in | | | | criminals – they usually stick out like a sore |
| plenty of time if you wish to travel during this period. | | | | thumb and carry plenty of cash and gadgets such as |
| Also consider the length and type of your trip. Many | | | | digital cameras, camcorders & iPods. Reduce your |
| countries require that you hold a valid visa to work or | | | | chances of being a victim by dressing appropriately |
| take an extended stay, and you may find that you are | | | | and only taking what you need – travellers |
| breaking your host county's laws without one. | | | | cheques are much safer than cash, and if you wish to |
| 2. Read the Consular Information Sheets, public | | | | take any pictures or listen to music while you're out, |
| announcements or travel warnings for the areas you | | | | keep your devices out of reach and out of site! |
| plan to visit. | | | | 8. To avoid violating local laws, deal only with |
| Be sure to read up on the areas you plan to visit with | | | | authorized agents when exchanging money or making |
| these resources to help ensure your personal safety | | | | sizable purchases. |
| and make the most of your trip. | | | | The old adage is right – it something's too good |
| 3. Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs of | | | | to be true, it usually is. If you're offered an amazing |
| the countries to which you are travelling. | | | | exchange rate or investment opportunity from a |
| The last thing any of us want while enjoying our | | | | stranger with no credentials, walk away. Even if they |
| travels is to be seen as an obnoxious tourist. We all | | | | seem able to prove their identity or position, remain |
| know the type, and it's not a good look. This can be | | | | cautious, and trust your instincts – get out if you |
| easily avoided by finding out about the customs of the | | | | feel at all uneasy. |
| country you intend to visit – perhaps even learn | | | | 9. If you get into trouble, contact the nearest embassy |
| a bit of the lingo. Some knowledge along these lines will | | | | for your country. |
| surely be welcomed by the locals and will help you to | | | | Your county's embassy is the place to turn if you find |
| enjoy your surroundings that little bit more. Also ensure | | | | yourself a victim of crime or in trouble with the law. If |
| you're aware of any differences in local law to your | | | | you are a citizen of the EU and your country does not |
| home country, as when you are abroad you are | | | | have an embassy, contact the nearest EU member |
| subject to the rules of your host country, and | | | | embassy and request guidance from them. Many of |
| ignorance is rarely accepted as an excuse. | | | | them will provide some level of assistance in an |
| 4. Make 2 copies of your passport identification page. | | | | emergency. |
| This will help if your passport is lost or stolen while you | | | | 10. Above all, have fun! |
| are away – usually a complete nightmare, but | | | | With all the planning that is required for a successful |
| made so much easier just by following this little tip. | | | | holiday, it can be easy to get bogged down and forget |
| Leave one copy at home with friends or family, and | | | | to have fun and relax! With some simple preparation |
| carry the other with you in a separate place to your | | | | before you go, you can enjoy your holiday with |
| passport. Do NOT carry it with your passport. | | | | minimum fuss while there. You deserve a break |
| 5. Leave contact details with friends and family so that | | | | – make sure you get it! |