In our modern day, more and more people are travelling more often, further afield and for longer durations. Therefore, these tourists must respect the places they are visiting, by following their customs and helping local people. Below are our top tips for being a responsible tourist; Read more
Public transport is a great way to travel around abroad; it throws you head first into the culture, and allows you to see more of your destination, plus it is usually a lot cheaper than using a taxi.
Every year, more and more people are heading further afield for trips and holidays, unfortunately a long flight and the effect of entering into a new time zone will usually result in jet lag.
Jet Lag will have different effects on different people, and these can range from lethargy and grumpiness, to headaches and stomach upsets, to disorientation and diarrhoea.
To help avoid and counteract jet lag, here are our top tips;
If you follow these guidelines, it should reduce the effect jet lag, and help your body clock to readjust and conquer it as quickly as possible.
Driving can be a great way to get around a foreign country and avoid busy public transport. Many people choose to drive abroad as it allows them to travel and see as much as possible, and do it at their own pace. However, if you are intending to drive abroad you must be extremely careful, most countries have different rules, laws and behaviours when it comes to driving and you must be aware of these to keep safe.
Here is our advice for avoiding disaster when driving abroad;
We are normally at our most relaxed when we are on holiday or travelling, unfortunately this is usually when disaster strikes. In our tranquil state we let our guard down, and increase the risk to our possessions and personal safety. Here we have created tips and advice for keeping safe whilst abroad;
When travelling or holidaying abroad most of us know the basic safety precautions, however there are many more serious issues which people tend not to think about until they themselves or someone they know find themselves in a tricky position abroad. In this blog, we intend to list those issues and offer advice.
It may sound obvious, but many people do not think about this until they face a medical emergency. This can be especially frightening if no one around you speaks English, or understands what you need. 112 is the international number to contact emergency help, but some countries also have local numbers, which you should be aware of when you travel.
If you do face a medical emergency you should always contact your travel insurer as soon as possible, because they will be able to offer help, support and advice.
Most travel insurance claims arise from stolen, damaged or lost possessions; never leave your possessions unattended and beware of pickpockets, always keep important documents and cash locked in a safe.
If you need to carry your passport a money belt may not be the fashionable choice, but it is the best way to keep your passport and money safe while you’re out and about, wear it under your clothes to avoid notice. It is also a good idea to carry a small extra wallet or purse with change, to avoid flashing your cash. Also avoid wearing expensive jewellery, because this may attract unwanted attention.
Always check local laws and customs before you travel. You could find yourself in serious trouble for something that would not be illegal or simply frowned upon in another country.
Sometimes hostels and hospitals will ask to see or hold your passport, but always remember never to give possession of your passport to anyone. Around the world some hospitals will hold a passport until a patient has paid their medical bills, basically holding the passport to ransom and causing a lot of problems for the traveller. In your passport it actually states that it is your property, and should only be in your possession.
If you break custom’s regulations, even unknowingly, you could still find yourself in a lot of trouble. Make sure you have declared everything and anything they ask, and always check their rules before you travel.
For example, in some countries it is illegal to carry natural products such as shells, coral and some types of wood (e.g. souvenirs).
Food poisoning and stomach upsets are really common complaints amongst travellers, so always be really careful about what you eat and drink abroad. If you do become severely unwell, alert your travel insurer and seek medical help.
Again, it may seem obvious but many people fail to properly prepare for a different climate. Especially if you’re heading somewhere hot, make sure you wear sun protection of at least factor 25, carry a sun hat, and sunglasses to protect against UV, take regular breaks in the shade and make sure you stay hydrated.
Be aware that many travel insurers will not cover you to cancel your trip, or to cut it short because of a relative with a pre-existing medical condition.
Always check the FCDO website before you travel, to make sure your chosen location is safe and open for tourists. Insurers will not cover people who travel against FCDO advice.
This can happen for multiple reasons, perhaps your flight has been cancelled due to adverse weather, or maybe your airline has gone bust. In either situation it falls to the airline or the aviation/travel authorities to get you home. Your travel insurer will be able to offer help and advice in this situation.
Each country has varying rules about what you are allowed to bring into their country, if you are travelling between European countries the rules are usually less strict than if you travel further afield.
Nevertheless, customs regulations can be extremely strict, and if you are caught with a banned item or substance, you could face a hefty fine, arrest and even imprisonment.
Before you depart, do some research or check with the airline to make sure, but to be safe, do not travel with these items;
The airport usually marks the beginning, and end of any trip – unfortunately these parts tend to be the most stressful and annoying.
Airport delays are getting longer, and their prices are getting more expensive, meaning that the dreaded airport experience is only set to get worse. Below are our top tips for surviving the airport;
Luggage raises the most uncertainty among passengers, and also causes delays, fines and upset. What is allowed is hand luggage? What weight allowance is allowed? How do I transport valuables safely? How can I make sure my luggage arrives safely at my destination?
1) You should not pack anything into your hand luggage which could cause harm or alarm to fellow passengers, for example; razor blades, knives and pen knives, scissors, needles, bats, cutlery, toy or fake guns. Liquids over 100ml are also not allowed. Check your airport’s or airline’s website for more information.
2) Weight and size restrictions can be found on the airline’s website, and are usually displayed when you are booking the flight. Weight your luggage on your scales before you leave for the airport, to avoid any nasty fines.
3) Laptops should always be carried in your hand luggage – never put them in your case. It doesn’t matter how much padding you put in, they are extremely likely to be damaged. Always leave valuables at home if possible, but if you must bring them, keep them with you at all times.
4) Always padlock your case, and put a label with your contact details on the outside, and a duplicate copy in the pocket of your suitcase (in case the outer one falls off). Many cases look the same, so put something distinguishing on yours to stop someone else picking it up by accident – tying a colorful scarf or tie around the handle is always a good idea.
Most airlines now offer the option to check in online, if you can, doing this before you arrive at the airport could save you some time. All you will need to do is drop off your bags at the appropriate desk.
Most airlines open check in desks two hours before the set departure time of the flight, so to be safe, always aim to get to the airport two hours before your flight is due to leave. Although this does mean you could be sitting around for a while, it also gives you a cushion if you get stuck in unexpected traffic, or forget something. Airlines will usually be unsympathetic if you are late; it is your job to get there on time.
Parking at the airport can be extremely expensive, look up deals on the internet or research alternative modes of transport, for example a taxi or the train.
Security always seems to be the slowest part of the journey through the airport. You can speed up the process by being prepared. Make sure you remove your belt, the contents of your pockets, and your laptop from your bag, and then place everything in the trays provided.
Remember that any liquids must be removed from your hand luggage, put in a transparent bag (available at security) and put in the tray.
Pay attention, if they ask you to remove your shoes, or walk through the scanner again, make sure you do so quickly. Collect your possessions and go to the designated area provided to put everything back.
Unfortunately, if your flight is delayed, there is not much you can do;
1) Ask a member of staff if they can give you any further information
2) keep an eye on the departures screen
3) Keep calm
That is about it. If your flight is delayed, why not pamper yourself and invest in a one day pass to the departures lounge? You will get comfortable seating, peace and quiet, snacks, newspapers and the lounge assistants will update you about the status of your flight.
Keep checking the departures screen and listening for announcements, otherwise you could delay the flight.
If your luggage does go missing, alert airport staff and they will direct you to a desk to lodge the loss. Then call your travel insurance company, and they can advise you on what to do next.
Make sure you have planned transport from the airport to your accommodation. For example if the hotel are sending transport to pick you up, where are you meeting them? Do you need to show them anything? If you plan to travel by taxi, make sure you have currency ready.
Have a great trip!
Packing can be one of the most stressful parts of going away; finding the balance between packing too much and not enough is very difficult.
Here are our top 10 useful tips to stress free and successful packing:
1. Forget everything you knew about packing, do not fold your clothes, roll them to reduce space and prevent creasing.
2. Remember that airlines have size and weight restrictions on hand and hold luggage, check and weigh your luggage before you leave home to avoid expensive fines.
3. Remember that you cannot pack these items in your hand luggage;
4. Decide what you actually need and what you could live without, put outfits together before you leave, with accessories and shoes etc. Not only will this save space it will also save you the stress of having nothing to wear despite the suitcase full of clothes.
5. Mix and match your clothes, a maxi dress looks great on the beach and for a night out.
6. Always carry a change of clothes and any vital possessions (as long as they are allowed, see point three) in your hand luggage. Not only will this save space it will also cushion the misery if your case goes missing.
7. Wear your bulkiest things on the plane, this may sound silly but it will save you lots of room and bulky coats make great pillows for the journey.
8. Don’t pack things that are dry clean only, or things that will need loads of ironing, it’s just not worth it. Pack suitable clothing and ALWAYS remember to pack comfortable shoes.
9. Always leave room in your case, no matter how hard you try; you may come home with souvenirs and purchases, and you need to fit these in your case to get them home.
10. Think outside the box;
The final rule for successful packing is to remember to pack your important documents, for example your travel insurance documents in your hand luggage.
For more tips, check out our handy Packing Guide Video
There is nothing worse than returning from a wonderful holiday to immediate stress and panic. No one wants massive bills simply for using their phone in another country, but it is important that you are aware of how you can prevent these bills.
This is our guide to avoiding huge phone bills whilst abroad;
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The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has up-to-date advice on staying safe abroad, see gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. FCDO Travel Advice can change so check regularly for the latest information and sign up to email alerts for your destination. For more general travel information, visit the FCDO Travel Aware website at travelaware.campaign.gov.uk.
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