Travel Safety Tips
Your holiday is booked, your airport parking with I Love meet and greet is taken care of and now you can look forward to your trip.
Any travel is exciting; you get to experience wonderful cultures and visit breath-taking places all around the world and employing a few safety precautions will ensure you have the most amazing trip and give you the chance to truly relax and make the most of your holiday.
Travel Health Advice
Before you travel find out if you need to be vaccinated against some of the serious diseases found in other parts of the world i.e. cholera, typhoid and hepatitis. Vaccinations need to be given up to eight weeks before you travel and are usually available free on the NHS. Your local GP or practice nurse will be able to offer advice.
Make sure you apply or renew your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) card before travelling. A valid EHIC card will give you the right to access state-provided healthcare during your holiday or trip in another European Economic Area. The EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance so make sure you take out travel insurance too.
To avoid stomach upsets abroad drink bottled water and only brush your teeth with water that you know has been treated. And avoid ice cubes in drinks or make your own if you can.
Travel Tips
Research the destination you are travelling to and identify the areas that are considered safe; look on local government websites for information. Consult your hotel manager or local tourist information centre on safety information about the area. Identify and understand local cultures, rules and laws and obey them.
Buy a mini padlock for your suitcase and make sure you know where your suitcase is at all times especially through airports, train and bus stations.
Take photocopies of your passport, travel insurance, itineries and all other important documents and keep in a safe place. Also keep an electronic copy of your immunisation record, itinerary, travel insurance and visas before you leave. Give a copy of your itinerary to family and friends back at home.
Never carry large amounts of cash around with you and don’t carry everything together; take what you need out with you and leave the rest back in a safe or hidden in your room. Never carry anything in your back pocket; invest in a money pouch or keep your wallet in your front pocket.
Take a map with you or use an app on your mobile device to make sure you know where you are at all times. Avoid asking directions from strangers. Always be aware of your surrounding and try to blend in as much as possible; don’t get too engrossed in sightseeing, distracted tourists make easy targets for thieves.
Avoid walking alone at night and never venture into dark or non-touristy areas. If you are taking a taxi make sure you always get into a licensed taxi.
Remember to tell your bank you are travelling abroad as they may block any attempt to take money out or pay for something on your card, which could leave you in a very sticky situation.
Safest Places To travel
Finland was ranked first place as the safest place in the world in the World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2017. Other countries ranked in the top 10 for their safety and security include UAE, Iceland, Oman, Hong Kong, Singapore, Norway, Switzerland, Rwanda and Qatar. Other safe destinations include Spain, Portugal, Slovenia, Denmark and New Zealand.
Thailand Travel Tips
Overall Thailand is a safe nation to travel to and just as you need to be aware of your surroundings and personal safety when you are travelling anywhere in the world, you also need to be aware when in Thailand. Take care when leaving valuables in your room and carry your most important effects (money, passport and credit cards) with you. Stay visible and stick to the busier areas; don’t frequent deserted beach areas and don’t walk on your own at night.
Australia Travel Safety
Australia is a beautiful but vast country and you should plan journeys carefully if you are travelling to remote areas. The level of crime is about the same as the UK so just be careful with your personal possessions and travel documents. Australia is also home to many dangerous creatures such as spiders and snakes so make sure you know what they look like before you travel. Be prepared for outback journeys and long bushwalks or hikes. If swimming beware of the Australia’s strong currents and if you are driving on rural roads after dark, be careful and watch for wandering wildlife.
Vietnam Travel Tips
Vietnam is an extremely safe country to travel in; just be extra careful if you are travelling on two wheels on Vietnam’s road as traffic accidents are common and driving standards are pretty poor. You are also required to carry photographic ID with you at all times. Like any other destination remain alert and take care of your belonging especially in crowded areas and places visited by tourists as pick pockets are common.
By Sarah Anglim at 25 Sep 2017