Travel
Travelling
Travelling abroad
What you need to know
People travel abroad for all sorts of reasons - a holiday, visiting family or friends, during a gap year, for working or volunteering opportunities.
You may want to go on your own, but travelling is often more fun if you go with a friend or in a group of people who you trust. You will also be able to look out for each other.
Whatever you decide, keeping yourself safe and in touch with friends and family at home is very important. It will make you, the people around you and your family more assured and confident as you take on new challenges.
To visit some countries you will need to have a visa, or consider vaccinations to keep yourself safe from diseases like malaria. Certain countries don't allow you to take things in to them or out when you leave like local currency, plants or fresh fruit. Others may have customs and behaviours that you will need to understand.
If you are disabled you will have to do your homework with regards to the suitability and safety of travelling in your planned destination. This won't be a problem in most places, but some of the more remote places might be tricky.
Getting clued up will help you get the most out of your experiences abroad, keep you safe and not land you in trouble.
What you can do
- Get as much information on your destination as you can from travel agents, book guides, specialist websites or someone who has been before.
- Ensure you have travel insurance that will cover you for whatever you want to do and wherever you want to go.
- Make sure you have a valid passport.
- Check what visas you may need to visit certain countries.
- Think about your health and what vaccinations you might need well in advance. You can ask your doctor or visit the NHS Direct to find out more.
- Think about your personal safety and the steps you can take to be in contact with friends, and parents and carers at home in case of difficulty.
- Is your chosen destination a potential trouble spot? It's always good to know before you go so check this out on the Foreign and Commonwealth website.
- Ensure that you have your return ticket or enough money to cover it.
- If you are disabled consider contacting travel agents that specialise in providing holidays for disabled people, like Access Travel and Canbedone. Find the links to these in the 'Who can help?' section of this article.
