Travel Guide
International Travel
- Do not announce your final destination, or your length of stay to fellow passengers; the information may be overheard
- Always check the number of seats or rows to the nearest emergency exit when first boarding the aircraft
- Keep passports, travelling documents, money and other valuables either in a concealed money belt, or in a carry-on flight bag that you can keep an eye on; when going to the bathroom take any valuable items and important documents with you
- On luggage tags rather give an office address without the name of the company in the holder; do not include personal details
- When passing through airport security keep an eye on any items that go through the baggage scanners; try to go through security points as the items pass through the scanner
- Always pack your own bag and do not offer to carry any parcels that you maybe unsure as to what is inside
- When travelling across borders overland, do not carry any parcels that you are unsure as to what is inside
- When travelling across borders overland in a vehicle that you do not own, or rent, rather get out and walk across the border than remain in a vehicle that might be trying to smuggle across goods that you are unaware of
Hotel
- Have money for tipping the doormen/porters ready; avoid opening money holders and revealing amounts of currency that you have on you
- Lock any valuables and travel documents in the hotel safe, and rather carry around photocopies of your passport and necessary visas
- Request a hotel key that does not have your room number printed on it to prevent anyone who might find the key knowing what room it is for, or rather hand in the key to the front desk each time you leave the hotel
- Having satisfied yourself that the door locks are in proper working order, remember to check them before retiring for the night
- When inside a hotel room, irrespective of the length of stay, always use the deadbolt on the door. If the door has a safety chain, twist it to take up the slack before latching it
- Do not open your room door unless you can confirm the identity of the person on the other side. Remember, not all criminals and potential attackers are the tough and aggressive types. Confidence tricksters prey on your vulnerability and will offer many reasons to get you to open your door; they may even claim to be hotel staff members or security staff. If in doubt, call reception to confirm the caller's identity before opening the door
- A "Please make up my room" sign outside your door advertises that the room is empty. If you want your room cleaned, arrange it through the hotel housekeeper or reception
- If when returning to your hotel, you find that your room door is unlocked or appears to have been tampered with, do not enter the room; request assistance from reception. If your room security has been breached, consider asking for another room
- It is advisable to deposit the room key at reception when booking out. Do not leave it in the door and do not leave the door open when you finally leave your room. Should anything be stolen from the room you may find yourself liable for the cost of its replacement
Local Travel
- If you are planning to drive in the country you are travelling to, make sure your licence is current and a valid form of licence for the country
- Check-up on the road and traffic laws before driving and also be aware that being a visitor does not exclude you from being fined for any traffic offence you may commit. If you are unsure why you have been pulled over, or if the police approaching you seem suspicious, keep your window closed and show your licence through the glass
- When walking around consult a map before you go out, by knowing where you are going you will look more confident; be aware of your surroundings and use a pocket size map if looking at one in the street; avoid unlit streets and areas that seem deserted
- Have small change or a few low denomination bank notes in your pocket for easy access, especially when travelling on public transport; when going out carry only one credit card, photocopies of important documents, and only as much money as you think you'll need for that day
- When catching taxis try to use established taxi companies or ask airport information and hotel reception for reputable taxi drivers; carry around the number of the taxi company for future reference
- Take down the taxi driver's name and the car's registration when entering the car as an insurance if you feel the driver needs to be reported; requesting such information also warns the driver not to take you on any 'scenic' routes
- Ask someone at hotel reception, or an information bureau, to write down the destination you wish to go to, in case the driver does not speak your language
Passport, Visa and Photography
- Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months after your return date, that you have the necessary visas and that you have the requisite two blank pages in your passport; take another form of identification with you and leave copies of all documents, and itineraries, at home. Try to keep in regular contact with family and friends through email, phone or fax
- The use of cameras and binoculars may be restricted to certain areas in the country, especially near military sites, airports and government institutions; if in doubt ask locals before using any equipment
Health
- Before travelling make sure you have the necessary vaccinations, and are aware of any health precautions you should take while away
- If you need to take prescribed medicines while travelling, keep the medicines in the original containers, and also carry a doctor's letter explaining the prescriptions.
Etiquette
- Before visiting a country find out about local laws, customs and culture to ensure you dress appropriately. Do not break any laws that may be a direct result of the countries culture, or behave in a manner that may seem insulting to locals
- Have a phrase book with you at all times, and learn a few key phrases in case of emergencies
In the Case of an Emergency
- Civil unrest: stay away from any crowds; peaceful demonstrations can often turn violent; return to your hotel and listen to any local news on TV or radio
- Natural disaster: listen to local weather reports and warnings and follow any advice given
- Keep in contact with family members or friends to let them know you are safe, visit your country's embassy for further advice
Please contact us for travel insurance.