Research
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|
 | Many countries that are now part of the well
trodden Backpacker path are culturally, economically and
environmentally very different to home.
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| | Did you know that in Barbados you can be arrested for wearing combat trousers, or that you can’t chew gum in Singapore?
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| | This is the first action point, everything else
stems from there. So read travel books, use the FCO and other relevant
websites.
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Preparation
| It is a good idea to go on a Safety Training Course, this teaches you:- |
| | How to make yourself less conspicuous,
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| | How to spot possible signs of trouble,
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| | How to handle yourself in the correct manner etc.
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| | Did you know that by opening your rucksack by a wall, you have just reduced your risk by 50%.
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Booking
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| | This is the fun part, deciding where to go, what to do, what to see:-
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| | Go to a Tour Operator or Travel Agent for advice
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| | Go to a Gap Fair where you can speak to many companies who will give you plenty of ideas.
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You may wish to try volunteering, which is always a popular choice
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Or learn how to instruct a specific sport such as skiing.
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Planning
| Get organised:- |
| | When are jabs required?
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| | Do you need a visa for the country you are visiting?
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| | What equipment do you need?
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| | How long before your passport expires as some countries require you to have at least 6 months to run on arrival?
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Health
| If you have a medical condition:- |
| | Make sure that you have the means to obtain the correct medication in the countries you are visiting.
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| | Make sure your travel Insurance covers that condition.
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| | Take advice from your local doctor or nurse on
what vaccinations and medications are required for the countries you
are visiting, some must be applied months before departure.
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| | Make sure you arrange a check up with your dentist before travelling.
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Insurance
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| | Make sure you obtain a good quality specialist travel insurance
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| | Your family Annual Multi Trip policy does not cover these types of trips.
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| | Check the Insurance you choose has cover for the following:-
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| | working, volunteering, high risk activities you may wish to do, airline failure, bereavement and your life! |
| | If you are in doubt, it is always best to contact the Insurance company before you do certain activities.
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Documents
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| | Your passport, visas, flight tickets, travel
documents, drivers licence, and Insurance documents are all vital to
make your trip run smoothly.
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| | What were to happen if you lost any or all of these, it would be a nightmare!
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| | Make copies
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| | Leave a copy of all at home
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| | Scan and store electronically somewhere.
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| | At least then you have some proof of who you are.
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Support whilst abroad
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| | In the unlikely event that something unfortunate
were to happen when you are away, it is a good idea to have the best
support at hand.
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| | (the Foreign Commonwealth Office, can’t help in most cases).
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Investigate Specialist Assistance Companies
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| | Look at what your Travel Insurance provide by way of cover
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Money
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| | Inform your bank of your travels to make sure your credit and debit cards work overseas.
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| | Set up an internet bank account which you can view from online computer.
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| | Do you need to set up a bank account in the
country you will be residing in if you are working, which can be done
before you leave.
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| | Check other products/credit cards and accounts that will save you money on currency conversion.
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| | It’s also a good idea to leave someone with a
Power of Attorney who would then be able to handle any financial
matters while you are away.
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Communication
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| | Keep friends and relatives updated as often as you can.
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| | Set up an e-mail account
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| | Obtain an International roaming Sim card it will save you money and you won’t need to buy one when you get there
Start up a blog which diarises your experiences.
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| | And finally do ring or text home on arrival – they just want to know you got there safely!
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