You must always pack your own bags and not put Anything
inside that will get you in trouble, this includes
Flammable Liquids, Sharp Objects and banned substances
of any kind. Under No Circumstances should you ever
allow anyone, not even your best friend to pack your bag.
When checking Inn, nowadays in any airport you are
always asked. Did you pack your own bag? A This question
may sound routine to you but it is the most important
question with regards to your travel.
The Second thing you must ALWAYS REMEMBER.
Never carry anything for anyone no matter how small the
package or what the excuse is, your life and your
freedom may depend on this. In most countries around the
world trafficking Banned substances will extend your
Holiday a lot longer than you want it to, maybe for the
rest of your life it’s No JOKE!
Passports and visas
Every Country has a different policy on Visa’s and entry
permits. It is inportant that you check with the Embassy
of the Country or Countries you are going to visit,to
see what their Visa or entry requirement are. If you
need to get a visa it can take a couple of days so you
need to plan ahead, and you would also need a passport
that has at least 6 months left before it expires. This
may increase if you are going to be travelling for a
longer period.
Keep your passport in a safe place, since you will need
it whenever you board an international flight. In some
countries you will be required to leave your passport
with the hotel or hostel when you check in this is to
satisfy regulations requiring the hostel/hotel to
register all foreign visitors. You will need to show
your passport when cashing a traveller’s cheque.
Photocopy the identification page of your passport to
carry with you in case your passport is lost or stolen
while travelling.
Before departing make sure you are covered by insurance
that will reimburse travel expenses.
What to pack
Your main objective should be to travel as lightly as
possible, casual dress is acceptable in most countries
around the world except for Muslim countries, where
visitors can not wear short or scanty tops. In some
Asian countries spiting or dropping chewing gum on the
street can get you in trouble with the law which might
result in a fine, always make sure to read the do’s and
don’ts of the country you are visiting this will make
your life much easier.
Break in your shoes before you leave home, shoes with
soft substantial soles are not only deal for walking but
can ease the difficulty of manoeuvring the cobbled
streets that characterize many old city centres
especially in European countries.
Health
Make sure you get all your vecinations from you doctor
before you travel this will ensure that you stay healthy
while you are travelling.
Always take sensible precautions during hot weather,
wear a Hat/sunglasses and sun block, drink plenty of
fluids. Tap water in Europe, America and Canada in
general is safe to drink, although its high mineral
content can cause Minor stomach up sets if you are not
used to it. If travelling further a-field you should
stick to Bottled water which is an inexpensive and
widely available alternative.
A general rule to stop any stomach up sets is to stay
away from salads, uncooked foods and fruits, no matter
how good they look.
Language
Travelling is always exciting and enjoyable if you can
converse a bit with the locals. Only the basics are
needed like yes, please, no and thanks you accompanied
by a pleasant smile, polite manner and using your common
sense will get you very far.
If you are really stuck with Communication remember that
hostel /hotel receptionists usually speak English and in
most cases are helpful and friendly. So you should make
use of their help and they could even teach you a couple
of words. Be nice to them!
Money and valuables
Having some funds in local currency is a necessity, but
only carry what you will need for a day or two if its
lost or stolen your chances of getting it back are next
to nothing. Travellers Cheque are reliable and safe,
always keep a record of the Cheque numbers you redeem
and receipts in a separate place in case you need to
produce them in the event of loss. Be prepared to show
your passport each time you cash a cheque or offer one
in Payment
Personal safety
Common sense keep valuables passports, money, credit
cards etc hidden when you are on the move a money belt
or neck belt or neck purse worn inside clothing is the
safest option, also put money in different places so
that if one bag is lost you have another source of
funds. Any bag you carry with you should have a secure
fastener with strap that goes over your neck and crosses
your body this ensures that bulkier items like cameras
etc are safe from pick pockets.
Getting around
Find a central public transportation information centre
spend some time there and obtain information on how to
get around the city, including transportation maps and
detailed maps. Buy valid transport tickets for multiple
rides or for more than one day, they will save you money
and the inconvenience of having to buy a new ticket for
every journey. There are a variety of public
transportation in Europe and America these include
subways, trams buses etc
Each country has its own customs and regulations it is
very essential to take note of these, the European Union
countries are considered as one and there are no limits
on goods for personal use when travelling between member
countries, however restrictions do apply when travelling
between EU and non EU countries.
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