No one wishes for anything to go wrong when they travel, but taking considerations like those described in this article to heart, can greatly increase your chances of having a safe, secure & enjoyable trip.
1.
Travel Documents: For most trips a passport will be required.
Visas may not.
Find out what applies to you - for your intended travel destination.
Make sure you get all relevant documents properly signed and stamped to avoid complications or unexpected delays later, during your trip.
It might be useful to leave copies of your important documents with your family, close friends or colleagues.
Be sure to also let them know where you plan to stay, and places you intent to visit during your trip.
This may prove useful should they need to locate or contact you at any point in time - especially if they have to supply information to third parties.
2.
Health Checks: Depending on the country or destination you are headed, you may need to take certain vaccinations or carry specific medications with you.
For instance, travelling to Nigeria may require you to get vaccinated against yellow fever, cholera, cerebro-spinal meningitis etc, and also take medication to prevent malaria that could be passed on through mosquito bites.
Find out from the appropriate authorities any special health precautions you will need to take before entry into your destination of choice -especially if you are going abroad, or to a place with known health hazards.
3.
Your Country's Embassy or High Commission: Find out the detailed contact information for your country's official representative in your country of destination.
When you arrive, try and find time to visit and make your presence known - there could be a register for nationals to indicate their date or arrival/departure and other important details.
You may find it well worth the effort in the event that you get into some form of trouble and need help at a later date, while you are still in the country you are visiting.
4.
Contact Information of Friends/Relatives: Be sure to get and store in an easily retrievable location, detailed contact information of your friends and relatives back home.
This will help you contact and stay in touch with them while you are away.
Also, you will be able to easily contact them if anything goes wrong during your trip.
For instance, if you lose valuable documents - such as passports, medical documents, etc, they will be able to quickly help you send down copies you would have left with them.
5.
Insurance Cover: Depending on the country you are coming from, it might be possible to get travel insurance.
Get expert advice on when would be the best time to take this out, prior to your trip.
In most cases, travel insurance would cover expenses you might incur in the event of an illness or accident.
Failing to do this may expose you to the risk of incurring steep expenses if what you have turns out to be serious.
Again, it would be best to get professional advice on this, so as to get optimal value from this arrangement.
6.
Dressing: Avoid dressing in a manner that could draw the wrong kind of attention to you - for instance wearing expensive clothing and jewelry.
This is particularly instructive if you will be visiting a country you are not used to.
And even where you know your way around, it always pays to be conservative, so that persons with malicious intent - petty thieves, pick pockets or even criminals - may not get attracted to you.
7.
Moving Around/Using Transportation: Ensure you do not make a habit of moving alone, or following little used routes, such as shortcuts or alleys - except those you are going with are really trusted associates.
Even then, chances are good that both you and them could get taken by surprise by "bad guys" if you do not exercise proper caution.
In certain countries, using the subway after (or before) certain hours can be a bit risky.
You should therefore avoid taking any form of transportation that could expose you to harm.
The above enumerated considerations are just a few important ones you will need to take to heart, as you prepare for your trip - and during it.
You owe it to yourself to find out other essential guidelines or useful information that will help you make your trip as trouble free, safe and enjoyable as you want it to be!