Before You Go
Keeping the folks back home happy!
Use a checklist to make sure you have packed everything you will need.
Check out our Backpacking Checklist, Motoring Checklist, Winter Checklist, Summer Checklist or Camping Checklist. These are suggestions intended only as a guide and you will need to tailor them to suit your personal needs.
Purchase good guide and phrase books, and any maps you may need.
Ensure that you have all your necessary documentation ready and up-to-date. This includes your passport, visas, vaccination certificates, and travel insurance documents. Remember to add Extreme Sports coverage to your policy if you are intending to indulge in any extreme sports such as bungee jumping. Don’t get caught out!
When booking your travel insurance, make sure that all your intended activities are covered.
Purchase a good quality money belt or similar to keep your passport, money and vital documents on your body. Keep important items with you at all times and not packed in luggage.
Make a note of all your important numbers and information in case of theft or loss. Include in this list all your credit card numbers and bank customer service phone numbers to call to cancel them in case of loss or theft. Leave a copy of this at home or with friends who you can contact if needed.
It is not a good idea to travel with large amounts of cash. Use travelers cheques and credit cards instead. However, keep a small amount of emergency cash in each bag, just in case.
Make sure you have the correct electric adaptors for the countries you plan to visit.
Put your name, address and contact number inside each piece of your luggage, as well as concealed on the outside of your luggage. Never leave your bags unattended at any time.
Pack a small first aid kit, a Swiss Army type knife and small sewing kit.
Check with your airline regarding their current security procedures before you
set off to the airport so that you know what needs to be packed in your check-in luggage and what can be carried onboard. Remember that the airlines will not allow sharp instruments such as scissors, tweezers, etc. in carry-on luggage. Budget enough cash to purchase drinks and snacks onboard if they are not allowed to be carried on.
If you have a rental car, be aware that most of them do not come with theft alarms. Also, locking your valuables away in the boot is not a good idea as cars can be broken into and the contents of the boot accessed by pulling down the rear seats! We have personal experience of this. If you leave your valuables unattended you are inviting thieves – and many of them are very good at what they do.
In the event of theft or loss you must obtain a police report in order to make a claim against your travel insurance. Original documents will be required, but keep copies for your records. Be aware that obtaining the police report can be a major hassle if there are language problems and the local police do not speak English, so be prepared and take someone with you who can translate if needed, or if you don’t speak the language carry a good phrase book.
If you stay in a good hotel keep your valuables locked in the hotel safe or in a safe deposit box.
In a winter sports destination be vigilant about leaving your sports equipment unattended as theft is common. Also remember that when you are at high altitude your tolerance for alcohol will be diminished!
