	Tips for Planning Safe Travel

Keeping Your Belongings

Packing Your Bags

There are some fundamental rules to follow when packing for any trip, particularly overseas journeys:

Always pack all your bags yourself - without exception!

Never pack anyone else's luggage or offer to carry anything for anyone other than your immediate family.

Ensure that there are no pressure packs in your check-in luggage.

To prevent spillage of any liquid in your baggage, seal bottles of perfume, toiletries or drink in airtight plastic bags.

Pack a light change of clothes in your carry-on luggage in case your check-in luggage is ever delayed for any reason.

For International trips, use luggage that is sturdy and can be easily secured with quality locks.

When carrying medications, make sure that you have a qualified Medical Practitioner's prescription or letter with you as some common medications are illegal or regulated in certain countries - if in doubt, contact the Department of Foreign Affairs for further information.

Always check with the airline you are travelling with about packing or carrying dangerous goods - many are restricted or banned on aircraft.

It is advisable for passengers to carry valuable items such as Passports, Cash, Travellers Cheques, vouchers and jewellery in your hand held luggage.

Avoid packing anything fragile like computers, cameras glassware etc in your check-in luggage due to higher risk of damage.

Before you pack your bags, lay everything out on a flat surface and photograph the contents together, and if necessary, individually. This will provide you with some proof of ownership and a handy inventory incase your bags are lost or stolen.

Lable your luggage inside and outside with your name, home address, home phone number and the address and phone number of your destination. Most airlines have luggage tags available at the airport check in.

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Documents

One of the most frustrating experiences that any traveller can experience is the loss or theft of Passports, tickets, traveller's cheques and cash. Here are some tips to help diminish the chances of this happening or at least lessen the impact:

Always carry your passport and credit cards on your person.

It is advisable for you to carry these items in a money belt, either around your neck or waist. "Bum Bags" or "Fanny Packs" are not as secure as they may seem, as theives have been known to cut the straps without the owner being fully aware.

Before you leave home, photocopy your passport (including any visas), airline and/or train tickets, tour vouchures and travellers cheques and have one copy in a bag away from your documents and another with a responsible family member or friend. If you need to replace these items, it is easier to do so when a you have copies of them.

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Money

When travelling, never carry all your cash, credit cards, ATM access cards, or travellers cheques in the one place, such as your handbag or wallet. If stolen, ALL of your access to money is gone!

Divide up your cash, credit cards etc between places. For instance, keep an ATM access card a small amount of cash (enough to get you through the day) and a couple of travellers cheques in your wallet or handbag. The remainder should be carried either in a money belt around your hidden under your clothes. This will reduce the loss and inconvenience in case any are lost or stolen.

When travelling with traveller's cheques, it is imperative that you photocopy the receipt for the travellers cheques (issued when you purchase them) and keep it separate to your travellers cheques. This will assist you in replacing them if they are lost or stolen.

When using an ATM, always conceal the ATM keypad from view so others do not see you enterieng your PIN number. Always secure your cash before you leave the ATM and never in full view of passers by. It is also important to limit the amount of money you withdraw at any one time.

When paying for items by credit card, never allow your card to be separated from you out of your sight and never sign for an bill without checking the total amount. If no total is given, ensure the clerk completes in front of you, or you complete it yourself. Where tipping at restaurants and the like is customary, the total amount is left black for the customer to complete once the tip has been calculated.

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Keeping Your Belongings

The loss of personal belongings, by whatever means, distressing. However, there are several simple things to keep in mind that will reduce your risk of loss and theft.

Never leave your belongings unattended in a public place. This is like inviting a would be criminal to steel your things.

For those who stay in hostels, utilise the lockers to store your belongings when not in your room or overnight. Many backpackers have lost belongings overnight while they have slept because they are not secured prior to turing in.

When travelling by rental car, always take care to remove all your belongings overnight and never leave valuables like jewellery, cameras, computers and documents in the car at any time when you are not in it.

When travelling on public transport, keep all valuables and documents with you on your person and never entrust these to anyone. Only allow offical employees of the transport company to handle your luggage.

As for travelling internationally, always make sure your luggage is locked when travelling on public transport.

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