Are you going aboard this summer or off on a gap year?

Travelling for a short or even for a long period should be a relaxing time however when things go wrong they can prove to be expensive and what should have been a trip of a lifetime turns horribly wrong. So make sure you are prepared. Make sure you kids are prepared for that summer adventure or for their gap year.

The following is advice and guidance to travelling safely and will get you thinking about things.

These first five first steps should be seen as the start of your holiday, adventure or gap year travel.

 

Step 1 – Research

Look at the place you wish to visit and understand their culture and customs and respect that where you are going may be different from home.

Keep up to date with local and international news where you are, find out whether there are there any special events when you are travelling; independence days or local elections sometimes provoke demonstrations and protests.

Step 2 – Medical

Visit your GP before you travel and ask about any vaccinations that you may need for the region you are travelling to.
Insurance is a must if you need hospital treatment it can be very expensive and your E1 11 does not guarantee you to get home in every case.

Step 3 – Documentation

Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay and has an additional six months to run. Ensure you have visas, if required, and that they are correct and will cover you for the period of travel.

Keep a backup copy of all documents and ensure you can access them if you need to in an emergency. Keep them in the cloud and hard copy.

Step 4 – Communications

Keep in touch and let the folks back home know your travel movements - if they change let people know.

There are many free apps and methods that you can use to stay in touch. BUT be careful of using public or free wi fi and always use a trusted service provider.

Identify theft is on the increase. Ensure you have software to protect your mobile devises and change your password every couple of weeks. Do not do internet banking on an open wifi.

Step 5 – Travel

Cheap is not always best! Use a reputable travel agent and check locations on the internet for feedback, if it’s too good to be true it usually isn’t!

Arrange a pick up at the airport prior to travelling; book with the hotel or hostel. This is the time you are most at risk, keep your luggage and valuables close and do not become distracted by people asking strange questions.

We offer one to one and group planning sessions as well as training sessions for safer travel.

Sign up to our alerts and download our handy travel advice here  http://www.rpspartnership.com/travel-information-downloads

We can give you or your children "peace of mind in a challenging world".

Email us with your concerns on [email protected] and one of our advisors will get in touch.