Our top travel tips

Before you go

• Notify your bank and credit card company where you will be traveling to and the dates, this is to stop them putting a freeze on your card if they see unusual transactions from overseas.
• Take out comprehensive travel insurance and ensure it covers you for the places you plan to visit and the things you plan to do.
• Keep in contact with friends and family back home and give them a copy of your itinerary so they know where you are.
• Make sure your passport has at least six months’ validity from your planned date of return to India. Carry extra passport photos in case your passport is lost or stolen and you need to replace it while you’re away.
• Check with health professionals for information on recommended vaccinations and other health precautions. Remember that vaccinations can be an entry requirement for some countries. Also find out about taking medication overseas – certain medicines aren’t allowed in some countries.
• Make sure you have the right visas for the countries you are visiting or transiting and check any other entry or exit requirements.
• With high bag-checking fees, poor care, and sometimes even theft, you might be better off just shipping your bags home. This is especially useful if you’re bringing any food or liquids.
• Make copies of your passport details, insurance policy, travellers cheques, visas and credit card numbers. Carry one copy in a separate place to the originals and leave a copy with someone at home. Ensure you appoint a power of attorney and have an up-to-date will.
• There are a lot of ways to help identify luggage, but many of them have become a little too common. If you want to have truly unique tags, generate a QR code and add it to your tags.
• Learning the basics of the local language is a great way to show respect and break down barriers. Plus a friendly attitude can break down any barrier where language isn’t understood.