Travel Tips

Photo copy your itinerary, passports, credit cards & visa’s and put them separate to where you keep your other papers. That way if one gets stolen you always have a backup. Never leave them in your checked baggage in case it goes missing. I place one in my carry on luggage and one in my handbag.

Leave a copy of all of the above at home with a trusted relative or where someone can access it for you if you get in trouble.
Email a copy of your itineary to your gmail account so if you lose your laptop or hard copy you will still know where you are at by logging into gmail at an internet cafe.
Take two wallets or purses and only keep a minimal amount in the one you carry, leave the other one locked in the hotel safe or place your valuable in a money belt.

Don’t travel with a lot of cash. There are ATM’s everywhere around the world. When accessing ATM’s do so at a busy time and make sure you cover your pin number from all angles.

You should use a money belt under your clothing this is the only safe way to carry valuables.
If you wish to be extra sure you can buy a money belt or handbag with wire through it to prevent straps being slashed. They may be useful in places like Rome where there are many pickpockets but I think they are a little uncomfortable. However any city has this problem so you do need to be aware at all times.

If in a crowd such as a bus or train, make sure that you have your wallet or handbag out of the way of pick pockets. Pickpockets operate even in places like Paris. On the trains groups of young girls operating as professional pickpockets on the lookout for tourists will rob you before you even realise it.
When going to the bathroom on the plane do not leave your valuables unattended at your seat.
See a great article by Rick Steves Outsmarting thieves by Rick Steves

Before you sleep on the plane move your valuable somewhere safe preferably on your body in a money belt. I always place my passport cash and credit cards in my money belt prior to sleeping on a flight.

I take a power board with me from home to charge several gadgets at once this way you do not need multiple adapters only one for the power board for the US, Europe, UK etc.

If on medication ask your doctor for a note listing what you are taking as some of our medications are illegal in some countries.

Make sure you have enough medication for entire trip as some names of medications vary overseas and can be extremely expensive.

Put contact details for the Australian Consulate of the country you are visiting in your phone or on your computer in case of emergency.

Turn data roaming off on your smart phone as charges for overseas travelers are not regulated and you could be up for thousands of dollars.

When arriving overseas during the day after a long flight try and stay awake and go to bed at local time, this will help your body adjust.

Put luggage locks on all zips or pockets on the outside of your cases, people have been known to put things in others cases and follow them after they clear security.

Traveling to the USA use TSA approved luggage locks to avoid having your locks cut off if they want to search your luggage. TSA approved locks are available at most stores around the world. Look for the symbol on the packet.

Arrive for flights, particularly in the United States, at least the time the airline suggests. It is well known that airlines over book and the last to check in are often bumped onto another flight which may not fit in with your other travel plans. We always allow an extra hour so as not to rush.

Never leave valuables in a parked car the chances of them being there when you return are not high.
If hiring a car in some countries you will need an international drivers licence.
I always take photos of the condition of the hire car on returning it, with the date, as it is known that some hire car firms will bill you later for supposed damage you were not responsible for.