Once you have decided where you want to go there are a number of things that you need to think about. These include:

Accommodation

• Book your accommodation before you travel. This will ensure that you are not left 'homeless' on your first night in a new country. This is especially important if you are planning to arrive late / in the dark or you are travelling alone.
• Where possible ensure that you keep a copy of the booking reservation and / or booking number and take it with you.

Luggage

• Investigate information about the size and weight of luggage that is allowed.
• Keep essentials with you at all times; hold luggage may be lost / misplaced / delayed.
• For security purposes it is advisable to ensure that your luggage is lockable. Keep the key with you at all times. For travel the USA you will need a specific type of lock; details can be found on the Transportation Security Administration website (TSA). Airports in the USA have special codes that give access to approved locks.
• Make sure you understand which liquids / gels are allowed and in what quantity. Medication, breast milk, baby formula and food are normally allowed in reasonable quantities but must be declared at Security.

Transport

• Investigate recommended methods of travelling with Embassies, High Commission and Consulate websites and / or other sources of travel information.
• Be aware that safety standards of local air, road, rail and sea travel optons may not be as good as you are used to.
• Plan to avoid travelling at night where possible