• Before you begin your backpacking trip, put all your important addresses
into your email address book. Have a photocopy of important documents
like your travel insurance documents, passport, work permit etc. If you are unlucky enough to have
bag stolen, at least you will have all the details and addresses you need.
• Where you can, use traveller’s cheques. This is
because if they are lost, stolen or damaged you can claim them back. There
are now traveller’s cheque cards that work on the same premise as
cheques and are easier to keep safe. See our Money
Advice page for more information. Wiring money is a good emergency
option, using companies like Western Union for example. For a small commission,
money can be 'faxed' over to you. You don't need identification - the
sender can provide a 'test' question to prove who you are.
• You may be travelling through countries where
poverty and deprivation is rife and to locals, Westerners are perceived as rich. Avoid
drawing unwanted attention to yourself. Don't flash cash around and never
wear expensive jewellery or watches.
• There are some common theft scams to be aware of. A good example is the ketchup trick - someone
pours sauce all over your rucksack then offers to help clean it, once
you have it on the ground they take off with it. Don't take off your pack
- a dirty rucksack is better than no rucksack. Robbers tend to watch out
for the nervous and innocent so get clued up and they'll keep clear of
you. Don't leave your bags lying about in bus or train terminals.
• Be aware and respectful of dress codes if you
are travelling in an Islamic country or where religious traditions strongly
applt to daily life. Don't be seen to flaunt your body and certainly don’t
just wearr a skimpy two piece bikini. Men should avoid appearing without a shirt in public in areas such
as Iran.
• In some countries, female travellers in particular,
may encounter behaviour towards them which would be unacceptable to them
at home. Street whistles, being ignored in a shop or even unwanted physical
contact are all unfortunate hazards in some parts of the world.
• There are always places abroad that even the
locals stay clear of at night! Ask at your hostel, local cafes and tourist
information offices. Check out any hot spots of political tension by looking
on the internet and, if possible, reading local papers. If you have done your research
you will be well aware of troubled areas and can plan around them.
•Be aware of your surroundings at all times,
especially if you're out drinking. Whatever state you get yourself into,
know how to get back to your hostel and save enough money for a taxi home. Your insurance policy will not pay out if you are injured in an accident whilst under the influence of drink or drugs.
• An obvious note - never agree to take any packages on planes or over borders - penalties
for possession of drugs can range from months in a rancid jail to the death penalty
in some countries. In some areas of the world, even analgesics that are readily available through your local GP or over the counter can be on a country's prohibited list. Always check that your regular medicines do not fall in to this category.
