Travel Tips

Before you go - Be Prepared

1. Check the latest travel advice for your destination at www.voyagesindia.com before you go. Subscribe to receive free email notification each time the advice is updated.

2. Take out travel insurance to cover  any emergency such as hospital treatment

3. Before travelling overseas register your travel and contact details online at www.voyagesindia.com, or at the local  embassy, high commission or consulate once you arrive so we can contact you in an emergency.

The better prepared you are, the more enjoyable and safer your travel will be.

Try to acquaint yourself with the culture and customs of the countries you are visiting. Respecting local customs will help you to avoid potentially dangerous situations.

Make photocopies of your itinerary, passport, credit cards, travel insurance documents, important phone numbers and itinerary. Keep these copies separate from the originals in case of loss or theft. Also leave a set of copies with someone at home.

If travelling with children, keep in mind that any young person under 18 years of age who has never married, is regarded as a child. Children cannot be included in an adult’s passport. Each child, including a newborn infant, must be issued with their own passport.

Women Travelling Alone

Students, backpackers, active working women, adventurous grandmothers: Women are travelling overseas in ever-increasing numbers. It can be both exhilarating and daunting, but usually it’s the experience of a lifetime. The best advice for women travellers is to use common sense.

While we recognize that all travellers may face some level of risk in unfamiliar environments or cultures, women may sometimes be placed at greater risk.

Travelling with Children

Here are a few pointers to help ensure your travels proceed smoothly.

If you are travelling with a baby, stock up on disposable nappies, baby wipes, nappy rash creams, analgesics and any other products you rely on They may be unavailable at your destination.

If you are breastfeeding, find out beforehand whether it is acceptable to breastfeed publicly in the country you are visiting. Otherwise look for a private area to feed your baby. If expressing milk, take your own equipment, including adaptors for electric pumps.

Think carefully about how best to secure your belongings while travelling. You may be more vulnerable to thieves and pickpockets while travelling with babies and small children as you may not have your hands free to hold onto your bags.

Business Travellers

If you have a business appointment in an unfamiliar location, leave details of your destination with the hotel management and instruct them to raise the alarm if you have not returned by a certain time.

Don't give out your room number to associates too freely - this can give the wrong signal in some countries.

If you are at a conference, leave your name badge in your room or purse. Advertising your name could lead to unwelcome situations.

Keeping in Touch

While travelling it is important to keep in regular touch with your family and let them know of any changes to your travel plans. You may be having a great time on your holiday but forgetting to contact family and friends can cause them needless stress and worry. Each year, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s consulate service receives hundreds of calls from concerned families who have not heard from loved ones and are concerned for their safety.

To save your family and friends needless worry:

- Leave a copy of your itinerary and travel insurance details with your family and register your travel plans.

- Establish an email address that you can access overseas.

- Activate global roaming on your mobile phone but keep in mind it may not work in some remote areas.

- Contact your family and friends to let them know you are safe if there is a natural disaster, major accident or terrorist attack in the area you travellers are in Advise your family how regularly they can expect to hear from you and stick to your word.

Carry only essentials

Taking into consideration the time, place and season of our visit, carry only the most important things with you. Avoid unnecessary items like excess food too much of eatables, bulky clothing, heavy items, etc.

Important documents

Avoid carrying valuable items. Wear a money belt or stitch a pocket inside your outfit to keep important documents like passport, credit cards, travellers' cheques, etc. It's always better to take photocopies of important documents and leave them with someone trustworthy. It is advised that you carry a card with details of important contact numbers, your age, blood group, etc, so that people may help you in the event of an emergency.

Taxis / Auto Rickshaws

Transport safety standards vary widely. You should understand the risks and plan your travel accordingly. Always book your taxi inside the airport. If you take a pre-paid taxi, pay the stipulated fare while at the airport counter. After which you need not pay anything to the taxi driver.

Hordes of touts and taxi men will crowd around you and offer to take you wherever you need to go. You are very likely to get overcharged upon reaching your destination. You are not expected to tip taxis. If you are unsure about the cost conversions - which are usually one and a half times to twice what the meter reads, you can always ask for a meter card from the driver.

Hotel bookings

For hotel bookings and other information, check out our Travel & Accommodation section. There is no shortage of hotels in Delhi. There are numerous touts offering hotel services at the airport. If you must consider employing their services, make sure they have some kind of official identification .

Top 10 Travel Tips

Many problems encountered overseas can be avoided if some simple precautions are taken. Follow our overseas travel tips to be well on your way to having a hassle-free journey.

1. Check the latest travel advice for your destination www.voyagesindia.com before you go. Subscribe to receive free email notification each time the travel advice is updated.

2. Take out travel insurance to cover any emergency such as hospital treatment.

3. Before travelling overseas register your travel and contact details online www.voyagesindia.com or at the local Indian embassy, high commission or consulate once you arrive so we can contact you in an emergency.

4. Obey the law of the country you’re visiting. Don’t expect to be treated differently to the locals just because you’re from other country. Even if local laws appear harsh or unfair by your standards.

5. Make sure you have the right visas for the countries you are visiting or transiting. Remember that a visa doesn'’t necessarily guarantee entry.

6. Make copies of your passport details, insurance policy, and, visas . Make a list of traveller's cheque numbers and credit card numbers. Carry one copy in a separate place to the originals and leave a copy with someone at home.

7. Consult your doctor regarding any recommended vaccinations and necessary health precautions to take whilst away. Also find out about taking medication overseas - certain medicines aren’t allowed in some countries.

8. Make sure your passport has a minimum six months validity. Carry extra passport photos just in case your passport is lost or stolen and you need to replace it while away. Also carry a  certificate copy of your birth certificate in case you need a new passport.

9. Keep in contact with friends and family back home and give them a copy of your itinerary so they know where you are at all times.

10. Check to see if you’re regarded as a national of the country you plan to visit, and whether dual nationality will have any implications for your travel plans. Consulate Services Brochures.