Travel Documentation:

• Make sure your passport has at least six months validity and carry additional copies of your passport photo with you in case you need a replacement passport while overseas.
• Leave a copy of your travel itinerary with someone at home and keep in regular contact with friends and relatives while overseas.
• Make copies of your passport details, insurance policy, travelers’ cheques, visas and credit card numbers. Carry one copy in a separate place to the originals and leave a copy with someone at home.

Visas:

• Check to see if you require visas for the country or countries you are visiting or transiting. Be aware that a visa does not guarantee entry.

Travel Insurance:

• Take out appropriate travel insurance to cover hospital treatment, medical evacuation and any activities, including adventure sports, in which you plan to participate.

Health:

• Check with health professionals/travel clinics for information on recommended vaccinations or other precautions and find out about overseas laws on traveling with medicines.

General:

• Obey the law. Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs of the countries to which you are traveling. Consular assistance cannot override local laws, even where local laws appear harsh or unjust by your country’s standards.
• Check the latest travel advice for your destination and subscribe to receive instant e-mail notification each time the travel advice for your destination is updated.
• Before departing, check whether you are regarded as a national of the country you intend to visit. Research whether holding dual nationality has any implications for your travel.
• If you get into trouble, contact your nearest embassy.
• Do not leave your luggage unattended in public areas. Do not accept packages from strangers.
• To avoid being a target of crime, try not to wear conspicuous clothing and expensive jewelry and do not carry excessive amounts of money or unnecessary credit cards.
• In order to avoid violating local laws, deal only with authorized agents when you exchange money or purchase art or antiques.

Preparation:

• Use a comprehensive packing list that covers all aspects of your travel plans. Necessary items are expensive and sometimes not found in certain areas.
• Buy an adaptor for electrical appliances that are compatible for the country/countries you plan to visit. Various makes are available from your local travel store.
• Choose the most appropriate luggage e.g. for backpacking try out a backpack that will work for you and that fits your travel plans or choose a strong suitcase for business travel to keep suits and clothing from creasing.
• Do not pack unnecessary items. Depending on your travel plans bulky, heavy luggage can be unpleasant and in the way. For instance, when small aircraft are used for transfers, strict baggage restrictions are enforced.