Finding Reason

Smart Travels, Amigo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Being adventurous and carefree isn't enough of a safeguard to protect you from some of the hassles that can confront travellers. While I was abroad for all of 2015, I didn't face any travel or personal security issues. I like to think that I owe my travel security to basic research and common sense. This is sometimes labelled as 'smart travelling'.Check out the guide below, which is split into preparation and while travelling. If you think we missed anything, let us know in the comments section :). Safe Travels! 

 

Preperation

 

Premeditate

What sparked your desire to travel? Where are you going? Will your destination, accommodation or itinerary really perpetuate your reason for travel? Give it some thought before you lock anything in. Make sure that you research the pros and cons of the different types of travelling, relative to the areas you're interested in.  

 

Research

It's very important to research. I can understand why a lot of people prefer not to plan out their travels, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't research information relative to areas of travel such as visas, insurance or security. 

 

     Visas 

Most countries in the world have easily accessible information about visas. Googling the country you're interested in with 'visa information' should be enough to show the results you'd be loooking for. If you're Australian, I'd recommend using Smartraveller to research foreign visa information, catered especially for Australian travellers. There are other useful websites out there, like ProjectVisa, which can point you in the right direction to attain information about visa requirements. 
 

    Insurance

Insurance is essential and easy to attain. For obvious reasons, I strongly discourage people from travelling without insurance. If you don't take out insurance, and you are involved in an accident, you'll be liable for all relative costs. Make sure that your travel insurance covers medical costs, as well as theft and damage to your items. It is also important to choose an insurance policy that covers any transport interuptions or cancellations. 

 

A cool tip for travellers under the age of 25 is to consider a policy that covers damage to rental cars. This allows you to waive any third party insurance costs imposed by the rental company. My favourite insurance companies are World Nomads, 1cover, and Southern Cross Travel Insurance. World Nomads and 1cover allow you to take out a policy if you're already abroad, which is a great feature for backpackers. You can read a very informative guide to travel insurance here. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some features of exceptional insurance policies include the following: 

 

• a high cover for medical/hospital expenses ($100,000 to 'unlimited')

• a high cover for emergency evacuation ($100,000 to 'unlimited')

• covers most countries

• receptive and available 24/7

• emergency dental treatment (up to $500) 

• covers lost/stolen/damaged goods ($2000 to $10,000)

• covers trip interruption ($500 to $1000)

• covers emergency visit home ($800 - $1,500)

 

      Money 

Keep an eye on the cash flow, yo. If you're going to a different country, learn the exchange rate by memory. Tourists are always a target for scammers. If you know how much the local money is worth against yours, it will reduce the chances of you being hustled or deceived. Use the internet to find the places that will buy your money for the best value. For example, in Jamaica, the best place to swap USD for JMD was in Cambio storefronts. Commercial banks always charged higher rates. Try and get some of the foreign money from home, instead of swapping at the airport, where rates are always expensive. 

    Money Cards & Travel hacking

There are smart ways to spend your money while you're travelling. Research the benefits of using prepaid travel or credit cards. When I travelled across the United States, I preloaded all my money onto a Qantas Cash card, and accumulated enough frequent flyer points to get a free flight home. The money that was going to go towards my return flight was instead used to backpack across Hawaii. How did I get so many points? It wasn't just simply spending money. I researched the airlines in America to see if any had an affiliation with Qantas - and American Airlines did. So, I got twice the Qantas flyer points - half for punching in my Qantas number when I booked American Airlines flights, and some for buying the ticket with the funds loaded onto my Qantas Cash Card. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I still feel smug about it. The flyer points from that trip are also getting me to New Zealand and back in two months. This positive experience with Qantas Cash is just a small example of the perks you can get by applying for different prepaid cards and credit cards. If you're willing to do the research, I'm sure you'll find a card that will help you in some way while you're abroad. There are far too many for me to go into, so start reading up on the googles!

 

Some useful features to look for in a travel card include: 

 

• linked to account services, with a BSB and account number

• linked to online account services, inclusive of;

  • deposit, transfer and withdrawal functions

  • automatic statement and transfer history

  • currency-to-currency conversions

  • a secure domain

  • free funds loading/transfer
     

• worldwide ATM partnerships (or no fee withdrawals)

• 24/7 assisstance and customer support

 

     Safety and Security

You won't ruin any cultural or travel surprises by researching the security of a country you're planning to visit. When I research a destination for safety purposes, I almost always learn something useful. Even if you're not Australian, use our government website Smartraveller to see the security data, information and advice presented for (as far as I'm aware) any country in the world. 

 

Vaccinations

It's possible that you will be refused entry into a country if your vaccination history doesn't meet the national requirements of the country. Sites like Smartraveller, or the nation's tourism authority website, will be able to inform you about vaccination and other health requirements. Include proof of all vaccinations in your travel documents. Keep the travel documents on your person, because you might need them to clear customs and immigration.

 

Travel Documents

If you're unaware of what travel documents are, check out the subsection in my guide to gear. For security purposes, I'd highly recommend that you photocopy your financial cards, identity cards, passport, passport photos, visa articles, proof of forward travel, vaccination history, and statement of funds - among any other documents you'd consider to be as important. 

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While You're Travelling

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Public Transport

Public transport is commonly a cheap method of transport. If you're considering the use of public transport, make sure you familiarise yourself with types, routes and prices. Be prepared to speak and interact with other people. Make sure that the transport is official, licensed and insured to carry you. There is a multitude of information online that can help you to determine what public transports across the world are suitable to move you.

 

Accommodation 

If you are booking accommodation while you're travelling, take some time out to read reviews of the lodging and host. This is especially important if you're using AirBnb, where I don't usually book if there is less than five reviews. 

 

Embassy and Consulate

Man, something might happen while you're abroad. Make sure you jot down the addresses of embassies and consulates.

 

Valuables

Remember to keep your valuables and travel documents secure, especially if you're staying in a hostel. Consider avoiding a hostel if it doesn't provide lockers or a secure facility. If you're on the move, padlock them inside your backpack.  

Party Safe!

It is a well understood fact that travellers who blast their mind with booze and drugs are likely the ones to be robbed, kidnapped, arrested or assaulted. Alcohol can be such a bastard to travellers. Be careful when you're out drinking. Try and stay with friends, and don't stay out into the early hours of the morning. Consider getting a taxi or Uber instead of walking.

 

Data Roaming

I wish this was a no brainer, but it's not. Unless you're very wealthy, don't use data roaming to pick up mobile reception in a foreign country. I met a guy who was slapped with a $2000 AUD phone bill because he had data roaming on for a week and a half while he was in the US. Buy a local simcard or stick to wifi hotspots. 

 

Keep Healthy
Getting sick while you're on the road is a nightmare. I've had the flu, food poisoning, mono and elevation sickness during my travels, and it is incredibly depressing when you should be having the time of your life. Remember to keep up with a healthy diet that includes fruit, vegetables, and plenty of water. With water, remain informed about the drinking suitablilty in the places you're going. I made a great habit of eating garlic cloves, and drinking apple cider vinegar to keep me healthy. What a glorious elixir of life. Try to get some sleep - no matter how crazy your schedule is. 

the Dark Side

Don't act like you're superior to other travellers because you're better at backpacking, or something. People can have a lot of luggage if they want, and they can go on tours if that's how they want to see the world. Getting involved in travel snobbery, especially in hostels, can cause you to miss some incredible opportunities with other people.