Travel tips - Simple steps for a safe trip

Many of us like travelling particularly in hoildays and weekends. Here are some tips to make your journey safe and memorable.

1. Register with your State department so that you can be reached in case of any emergency.
2. Have a valid signed passport and visa. Remember to fill in the emergency information page in the passport.
3. Leave copies of passport and itinerary with your friends, family or relatives so you can be reached in case of emergency.
4. Check with your medical insurance agent about your overseas medical insurance coverage. Take a travel insurance if needed and make sure you take the necessary vaccines before travelling.
5. Get familiar with the local weather conditions, law, culture and food habits of the place you are visiting.
6. Take necessary precautions to stay out of any terrorist activity and avoid being target of crime. Wear simple clothes and avoid jewellery and excessive money. Traveller cheques are always preferred to cash.
7. Do not carry heavy luggage. Make sure you take care of your luggage always and do not leave your luggage unattended in public places.
8. If you are travelling with kids, carry their food and medicines and a set of additional clothes.
9. Make sure you keep your medicines handy and remember to take medicines on time despite the journey.
10. If you are a diabetic or heart patient, inform the considered airlines or your fellow traveller about your condition in advance.
11. Make sure you contact the immediate authority in case of any emergency.
12. Keep your tickets, passport, visa, money, medical certificates handy so you can produce them whenever necessary.
13. Do not indulge in heavy meals during or after journey. Have moderate or light food and avoid oily foods.