Travelling with your family is an exciting and enriching experience, but it can also come with its fair share of unpredictability. Being well-prepared can make a significant difference in how smoothly your trip goes. Here’s a detailed guide on what to prepare before you set off on your adventure, ensuring you and your family stay safe and enjoy a hassle-free holiday.
1. Emergency Plan
Document Copies: Always carry both hard and digital copies of important documents, such as passports, visas, travel itineraries, and insurance policies. Store digital copies securely online, where they can be easily accessed if needed. We recommend leaving another copy with a trusted friend or family member at home.
Emergency Contacts: Create a comprehensive list of emergency contacts, including family members, friends, and local embassies. Ensure that each family member has a copy of this list.
Medical Information: Compile medical histories, prescription details, and any specific health needs into a portable format. This can be crucial in emergencies, especially if travelling to areas with limited medical facilities. You may need to apply for special permission to bring certain medications into a country. Research these thoroughly and get written clearance from the countries Embassy before you leave home.
Insurance Details: Travel insurance is essential. Ensure your policy covers all potential risks, including medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost belongings. Check the fine print and if you are a bit of a daredevil, check that any planned activities are covered in your insurance. Often, extreme sports, motorcycle riding, hot air ballooning, bungy jumping etc are excluded from the policy so it’s best to seek clarification if you have an adventure trip planned. Keep your insurance details readily available.
2. Financial Precautions
Backup Credit Card: Carry a backup credit card in case of theft or loss. Before setting off, notify your bank of your travel plans including where you are travelling to and the dates you are in each location. You can do this online or in branch and it will prevent your card from being blocked by the bank fraud teams for unusual activity.
Secure Cash Storage: Avoid keeping all your money and cards in one place. Divide them between different bags and pockets. Perhaps invest in a concealable money belt and have some emergency cash hidden in a secure but accessible spot.
Fraud Prevention: Be cautious of where you use your cards and if in doubt, don’t use. Avoid public Wi-Fi where possible and particularly for banking transactions. You are far better off hotspotting to your phone and consider using a VPN for added security.
3. Health and Safety
Nearest Hospitals: Research and note down the nearest hospitals or medical facilities at your travel destination. Familiarise yourself with their locations and services.
Local Laws and Customs: Understanding local laws and customs is essential. This knowledge can help you avoid legal troubles and respect cultural norms, ensuring a smoother experience.
Travel Insurance: Double-check that your travel insurance covers accidents and medical emergencies. Some policies might require upfront payment, which you can claim later, so ensure you have sufficient funds available.
Packing Essentials: Pack a small first aid kit with basic supplies such as band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers. Include any specific medications your family might need.
4. Staying Informed
Travel Advisories: Regularly check travel advisories and updates from reputable sources like government websites such as Smartraveller.gov.au. Staying informed about potential risks can help you make better decisions.
Weather Conditions: Keep an eye on the weather forecast for your destination. This can help you pack appropriately and plan your activities accordingly.
Language Basics: Learn a few basic phrases in the local language. This can be incredibly helpful in emergencies and shows respect for the local culture.
5. Security Tips
Portable Charger: Keep a fully charged portable charger with you that can use if you are away from a powerpoint. This is in addition to country specific power adaptors. A portable charger is crucial for staying connected, especially if you rely on your phone for navigation and emergency contacts.
Avoid Public USB Charging Stations: Public USB power outlets can be used to deliver malware to your devices. Malicious actors can use these outlets to infect devices with malicious software, which can then compromise your personal data and security. To mitigate this risk, it’s advised to use your own power plug to connect to a power outlet instead of a USB charging station.
Use Trusted Cables and Power Outlets: Only use charging cables from your device’s manufacturer or a reputable third-party vendor. This helps ensure that the cables have not been tampered with and are less likely to introduce malware into your devices.
Keep Your Devices Secure: Always use a screen lock with a strong passphrase, fingerprint unlock, or face unlock. Additionally, ensure that your devices are encrypted and that you regularly back up important data.
Turn Off Communications When Not Needed: Disable communication capabilities like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Near Field Communication when they are not in use to reduce the chances of your device being exploited by malicious actors.
This guide aims to equip you with the knowledge and tools to handle any travel-related uncertainties. Being well-prepared allows you to focus on enjoying quality family time and creating unforgettable memories.
Remember, informed and careful planning is the key to a successful and enjoyable trip.
Safe travels!
References
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Australian Centre for Cyber Security (Cyber.gov.au).
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U.S. Department of State - Travel
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Traveler's Health