Advice For Independent Travellers

Don't travel into trouble

Research is a wonderful thing. In 2005, the Jamaican Tourist Board surveyed 2,000 Brits and found only 39% of people across all ages booked package holidays - the rest opted for independently arranged travel. It's the growth of the Internet and the availability of flights that is helping people design their own holidays with the simple click of a mouse.

Independent travel is great for variety and getting off the beaten tourist track but it can also expose you to greater risk. A little forward planning and some common sense will help keep you safe.

Follow our Top Tips - they'll help make your independent holiday the one to remember. And don't forget your travel insurance!

Vaccinations

• DON'T forget your jabs!
• DO check which vaccinations are recommended for your destination.
• DO keep a record of your vaccinations if you travel frequently.
• DO research and follow the health guidelines for your destination.
• DO have your GP give you a medical once-over before you travel.

Travel Insurance

• DO make sure you buy a travel insurance package that's right for your needs.
• DO check it covers you for the country or countries you wish to visit and any activities you may want to indulge in.
  • This is particularly important for extreme or dangerous sports as some policies will exclude cover for them
• DON'T leave it to the last minute and make sure there is a 'cooling-off' period that allows you rescind the policy and get your money back if it turns out not to be right for you.
• DO keep your travel insurance policy number handy plus the emergency claims helpline numbers.
• DO make sure you're covered for emergency medical treatment and repatriation, personal accident, personal liability, mugging, loss or theft of baggage and belongings, cancellation, travel delay and legal expenses as an absolute minimum.
• DO make a copy of your travel insurance documents and keep them safe.

Your accommodation

• DON'T rely on email confirmations when you book your accommodation - pick up the phone and double-check it.
  • Ask for a confirmation of your details by fax or post.
  • DO book accommodation ahead if you can.

Your luggage

• ALWAYS pack your own luggage.
• NEVER leave it unattended and NEVER carry anything for anybody else.
  • Keep your eyes peeled - popular scams include bag-swapping and even bag slashing where soft-skinned bags are cut open with a razor and rifled.
  • Pack any valuables in your hand luggage.
  • If you have to leave your luggage, pop it in a locker or a safe.
  • Got a backpack? Chain it to a radiator in your room.
  • Check you're personal belongings are insured either under your home insurance or with your travel insurance policy.
  • Check your policy's definition of valuables - some items may be described as valuables even you don't think they have a high value.
  • Check your travel company is covered by an ATOL bond or similar arrangement to ensure you're covered if the company goes out of business when you're away.

Protecting your money

• ALWAYS keep your cash, passport, travellers' cheques and credit cards in a money belt worn next to the skin - either round the waist or a leg strap on the shin.
  • For extra concealment, sew a concealed pocket into the inside of your trousers or boxers.
• ALWAYS be discrete when getting your cash out - don't show everyone around you where that US$100 has just come from!
• DO turn the money belt around so you're lying on it if you want to grab some kip on a train or bus.
  • At least anyone trying to rob you will wake you up first.
• DO use the hotel or guesthouse safe if it has one for your passport and travel insurance documents.
• DO pop some emergency cash under the insole of your shoe.
  • It may get a little damp but when money talks, nobody walks!

How you look

• DO make an effort to blend in with the locals.
  • The more you stand out, the more of a potential robbery target you become.
• DO conceal your camera or mobile phone.
• DON'T leave expensive jewellry for all to see and cover up that expensive watch.
• DO walk tall, act confidently and move purposefully - the meandering tourist is a dead giveway.

Friendly strangers

• DO take care if it's late and you're trying to find somewhere to stay.
  • Your new 'best mate' is probably trying to tout for your business.
  • Keep alert, be sensitive to an ulterior motive and don't do anything you're not comfortable with.
  • Make a polite excuse and move on.

Drugs & alcohol

• DO remember that the easiest way to be robbed is to have your drink spiked with a sedative.
• DON'T accept drinks from strangers and never leave an unfinished drink unattended.
  • Just politely refuse and get your own.
• DO stay alert in bars and restaurants if you are joined by unfamiliar people.

First aid and emergency

• ALWAYS pack a small first aid/medical kit and keep it with you.
  • You can buy a well-equipped pack for around £20 from any good High Street chemist.
  • Make sure it includes plasters, sterile gauze, a bandage, antiseptic ointment, scissors, pain-killers, safety pins and medical tape.
• DO keep any medications with you and always take anti-malarial tablets if needed.
• DO keep a mobile phone with you.
• DO leave a copy of your itinerary, passport and travel insurance documents with friends and family and DO keep in touch to let them know you're OK.

Lastly, if you're going to a remote area, it's a good idea to invest in a pocket-sized personal locator beacon (PLB) - prices start at less than £100. If you get into life-threatening difficulty, switch it on and you send out your own personal 'mayday'.

For more information on travel safety, visit the Foreign & Commonwealth Office's 'Know Before You Go' guide.

 

Travel Insurance from Norwich Union

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