1. Travel Insurance
International SOS evacuation cost up to US$100,000. In some countries, doctor visit can cost up to US$100 per trip, and hospitalisation can cost up to US$5000. Accidents can happen anytime, and when it happen, travellers can pay dearly if they are not insured.
Travel insurance cost around US$25 - US$100 up depending on duration and location. Travel with a peace of mind, always buy travel insurance when out of the country, even if it is only for a 1 - 2 days trip. Why take unnecessary risk just to save that hundred dollars?
And when should you buy your travel insurance? Once you book your trip, and pay in full. This will cover for any unforeseen circumstances, some of which may be for reasons beyond your control (e.g. death of a family member less than 1 month from the trip, house break-in during the trip, flight cancellation).
2. Photocopy important document
Make multiple copies of your passport, credit cards, itinerary, credit card number and hotel information. Keep one copy with your love ones, and put the remaining into a few luggage.
We always keep a copy with us (if we leave the original in the hotel safe) in case of spot check.
3. Make sure passport is valid for more than 6 months
Some countries may not allow entries for passport with less than 6 months validity. There were many cases travellers were ask to turn back home from the destination country due to this problem.
4. Bring sufficient medications / have vaccinations
If you are on regular medication, remember to bring at least 3 - 5 days extra doses in case there is a delay and you are not able to leave the country.
As medication overseas are expensive, and may not be suitable for your needs, it is important to bring your own medication. We always have the following medication whenever we travel: - flu and fever - diarrhoea and stomach pain - dizzy / nausea - jet lag - plaster for cuts - oil for sprain, muscle ache
Never check-in your medication. If the airline has a limit on the amount of fluid to bring up (e.g. 100ml), check with the airline what can be done if you are dependant on the fluid medication.
In some countries, it is important to get vaccinated. Check with your family doctor at least 3 months before your trip as some vaccine needs a period of 1 - 2 weeks before it is effective.
5. Emergency numbers in the country / embassy
In case of emergency in the country, do you know whom to contact? It is always important to have your embassy / consulate address and phone number with you.
6. Take note items in luggage or take a photograph
Millions of luggage are lost each year in the airline industries.
If one of your luggage is lost, do you know what are the items inside before you claim from the airline or insurance? Take note of the items, or better still, take photos of the item in each luggage.
Never put valuables into your check in luggage.
7. Do not check in all luggage
It is nice to go up the plane empty handed, especially during transit. But what if all your luggage are lost? It is always good to keep some clothing in your handheld luggage. The last thing you want to happen when you reach your destination, all you have is the one set of clothing on you.
What we do is keep at least one set of everything on our hand carry luggage, especially winter clothing.
8. Mark your luggage
If you have noticed, many air stewards' luggage are marked very colorful with lots of stickers in a non-organise manner. The reason is to "personalise" the luggage so that no one will mistakenly take your luggage, and you can identify your luggage from a far distance.
9. Familiar with local laws / customs
Check out the do and don't of the country. A certain action that means very little in one country may mean a lot in another country. For example, do not kiss in the public area when traveling in the Middle East.
10. Carry 2 credit cards from different banks
If possible, carry credit cards by 2 different banks. If for any reason your credit card fail, and for a remote reason, due to the bank, at least you have a backup.
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