The festive season is here with us and most people are traveling for vacation locally or internationally others to upcountry.
What should you have in mind before embarking on that long trip to ushago or out of the country?
Nearest hospitals and emergency services
Accidents happen; when you travel somewhere knows where the nearest hospitals are and get the contacts to call in case of emergency.
Passport and legal documents
If you are traveling and staying at a hotel, do not leave your passport and legal documents in the hotel room always have them with you.
Another tip is to make copies of your documents leave some at home carry others.
In a foreign country always know exactly where your country’s embassy is for any legal trouble that is where to go.
Eat locally and experience the culture
Whether locally or internationally do not go eat the same foods you eat at home, eat what the locals in the area eat.
Emergency money
You need emergency money, we cannot predict what may happen for instance driving to upcountry you may over speed and the cash bail for that is 50,000.
Or you may simply just loose the money you had
First aid kit
When traveling always carry a first aid kit, small injuries happen quite a lot during trips like getting stung by a sea urchin or a jellyfish at the beach
Learn basic phrases in the native language of your destination
The locals will appreciate it and it will make your interactions easier. You don’t need to master the language but learning a few things like “Hello,” “Goodbye,” “Thank you!”, “Where’s the bathroom?” will go a long way to endearing yourself with the locals. They’ll like you tried.
Safety and security
Ensure when you travel somewhere know where the nearest police station is located, it is recommended that you visit get to know at least one officer and take their telephone numbers
Use maps
As you travel to your destination make sure you use maps to ensure you are in the right place and to move around unfamiliar places. For example google maps in most cases are usually very accurate.
Plan your activities
This involves doing research about what to do around where you reach your destination, visit tourist attractions, and also ask around from the locals regarding things to do.
Get travel insurance
Travel insurance is the most important thing you get that you never want to use. If something goes wrong, you don’t want to be out thousands of dollars in bills. It will be there if you get robbed, flights get canceled, you get sick or injured, or have to be sent home. It’s comprehensive and, for just a few dollars a day, one of the best investments you can get for a trip.
By Kathleen Francisca