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Avoiding trouble when travelling

It's not all sunshine and partying y'know...

Article by : SpunOut.ie

Travelling can be a great experience, however you must also take responsibility for yourself and watch out for your safety. This article provides a brief overview of safety information. You can get further information at the Tropical Medical Bureau and the safe travel website.

Legal stuff

  • Never get involved with drugs when abroad. If you're caught you could end up with massive fines, a long prison sentence or even the death penalty. 
  • Never agree to carry anything through customs for another person. Also, don't drive someone else's car across a border: in both cases you might be smuggling an illegal substance without realising it.
  • Be aware of local laws in the countries you visit. For example, in some countries, drinking alcohol is illegal. Also try to respect local customs with the way you dress.

Money and theft

  • Only change money and traveller's cheques in banks and authorised foreign exchange offices.
  • Never leave your luggage unattended, especially in airports, train stations and bus stations.
  • If any of your stuff is stolen: report it immediately to the local police and get a statement about the loss. You'll need this to claim against your travel insurance.
  • If credit cards are stolen: phone your bank and cancel them.
  • If traveller's cheques are stolen: contact the issuing agent.
  • If your tickets are stolen: talk to your holiday rep or airline agent about getting replacements.

General safety

  • Phone or email home regularly and let your family know where you are, where you intend to visit next and if you make any changes to your plans. 
  • If you are arriving in a new country or city late at night, book accommodation before you get there.
  • If you're lost, walk as if you know where you're going and go into a shop or doorway to look at maps.
  • Be aware of possible dangers: only carry a small amount of cash with you, avoid badly lit and empty streets or beaches at night.
  • Keep any other valuables in your hotel or hostel safe.
  • If you feel uncomfortable in a cerain place or with a certain person, trust your instincts then leave or get to a more public place as soon as possible.
  • Find out more in our personal safety section.

 

There are some great websites out there with further info:

The Irish Foreign Affairs website
The Irish Tropical Medical Bureau
The UK Foreign Commonwealth Office
CDC Travellers Health- This is an American website but it still provides some good information.
MASTA Travel advice - This is a UK based travel health information website.
WHO website

 

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