Travel Tips
When it comes to travelling around the world, the most important advice that anyone will give you is to plan ahead. To help you with this we have put together some tips from people who have been there and done just that.
You can find information here on how to conduct your research, reserve accommodation in advance, what to do if you have an accident, how cultural differences will affect your trip and other top tips from experienced travellers.
You can also visit www.hihostels.com for more information on any of these issues.
Research
It's important for you to do as much research as possible, especially if you are a first time traveller. Make sure that you check out factors such as the climate, visa requirements, local events and accommodation.
Consulting the department of Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) is also a good way of obtaining information on the countries you're visiting. The travel section of their website contains lots of up-to-date advice for anyone planning a trip overseas. Visit www.fco.gov.uk/travel or phone 0845 850 2829.
 | If you're planning on setting off on your adventures alone, www.travellingalone.co.uk has advice on everything from finance to personal safety. |
Reserve accommodation
Hostelling International Youth Hostels are extremely popular and can get fully booked during the peak season so make sure that you book ahead to avoid disappointment. The Hostelling International website allows members to reserve accommodation anywhere in the world for up to 6 months ahead and to pay in your own currency.
Booking ahead is highly recommended for the first few nights of your trip so that you can be safe in the knowledge that you've got somewhere to stay when you arrive in a new country.
Visit the Hostelling International website to pre-book at www.hihostels.com
Accidents
Accidents are things that we hope will never happen to us but if the unfortunate happens then make sure your friends and family can get hold of you in an emergency.
The Next of Kin service is a fantastic way for emergency services worldwide to contact relatives quickly while also alerting them to any allergies or medical conditions you may have.
If you are a YHA member you will receive three months free when you join. Click here for more information.
The Essentials
- Make sure that you have an up to date passport and necessary visa(s)
- Don't leave without having adequate travel insurance. As a YHA member you can benefit from a 10% discount off Columbas Direct travel insurance. Click on the logo for more details.
- Equip yourself with all the neccessary information on how to stay healthy while you're away. Click here to visit the Department of Health for advice on how to protect yourself.
- Buy a guidebook and look at the FCO factsheets for the country you are visiting so that you can look up relevant information as you need it.
- Check that you have enough money to see you through the whole trip, make sure that your credit card has not expired and have a return ticket ready.
- Leave copies of important information with family and friends
- Remember to take your Hostelling International card
Top tips
Here are a few helpful tips from people who have been there and done that!
"Roll your clothes - don't fold them. They take up less space and they don't crease as much." - Glenda
"Use empty camera film cases to store tablets. That way if your bag gets wet your tablets won't get destroyed." - Bec
"Show all the discount cards you have whenever you can, even if you can't see a special offer being advertised. After all, it never hurts to ask!" - Phil
"Always remember to take a spare pair of pants and a toothbrush in your hand luggage - it's a life saver if your luggage doesn't arrive." - Rebecca
"Set up an email account before you leave. It's important to keep in touch with family and friends - and it also helps to soothe any homesickness you might have." - Rachel
"Always remember to carry toilet paper with you!" - Mike
Cultural differences
When travelling to different countries it is important that you are aware of any cultural differences and conduct yourself in an appropriate way. The following differences may arise:
- You'll more than likely be experiencing a language other than English. Learn a few key phrases in the local language such as 'please' and 'thank you'. Linguaphone is a great way to get to grips with new lanuage and YHA members can save up to £39.90 off their products. Visit www.linguaphone.com for more details.
- Try to adjust to the way things are done differently in certain countries. For example the queuing etiquette is often very different from the UK.
- Respect the culture of the country you are visiting. Dress appropriately when visiting religious areas - women are expected to cover their heads when visiting Arab countries.
Health
Make sure you check the Department of Health for the latest medical advice at www.doh.gov.uk You can find out how to get medical treatment abroad and apply for the European Health Insurance card. It can also provide you with alerts on any outbreaks happening around the world and essential information on how to protect yourself from major diseases.
