Personal tips - for extra precaution

On a recent trip to Europe, my bag was stolen with all the most important content. With no money, passport or cell phone, it is a nightmare!

Some handy tips.

• Carry extra visa photos in all suitcases ( 2 in each) if needed. 
• Visa can only be applied for from  the country of departure ( exit) Make sure that you enter and exit from the same country-, making it easier. Otherwise, you have to trod from one country to another to the correct S A Embassy.
• Carry additional chronic medication in all bags, an " impossibility to obtain your chronic medication at any pharmacy even if your Dr. faxes its composition. This varies from country to country in terms of its own laws and regulations. In a developing country, like India, it is easier to obtain your medication.
• if cash is needed, carry a small amount and take the rest on your card.
• Carry duplicate copies of passport and other travel documents, insurance in all bags, including certified copies of your Identity Document.
• Crime is prevalent in all countries.  There are gangs operating all over, normally well dressed, kind, cool and look  professional.
• Always look and walk with confidence and know your routes. If information is needed , ask reliable sources.
• Hotels have their own rules and are quite lax in the way they allow entry to their breakfast lounges and diner areas. Be ware of this and take extra precaution if there is NO CONTROL or monitoring by the hotel of guests coming in and out.
• Ensure all official reports ( police ) are  translated in English and have their official stamp. ( not copies)
• Keep you passport on your body-- do not take it off.
• Always have your bank details kept handy, inform your bank on your days away.

Sounding a bit extreme! This is not the usual but you could be that one in a million.

ENJOY YOUR TRIP! DONT GET PARANOID OF THE ABOVE,  JUST BE SENSIBLE

Gulshera