Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
with you take a doctor's letter explaining what it is and why you need it. Easier
than being mistaken for smuggling drugs.
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Try to learn a few simple phrases in the local language If you find that hard or you
do not understand the dialects at least you should learn to recognise them when
written down. Knowing what the sign is for a bus stop, cafe, phone, police or hostel
could be very helpful, particularly when arriving somewhere at night.
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Try to book your first night's accommodation in a new location, especially if you
plan to arrive after dark. Make sure you know where the place is, how far it is from
your arrival point and the best to get there. Standing around with a map and large
rucksack is a give away that you are new in town and could attract unwanted at-
tention.
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Try not to carry lots of money around with you. Lock it away in a safe if you can,
Most hostels have a safe at reception. Remember you can be watched using a cash
point or inside a bank.
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Remember items such as condoms are often inferior in quality, especially in places
such as Africa and South America; if you think you might need them it's probably
best to take your own that you know are safe.
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Be aware of the food and dietary habits in the country/countries you plan to visit.
While sundried grasshoppers may not be your normal diet, you might want to be
prepared to try new foods. Hygiene abroad, particularly in developing countries,
may not be the same as at home so be careful not to offend when offered food even
if you think it looks raw or disgusting. If you do get a 'gippy tummy' make sure
you drink plenty of clean, ideally bottled, water to ensure you don't get dehydrated.
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Local transport is usually very different abroad, especially in developing countries.
You may have no choice but to travel on a bus with worn tyres, too many pas-
sengers, or no seat belts to avoid being left in a deserted location, but it is worth
finding out if there are any other options. Try to sit near to the main door or by an
emergency exit if possible. It may seem fun to hang off the bus or sit on the roof
like the locals but realistically this could be very dangerous.
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While travelling from place to place try to lock your luggage if you can not see
it and do not leave any valuables in it. Take all valuables with you regardless of
mode of transport.
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Be careful where and how you take photographs. It's often not a good idea to take
photos of anything official, or anything which could be connected to the military,
such as airports or border checkpoints. This could attract unwanted attention or
hostile behavior from the local people or officials.
