Many problems encountered overseas can be avoided if some simple precautions are taken. Follow Jana Jordan 's overseas travel tips to be well on your way to having a hassle-free journey.
Travel News - Check the latest travel news for your destination and subscribe to receive e-mail notification each time travel advice for your country is updated. You always want to take steps to keep yourself out of hazardous situations so a good idea is to monitor the news for any instability from the country that you will be visiting.
Travel Insurance - Take out appropriate travel insurance to cover hospital treatment, medical evacuation and any activities, including adventure sports, in which you plan to participate. It is a good idea to have a health and dental check-up before you leave. Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about immunizations and disease outbreaks overseas.
Medical Conditions - Before leaving home you should check that any medications you intend to take with you are legal in the countries you will be visiting. It is also advisable to take a letter from your doctor detailing the contents of tablets or other medicine you'll be carrying with you. Keep the letter and a copy of the doctor's prescription with the medication.
Prescriptions- If you wear glasses take a copy of your glasses or contact lens prescription in case they need to be replaced. Your optometrist will be able to provide you with a letter detailing your prescription. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, consider wearing a Medic Alert bracelet or necklace. They keep a database of patient details and medical histories that can be accessed by phone worldwide. Be sure to also check that your travel insurance covers your pre-existing condition.
Obey the law - Local laws and legal processes can be very different from those in you home country. Consular assistance cannot override local laws, even where local laws appear harsh or unjust by your standards. Be aware that penalties for drug-related offences can be severe and include the death sentence.
Documents - Check to see if you require visas for the country or countries you are visiting or transiting. Be aware, however, that a visa does not guarantee entry. Make copies of your passport details, insurance policy, travellers' cheques, visas and credit card numbers. Carry one copy in a separate place to the originals and leave a copy with someone at home. Make sure your passport has at least six months validity and carry additional copies of your passport photo with you in case you need a replacement passport while overseas. A good idea is to leave a copy of your travel itinerary with someone at home and keep in regular contact with friends and relatives while overseas.
Author: Jana Jordan from www.eslvillage.com.cn
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