Preparing for a big trip… • • • •
Where do you want to go? Why? Purpose? With who? Sharing this experience with the right person is VITAL.
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BOOK A FLEXIBLE TICKET BOOK GOOD INSURANCE DO YOU NEED A VISA? DO YOU NEED A EUROPEAN HEALTH CARD ETC?
• Vaccinations and Malaria Start early and allow plenty of time www.travelfit.com
• FINANCES Have a budget and STICK to it! • Think about the financial options – Cash – Travellers cheques – Bank cards – Getting money wired to you • Spread you cash around your luggage. Some in your main luggage, some in your hand luggage. Some in your money belt. • Carry at least 2 cards separately (1 for emergencies only) • Tell the bank where you are going
Actually arriving… • You are going to get off a flight somewhere. Its likely to be a city. • Trudging around a strange city with jet lag and your backpack looking very fresh faced and new can cause all sort of hassles. • BOOK YOUR FIRST NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION • Get a taxi there. • Start your adventure in the morning.
• Have a local contact if possible. Parents, family friends, business contacts. A name/address etc. • Be VERY AWARE and CAUTIOUS on that first night. – – – – –
Time difference Money difference Temperature change Water Eat well
Medical stuff Check your medication is legal in the country you are going to. As well as any countries you are travelling through. Take your own syringes needles and Suture set depending on where you are travelling. Beware of bites stings and rashes - carry antihistamines good insect repellant (with Deet) and try to avoid being bitten. Sunburn hurts, especially on a 10 hour bus ride. It makes you get wrinkles and skin cancer. Tans feel so good. But not when you are 35. Dehydration Diarrhea and vomiting – try to keep rehydrated and replace lost electrolytes NB. Flat Coke and Salt and Vinegar crisps
Festival Survival Guide • • • • • • • • • • •
Choose your festival carefully Choose who you go with Nightmare friends can ruin it all Choose where you camp carefully You have to carry everything!!! Make a warm secure and tidy home Learn your way round Mark your campsite on a map Take your own medication with you Water and food are important Personal hygiene tips – loo roll, baby wipes, sanitary stuff. • Foot health can ruin it all! • Sex – it happens, but privacy is limited & everyone is filthy. Sort out contraception and always carry a condom
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Sun burn hurts It gets cold at night The mobile phone thing Stay in touch or don’t stay in touch with home but make sure its AGREED. Make decisions when you are sober Try to know what you are getting and where it comes from Know the risks and make informed choices Safe environment for your head Never isolate yourself when drinking/ taking drugs Know when to ask for help Trust the stewards and police want to help you not to get you in trouble.