PREPARING FOR TRAVEL
PREPARING FOR TRAVEL:
Travel is fun, but does require some common sense actions to avoid problems. The following may help.
MEDICATIONS & PRESCRIPTIONS:
If you require medication make certain you take enough to last the entire trip, plus a little extra. Know the generic names and carry a prescription in case you need to buy more medicine while you're away. Key medications should be carried in your hand luggage if flying. If you do pack into your suitcases it would be wise to separate your medication into two batches and carry in two different bags, in case one of the bags goes astray.
Remember when flying that liquid medications and creams do need to be carried in a separate plastic bag going through security checks.
Carry updated medical records, noting medications, allergies, immunizations, etc, as well as a copy of your health plan's identification and insurance policies. If you wear glasses or contacts carry your prescription so you can have it filled quickly if you should lose contacts or break glasses. Carry extra hearing aid batteries if you wear hearing aids.
INSURANCE:
We cannot emphasize enough the importance of taking out medical insurance. Cancellation and baggage loss insurance are recommended as well but medical insurance is a must. Many people have been caught overseas, or just on the doorstep but out of country with accidents or illnesses that need immediate attention. These services can get extremely expensive and are not worth the risk of a few dollars it takes to cover yourself adequately with insurance.
Consider: Cancellation Insurance (prior to departure) Interruption Insurance (for after departure) and Medical Insurance (during your travels). Make sure your travel insurance covers whatever activity you plan, such as scuba diving, sky diving, mountain-climbing, snorkeling, etc.
Check to see whether your travel insurer has a 24 hour, toll-free number in each of the countries in which you'll be traveling, or that they'll accept collect calls from you.
CURRENCY:
These days travelers checks are not as well accepted as they used to be especially in Asia and African countries. This is because they have to be sent back to the issuing country to cash and this takes time, so even when accepted you could pay a premium for using them.
Most countries have ATM’s and most credit cards can be used overseas. Make sure to remember your PIN, and make sure it is a numeric number as many machines overseas don’t allow for alphabetical PINs. The most widely used cards seem to be Visa, Master Card, American Express and Diner's Club. Debit cards are not usually accepted outside of your own country.
Make sure your cards don't expire while you're away. Carrying the name, address, telephone and fax numbers of your bank and bank manager just in case you run into fiscal difficulty.
HOME SECURITY:
If you have a home alarm make sure to set it before you leave on your trip. If a neighbour needs to access your home for emergencies or to water plants, feed animals or fish then make sure they have the number for your alarm. Most alarms are programmable so that you can enter an additional security number to add just for this purpose that can be cancelled on your return. This way your original alarm number will not be compromised.
Use automatic and programmable timers to turn lights and radios on and off while you're away. Stagger the times the lights go on, and set the radio to a talk-show station. The Voices and lights will help deter burglars.
If you have newspaper deliveries, either cancel them or have a neighbour take them in for you on a daily basis. Have your neighbours pick up your mail and any flyers, or alternatively have the post office hold the mail for you return.
We have found that a UPS mailbox is particularly good for this purpose as they will hold the mail for you and there is no evidence at your home that you are away.
If you get along well with your neighbours or have family and friends close by have them check the house regularly and even park in your driveway so it is not evident that you are away.
If its winter and there is likely to be snow arrange to have your snow cleared from your driveway, even using a prepaid service if necessary.
Mailing
Address - 203 11951 Hammersmith Way,
Richmond, BC, V7A 5H9
BC License 1896
