‘Big things happen when you do small things right’
Frequent Air
Travellers would confirm the veracity of this statement and how precise
it seems especially on a foreign trip. Preparation is the key, while
embarking on an overseas vacation. Carry money wisely and that too as a
mix of cash, credit cards and travellers cheques. There’s nothing more
frustrating than being stranded in a foreign country with all your money
gone. Keep a scanned copy of your vital travel documents like passport,
visa, driving license, return ticket and store them online in a
password protected folder. Even if your luggage gets misplaced and your
vital documents get lost you can always retrieve them to avoid any
problems at immigration counters.
Don’t fail to carry copies of
your identity documents and details of your insurance policies. Carry a
SIM card with a global roaming facility activated before hand. Often
travellers get stranded as soon as they come out of the airport only to
find that their phone is not working in the destination country.
Memorize the toll free phone number of your debit card /ATM card issuer
so that you can file a complaint immediately if it gets lost, stolen or
fails to work. I personally find saving my credit card number with its
expiry date and CVV code in my mobile to be immensely beneficial which I
can use at any point of time if I want my card blocked or require any
information from your bank over the phone. Although, banks advise
against noting all such information in writing at one place but this
really helps as I carry numerous cards!
Avoid travelling to
high-risk countries that are ridden by strife and violence. Obtain
exhaustive and up to date information about the destination you intend
to travel to. If there are reports of protest, labour unrest, and civil
disturbance: STAY AWAY; you never know when these things turn violent
and ugly. Have a first-aid kit handy with all necessary supplies like
antiseptic ointments, germicidals, band aids, antihistamines, analgesics
and anti-diarrheal medication. In the event of a sudden injury or
assault go to the nearest clinic to get immediate first aid. You always
have the option to shift to a hospital patronized by your insurer, once
your condition gets stable.
Having phone numbers of emergency
services like ambulance, police is indispensable. In case you are the
victim of a crime like theft, pick-pocketing, chain snatching report it
immediately to the police. The police report would be mandatory if you
desire to claim reimbursement from your insurer. If the prospect of
going to a police station seems intimidating, try and contact your
embassy or consulate and ask them for assistance. They will not only
help you in registering a police complaint but will also notify your
family about the mishap.
If you have managed to procure cheap
air tickets to your destination then taking care of the above pointers
would ensure a safe, secure and comfortable journey.
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