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| PLANNING |
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Before you travel, do the research! Get a guide book and find out a bit about the places you intend going to.
It is important to check the climate in order to make sure that you are not travelling to a destination at a time of the year when conditions are particularly bad.
Take out a comprehensive insurance policy, ensuring that it covers both medical expenses and loss, damage and theft of personal property.
Make sure that your travel plans do not include travel to countries where there may be unrest, civil strife or other dangers.
Check www.fco.gov.uk for further information.
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| WHAT TO TAKE |
The most important thing to take with you is a passport that is valid for the entire time you are travelling. Many countries now require that your passport is valid for a further 6 months from date of entry.
It is important to take photocopies of your psasport with you. Keep them seperate from your passport at all times. These will prove extremely useful if your passport is lost or stolen.
An excellent benefit of the ISIC card is a storage facility for important documents.
A good medical kit is crucial. Make sure that such a kit contains the following:
 Insect repellent
Travel sickness pills
Sterile syringes
Painkillers
Diarrhoea tablets
If you wear glasses or contacts, make sure you take spares and details of your prescription.
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| COMMUNICATION |
Being able to stay in touch with relatives and friends whilst travelling is vital, both in terms of knowing what's been happening whist you are away and to let people know where you are and what you are up to.
Part of the benefits of the ISIC card includes a communication benefits package called ISIConnect that includes:
Reduced call rates worldwide
Fax and voice-mail messaging
Free-email
Multi-lingual customer service
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| WHILST THERE |
Be vigilant, it can never be underestimated. It is important that at all times you are aware of where your belongings are and that your baggage is never left unattended.
Carry as few valuables as possible and attempt to keep excess cash, passports, cameras etc in hotel safes. Buy and use a money belt.
Do not be overt in showing cash and other valuables to locals.
Try to observe local dress codes and not stand out whenever possible. This includes going topless or wearing shorts unless you know that it is accepted by the locals. Dress conservatively as far as possible and be particularly careful in what you where when visiting religious sites.
Avoid arriving places at night - give your self plenty of time to find and settle in accommodation.
Try to learn some key phrases in the language of the country you are visiting. This will increase your credibility no end.
Ask permission before you take any photographs of the locals.
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| ECO TRAVEL |
It is important that you travel bear in mind the needs of the local environment you are in.
You can help here by being conscious of the amount of rubbish (use as many biodegradable products as possible) you leave and the amount of water and energy you use.
Think about the purchases you make and avoid buying souvenirs that may have been made from endangered species.
Useful sites:
www.tourismconcern.com
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