When you travel, some things are out of your control, but there are many steps you can take to stay safe and keep your trip on track.
- If you are flying, arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before a domestic flight, and two to three hours before an international flight. Be aware of any current travel alerts or warnings from the Department of Foreign Affairs.
- Bring a photocopy of important documents, including your passport and medical prescriptions and your travel insurance certificate; it will be easier to replace them if they are lost.
- Pack prescription medicine in their original, marked containers.
- Use covered luggage tags, and fill in your office address rather than your home address.
- If traveling with children, bring a recent photo of each of them with you—store them on your mobile phone if possible.
- Leave valuables, like expensive jewelry, at home.
- Carry your money, credit cards, and passport in a pouch or money pack worn underneath your outer clothes. Also, be discreet and do not flash large amounts of money (or your passport) in public.
- Be wary of pickpockets. They often work in teams; one or more people will distract you while another steals your valuables.
- Familiarise yourself with the laws governing the region or country you are visiting.
- If you do not speak the local language, learn a few key phrases in case you need assistance.
- Use common sense: Don’t walk in unfamiliar areas at night, don’t accept rides in unmarked taxis, and don’t accept packages with unknown contents