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"I respond to every comment by private email. So please leave me comments, I love chatting to you" - Josh Bender
Posted by
Paula McInerney
on
Jul 6th, 2015
All very sensible tips. I would add, drink lots of safe water. It helped with jet lag, rehydrates your body and is great for altitudes.
Posted by
Claire Shaw
on
Jul 6th, 2015
I always research the place we're going to be in beforehand. For example, when we went to Japan, which is almost 100% safe, there were some who erred on the side of caution in Kabukicho, so we were more wary when we explored that area.
Posted by
anna parker
on
Jul 6th, 2015
Good tips - with or without a family they are valid, and people forget them too easily. Sadly my husband lost his ipad on a flight recently. BA didn't answer their 'left on the flight' lost property line and it vanished - which is hard to understand as we were in first class, in the 747 nosecone and last out of the cabin as he was faffing... hmmm
Posted by
Kathryn Burrington
on
Jul 6th, 2015
I agree with Paula about drinking plenty of water and would add that if the tap water is safe, drink it and use a refilable bottle to take some out with you. The entire life cycle of a plastic bottle uses up fossil fuels, contributes to global warming and pollution and tap water is actually often better for you than bottled water. You'll also save money, which is always good too!
Posted by
Sam
on
Jul 6th, 2015
When flying with young kids, try to fly when they are usually asleep. That way - they'll sleep for most (if not all) of the flight (you should also try to sleep) & you can all make the most of your destination as soon you get there
Posted by
Danielle
on
Jul 6th, 2015
Always email yourself a photo of all your travel documents ( passport, tickets, Accomadation, international license...)
you can loose everything but you can access your email account from anyone's computer
Posted by
Rachael
on
Jul 6th, 2015
Great tips. My best one is to pack a decent sized first aid kit. Often one of the kids will get sick and it comes on quickly and if you're not sure where to get antihistamine, paracetamol, antibiotic or a steroid cream where you are it can feel quite stressful. We've been travelling for three months now and have used our first aid kit on average once a fortnight - well worth the extra weight!
Posted by
Ruth Johnston
on
Jul 7th, 2015
My child and I both wear a stainless steel emergency bracelet for our world travel. Engraved are passport numbers, ID info, and 3 contact phone numbers: USA, Europe, and Australia. God forbid, if something happened and he got lost or I had an accident, authorities have someone to call. Or if we were both in an accident they can contact next of kin. The bracelets ever come off.
Posted by
Emily
on
Jul 7th, 2015
Always put smallest bills on the outside of your cash wad so it's more difficult to tell how much you're carrying with you.
Posted by
Niels Enevoldsen
on
Jul 7th, 2015
Respect and Common Sense!
Posted by
Toks Weah
on
Jul 7th, 2015
Send someone you trust at home your full itinerary including flights and trains and make sure to check in whenever you can.
Posted by
Bethany Conklin
on
Jul 7th, 2015
Keep a small travel kit with basic medicine and leave a contact numbers and addresses with a family member.
Posted by
lisa gidley king
on
Jul 7th, 2015
Listen to your gut feeling, if you are sensing something isnt right, it probably isn't.
Posted by
Kevin Honey
on
Jul 8th, 2015
Wear scruffy jeans and a hidden money belt.
Posted by
Sabine Bassler
on
Jul 8th, 2015
A good travel insurance is vital and make sure you read it to see that you are covered for certain health conditions and for dangerous sports should you plan on doing things like paragliding or parachuting, etc. And always be aware of what is going on around you in busy places.
Posted by
Max yorke
on
Jul 8th, 2015
Take antibacterial hand gel and use it whenever touching things in common areas and eating. It can dramatically reduce your chances of picking up tummy bugs.
Posted by
Michelle Phillips
on
Jul 8th, 2015
Check reviews!! Especially when staying hostels.
Posted by
iain maciver
on
Jul 8th, 2015
common sense when travelling
Posted by
LynneH
on
Jul 8th, 2015
Have fun, but stay alert
Posted by
Carolynn Woodland
on
Jul 8th, 2015
You must have insurance
Posted by
trevor griffiths
on
Jul 8th, 2015
Full Insurance is a must
Posted by
Melissa Mazzur
on
Jul 8th, 2015
Always get travelers insurance!
Posted by
Sheila Hodgson
on
Jul 8th, 2015
scan all tickets, insurance documents and passports pictures to Dropbox and you will always be able to access a copy even if your phone gets lost
Posted by
Gill Barwood
on
Jul 8th, 2015
Good advice. I would add, make a note of passport numbers and important details like telephone numbers for insurance etc on a small card that you cane keep in a safe place, separate from your money and passports. Also keep cash, cards, passports in a money belt or pouch on your body.
Posted by
Samantha Keen
on
Jul 8th, 2015
Keep a back up copy of important documents in case anything gets lost.
Posted by
Graham Ross
on
Jul 8th, 2015
Make sure your have travel insurance,and a fully charged phone
Posted by
Annette McCormick
on
Jul 8th, 2015
Travel insurance and universal adapters are key.
Posted by
Sarah
on
Jul 8th, 2015
copies of documents, keeping money in hidden wallet, make sure itinerary is known to family or friend.
Posted by
megan argyle
on
Jul 8th, 2015
Put all liquids in bags
Posted by
Natalie U
on
Jul 8th, 2015
Have a positive attitude but don't expect everything yo be perfect. Read up on the country you are going to and understand their customs and what may be rude to the...learn a little of their language
Posted by
Ryan
on
Jul 8th, 2015
Always bring extra booze :)
Posted by
dona j LewisPearce
on
Jul 9th, 2015
plan ahead but don't make too strict of plans
Posted by
Jane Barrett
on
Jul 9th, 2015
Always make sure you have full insurance and do some research on the location prior to going.
Posted by
Diana Maxwell
on
Jul 9th, 2015
Never travel without a loo roll..............
Posted by
Zoe
on
Jul 9th, 2015
Take any medication with a prescription / Doctors note in your hand luggage.
Posted by
Amanda Gorton
on
Jul 9th, 2015
Being a solo traveller my best tip is to wear a 'fake' wedding ring - it is a great deterrent to avoid unwanted male attention, although it can apply for single men travelling too.
Posted by
MIKE
on
Jul 9th, 2015
good advice
Posted by
Rachel Butterworth
on
Jul 10th, 2015
Always take copies of travel insurance and a photocopy of your passport in case they get lost.
Posted by
laura stewart
on
Jul 10th, 2015
make sure your personal things are secure xx
Posted by
regine
on
Jul 10th, 2015
wish this could be for us residents
Posted by
Neha Kaul
on
Jul 10th, 2015
Carry toilet-seat covers/tissue paper with you wherever you go! They're invaluable- never know when an emergency may arise!
Posted by
Jessica Cassista
on
Jul 10th, 2015
Always pack an extra set of clothes in your carry-on bag in case your luggage gets lost or even worse your baby pees on you in the tiny bathroom while you are changing him/her (not that that happened to me or anything!)
Posted by
Sarah
on
Jul 10th, 2015
Carry tissues with you. And bottles of water. Also don't dress too fancy!
Posted by
Jenna Austin
on
Jul 10th, 2015
What is your very best travel tip for a safer holiday?
- Keep your family together. You don't want a "Home Alone" type thing happening or someone kidnapping your kid :P
Posted by
rich bar
on
Jul 10th, 2015
keep money in an inner zipped pocket
Posted by
Jackie
on
Jul 11th, 2015
We take a Fill 2 Pure Advanced Travel Safe water filter bottle each (kids too) and have used them all over the developing world with zero problems. So depressing seeing waterways and hillsides clogged with disposable plastic bottles. Also a small rubber door stop to secure dodgy accommodations from the inside :)
Posted by
Jenna Y
on
Jul 11th, 2015
I like to use a fanny pack wallet that I can wear under my shirt. This is where I keep my money and passport.
Posted by
Kelvin
on
Jul 11th, 2015
Leave jewelry at home and make sure cameras are kept in a bag. Showing these off tend to make you targets to thieves. Sure you have the cash and gadgets, we don't need to know. :)
Posted by
Marina
on
Jul 12th, 2015
i would add drink plenty of water and research the place before you go to avoid scams and any dangers that may be around.
Posted by
Keith Hunt
on
Jul 12th, 2015
We never ware posh outfits and take a door alarm as we have problems in motels in the USA.
Posted by
Louise Mckeon
on
Jul 12th, 2015
Take a photocopy of your passport with you, especially if going somewere with and embassy for your country!
Posted by
Lyla Horley
on
Jul 13th, 2015
Make sure you have an EHIC card and adequate travel insurance and don't keep all your money in the same place
Posted by
Kirstie
on
Jul 14th, 2015
My travel tip would be to keep valuables separated! If you store most of your money, credit cards, etc. in one wallet, leave some others in a safe location back in the hotel or on a different person so that if you get robbed you don't lose it all.
Posted by
david cavender
on
Jul 14th, 2015
don't travel alone-you're safer with someone else
Posted by
Louise Asekokhai
on
Jul 14th, 2015
Try not to take anything too valuable, make use of the resorts/hotels safe. Use travellers cheques as much as possible.
Posted by
Shauntea Crutcher
on
Jul 14th, 2015
Always have an emergency back up plan for when you travel.
Posted by
Sharon Mclauchlan
on
Jul 15th, 2015
have a email copy of documents as well as extra set printed out. where travel pouch and keep money in that under clothes when out and about
Posted by
Kevin McGovern
on
Jul 15th, 2015
Enjoy yourself and stop worrying you are on holiday, bad things happen rarely
Posted by
Ashley Morrissey
on
Jul 15th, 2015
If you're making a long drive then don't hesitate to get a hotel for the night! Drive safely and be alert!
Posted by
Richard Moore
on
Jul 16th, 2015
Always make sure you take cards as well as cash, especially a credit card with a decent credit limit. You never know in an emergency situation you may need quick access to extra money, for example for medical bills.
Posted by
Stevie
on
Jul 16th, 2015
I find advice from family and friends is the most valuable.
Posted by
Sheila M
on
Jul 16th, 2015
Do not just go for the cheapest insurance - make sure you get adequate cover without cutting corners
Posted by
Susan W
on
Jul 16th, 2015
Keep a copy of all travel documents and contact details (for insurance, travel agent, Australian Commission) in at least 2 bags, incase they go missing.
Posted by
Ann-Marie
on
Jul 17th, 2015
Best Tip: Learn at least 5 basic phrases in the local language/dialect - Hello, please, thank you, I'm sorry, and goodbye. Even just making an effort to say these can really make a difference on how willing someone will be to help you. NEVER FAILS.
Posted by
Koko Xu
on
Jul 17th, 2015
Keep your money in different places in your bags and pockets, with maybe only $20 or so in each pocket/place.
Posted by
Effie B
on
Jul 17th, 2015
Always leave a photocopy of passports, itineraries, credit cards, tickets, etc with a family member back home. If any documents are lost or stolen on holiday, these can easily be reissued when legitimate copies are produced!
Posted by
Emily Carter-Dunn
on
Jul 17th, 2015
Always split your hold luggage between you so if your case is lost (as it can happen!) you will have some clothes available in someone else's case.
Posted by
Annabel Murdoch
on
Jul 17th, 2015
I would LOVE to win this :)
Posted by
Barrie Bangert
on
Jul 19th, 2015
Research you holiday .Make sure every thing is in place
Posted by
hazel murphy
on
Jul 19th, 2015
Take a responsible adult (husband maybe ! ) with you to take care of all the safety stuff , you can then get on with enjoying yourself .
Posted by
mark elson
on
Jul 19th, 2015
Tip your cleaner on the first morning then they will keep your room clean.
Posted by
bn100
on
Jul 19th, 2015
get insurance
Posted by
Chris Harris
on
Jul 21st, 2015
If carrying a shoulder bag of any sort,make sure it is properly over your shoulder and and hanging at the front of you. That way you can keep a hand on it at all times and see it at all times making it more difficult for anyone to steal from your bag.
Posted by
Mike Gerrie
on
Jul 21st, 2015
Always use common sense,
Posted by
annie tapps
on
Jul 21st, 2015
Coca Cola, the travellers friend! - rehydrates after stomach upsets, cleaner & safer than local water, cleans kit, bribes children and always available!
Posted by
Elizabeth B
on
Jul 21st, 2015
My best travel tip is to plan ahead! I am the "planner" of the family and it does tend to drive everyone else nuts. However, planning ahead can truly save you from having a bad experience while on vacation. Planning ahead doesn't mean that every moment of the day has to be structured, rather its a matter of being prepared to do anything you may want to do on vacation. Planning will help you get the most out of your time away from home!
Posted by
Kerrie McKay
on
Jul 22nd, 2015
Only take with you the items you absolutely need on holiday. The more you take the more you have to store safely and have to protect from damage or theft. Keep things simple!
Posted by
Lauren Old
on
Jul 22nd, 2015
Don't carry around cash or expensive items, these will make you more vulnerable
Posted by
Sarah Eaglesfield
on
Jul 22nd, 2015
Don't drink too much alcohol! Sure you're on holiday, and you want to have fun, but it can dehydrate you quickly and you can lose track of what you're doing...
Posted by
Eileen Tingle
on
Jul 22nd, 2015
If anything was to go wrong it's advisable to have a back-up plan as to finding an alternative way of getting home.
Posted by
cecille
on
Jul 22nd, 2015
fanny pack, map, binoculars, camera, friend, padlocks for suitcase, insurance, and ostrich pillow :)
Posted by
eguiver yol
on
Jul 22nd, 2015
Prepare a travel first aid kit before leaving
Posted by
zoe g
on
Jul 23rd, 2015
Keep your wallet in your front pocket, and avoid carrying too much cash, many banks allow free withdrawals abroad so there is no excuse to be taking hundreds of euros!
Posted by
elzbieta znyk
on
Jul 23rd, 2015
go on holiday to safe country, and always keep eyes on your children even in the hotel everywhere
Posted by
Linda Hill
on
Jul 23rd, 2015
Never, ever leave your hand luggage unattended and where possible use padlocks to secure all zip compartments in both hold luggage and hand luggage. Keep all cash, documents and valuables on your person, where possible (I have a large bum bag for this very purpose) at all times and be wary of anyone bumping into you or approaching you unnecessarily.
Posted by
donna large
on
Jul 24th, 2015
make sure you have insurance
Posted by
Jess Wood
on
Jul 24th, 2015
My travel tip is to avoid carrying large amounts of money with you and if you do have to, break it up between pockets and wallets. I learnt this the hard way after being pick-pocketed in Barcelona! :)
Posted by
Alba Albanil
on
Jul 24th, 2015
Lleave space for the souvenirs, be happy, fearless and enjoy your trip! :)
Posted by
angelina masih
on
Jul 24th, 2015
Avoid Honeypot Rogue Wi-Fi Networks Not all free Wi-Fi is good Wi-Fi, and even if you're on a good Wi-Fi network you want to make sure you do everything you can to stay safe. When you're out at the airport, however, there are a lot of free ad-hoc networks that people create for the purpose of listening for your usernames and passwords. With Firesheep it can be particularly easy. Be wary of the networks you choose and know the network you're signing on to before you start entering
Posted by
Tam P
on
Jul 25th, 2015
Taking immodium,hand gel and loo paper will restrict your movements but not your movements!
Posted by
Michelle Wild
on
Jul 25th, 2015
Take lots of wet wipes.
Posted by
Paul_S
on
Jul 25th, 2015
Research before you travel and pay attention to the reviews from previous travellers. That way you can avoid scams and find the best places to visit.
Posted by
hayley matthews
on
Jul 25th, 2015
drink actimel two weeks before you travel it boosts your stomachs immunity to anything it may pick causing less stomach problems on holiday
Posted by
PAUL STANLEY
on
Jul 25th, 2015
Always use authorised means of transport - don't be taken for a ride by rip off merchants
Posted by
Heather Tinkler
on
Jul 25th, 2015
If going abroad I always take a photocopy of my passport and insurance documents. Just incase!
Posted by
Nessie
on
Jul 25th, 2015
Travelers insurance, keep copies of important documents, and make sure to stay hydrated.
Posted by
MIKE
on
Jul 25th, 2015
My tip is add time for airport delays
Posted by
Elizabeth Hostetler
on
Jul 25th, 2015
Before leaving home, be sure to secure your house. Lock all doors and windows, and don't forget to set the alarm. Also, give your home the lived-in look to keep away potential burglars by having a friend collect your mail, setting lights on timers and not leaving details of your trip on the answering machine or on Facebook or any other social media!!
Posted by
Elisha
on
Jul 25th, 2015
Always be ready for the unexpected, especially when travelling with children.
Posted by
Julie Jones
on
Jul 26th, 2015
The B.U.P.A of tips
B - be careful what information you post on social media. Letting people know your house is empty is dangerous.
U - understand that whether at home or abroad things don't always run smoothly and pack a positive outlook.
P - prepare with a visit to the G.P to check health needs and get a general antibiotic.
A - always check that travel insurance will cover pre-existing conditions BEFORE booking.
Posted by
Annie Mitchell
on
Jul 26th, 2015
Keep all your important documents on dropbox ( or similar cloud based system which is accessable anywhere there is an internet connection) stuff like photocopies of drivers licences, medical insurance, passports and your itinery with copies of booking emails and confirmations. also have a document with addresses and phone numbers of close family and friends - not only for emergencies - but so you can send postcards etc! HUGE one is to take photos every day before you go out of your kids - what they are wearing etc - because if they get lots or separated, you have an extremely up to date photo of them to show security or police or passerbys - and this can be emailed or sent to a variety of places in seconds if they get lost ( I've used this in a theme park and in seconds of the photo being smsed to all security guards, my child was found)
Posted by
Lauren
on
Jul 26th, 2015
When overseas always travel with at least three types of payment options, such as cash, credit card, prepaid currency card, or the good old dinosaur - travellers' cheques. This ensures you'll have access to cash regardless! Also, it's a good idea to let your financial institution know your travel plans. You don't want your credit card cancelled or accounts frozen if they suspect OS transactions may be fraudulent! If this happens you'll be thankful for those dinosaurs ;)
Posted by
Matt
on
Jul 29th, 2015
Here's one I didn't see on your list: leave your valuables at home! You can worry less about the public displays of affluence and theft in general if you travel without your nicest jewelry or electronics.