04 Jan 2014

You’ve spent hours planning, months saving and endless time imagining your not-too-distant travels, but one simple thing that’s easy to forget is your safety. As always Year13 has you covered for any of your potential travel woes. Follow these nine tips on travelling safely and your next holiday will be a breeze!

1. Check out Smarttraveller

Smarttraveller is an Australian government website that has all your travel issues sorted. They’ll provide you with up-to-date travel advice, information and warnings and you can even register your travel plans with them so that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade can contact and find you in an emergency. They have an awesome travel checklist that covers before you go, while you’re away and when you’re coming home.

2. Send someone your itinerary

Keep your mother’s nerves suitably settled by sending her your itinerary. If your friends and family know where you are, there’s no need to contact them too regularly, but sending a quick, “Hello, I’m alive,” message every now and then will keep worrying at bay.

3. Get jabbed

Take a visit to your local GP and make sure you get any shots that you need. Keep in mind that you may need to have a couple of shots over a couple of months time for them to actually work so this is something you want to sort out way before your travels. Make sure you take all of your prescription medications with you and always pack some good old Panadol for those mornings where you’ll wake with a major headache.

4. Get your credit card sorted

Before you head off, call your bank and let them know you’ll be travelling overseas (debit or credit cards). The last thing you need is your card not working because your bank thinks some foreigner is stealing your hard-earned cash. Also, think about investing in a travel card. Stick to the big banks and you’ll save money on withdrawal and exchange fees.

5. Be prepared to live differently

If you’re going to America, don’t be the dickhead who doesn’t tip because you don’t do it at home. Too bad, you’re somewhere else, and it’s time to live by their rules. Do your damn best to not offend the locals.

6. Get travel insurance

It’s pretty simple, you could find yourself absolutely f*cked if you don’t, so just get it. You don’t want to rack up thousands of dollars in medical bills in Thailand, break your laptop in America, have your wallet stolen in Rome or lose your passport anywhere and not be covered.

7. Make copies of your passport

Make copies of any important documents. It can take weeks for a new passport to arrive, and you don’t want to make the process any longer. There are even scanning apps, such as TurboScan, that keep your documents saved online for you to easily access at any point on your trip.

8. Have multiple cards and spread them out

In the sad and unlikely event that you are mugged, robbed or lose your wallet or suitcase, you should have multiple debit or credit cards, and not keep them in the same place. Example? Keep one in your money bag or wallet, and one in your backpack or suitcase back at wherever you’re staying. If one gets stolen, you’ll still have access to your money!

9. Consider investing in a travel money belt

If you’re visiting a city where there’s a likely chance you could be pick pocketed or robbed, you’ll want a travel money belt. They are concealed under your clothes and make it pretty damn hard for thieves to steal your stuff.

by Emma Trkulja