When travelling overseas you need to make sure that you are conscious of your safety.
Taking out travel insurance is something that every traveller should take out, but you should also take a few more steps before you leave you leave home.
There are also a few things you can do while travelling to make sure you stay out of trouble.
Documents There are a few documents that you need when you travel overseas, such as a passport and the relevant visas.
Check that both your passport and your visas are going to stay valid for the entire duration of your trip.
To be on the safe side have them valid for at least six months after your expected return date.
You never know what could happen while you are away, for example you could get trapped in a foreign country due to plane delays or even a natural disaster.
Leave copies of your documents with friends and family, including a copy of your itinerary.
Check to see whether there are any specific visas you need to visit particular countries.
Local laws and customs Do a bit of research before you go and check what the local laws and customs are of the countries you are visiting.
You don't want to have any legal hassles while you are overseas, nor do you want to upset any locals.
You may find that you have to dress a certain way, and that wearing your normal clothes is considered offensive, for example women may need to cover their legs and arms or even their heads.
Insurance Travel insurance is something you shouldn't leave home without.
Check that it covers you for all accidents and possible situations.
Don't assume that you won't run into any problems while you are away.
You want your insurance to cover you for theft, if you lose your belongings, if you are involved in an accident or become ill, or if the country you are in is hit by a natural disaster.
Make sure before you leave that you have adequate medical insurance too.
Crime Unfortunately tourists tend to be targets for criminals.
Often tourists are carrying around lots of money, and when travelling they also have all their possessions on them.
To help avoid crime try to avoid being conspicuous when travelling.
Wear clothes that blend in with the locals and avoid wearing any expensive or flashy jewellery.
If going out for the day don't carry large amounts of cash, and if you have to carry all your money wear it in a bag or pouch underneath your clothing.
Register before you travel Before you leave the country contact the government's travel safe program and register where you are travelling and what dates you are leaving and planning on returning.
Once you arrive at your destination you should also register with the Australian embassy in that country.
Having officials know where you are helps in case something happens and they need to locate you.