Every so often, there’s a story in the press about a back packer going missing. The way these things are reported, you’d think it was a dangerous thing to do. Of course nothing in this world is completely safe, but the fact is that tens of thousands of teenagers set off every year for anything between two weeks and a year and come back fully enriched by the experience. I only did it for three weeks in 1977, but came back completely different for what happened.

So parents, what should be on your kids’ to do lists?

1. What research have you done? Have you got a good guide book,? The amount of information available these days even on the most obscure places in the world, is staggering. The Internet and mobile devices make it possible to store stuff electronically. Why not ask friends who have already travelled for advice?

2. Have you planned your first night’s accommodation? Do you know how to get back after a night out? Many hotels and hostels will give directions just in case you can’t.

3. Obey local laws. This might seem obvious. Going out for a night on the town in Istanbul or Bangkok (or even Paris or Brisbane) is not the same as Nottingham and Croydon (sorry Nottingham and Croydon). The Foreign Office or your insurance (or anybody else for that matter) won’t get you out of jail. And don’t do anything you wouldn’t do at home.

4. Similarly, respect local dress codes. The last thing you want to do is stand out as a tourist. The best way to experience a foreign country is to integrate. You won’t be a target that way.

5. Only change money in banks and legal foreign exchange bureaux. I remember being offered foreign exchange on almost every street corner in Istanbul, I just might have been tempted if I’d needed it.

6. Be careful when hitchhiking, especially at night. Always travel in pairs, anywhere. Also be aware that some drivers may expect payment. Yes, they don’t all do it from the goodness of their heart. Semi-pro mini cabs exist across the world.

7. Take a first-aid kit. You never know what might happen, especially in remote areas.

8. Keep in contact through a web-based email account and social media generally. A blog’s a great record to have (I wish the technology existed when I was young) and it lets the whole world know things are OK. What’s more , it could make you famous or rich.

Related posts:

1. Now that it’s safe to go back in the water…
2. Have a check list – the sensible guide to travelling
3. 9 products you can’t bring back from holiday
4. The kids are back at school. Now’s the time to find a holiday bargain.
5. Worried about volcanic ash? Don’t blow your top.

Tags: Travel Tips

This entry was posted on Tuesday, December 15th, 2009 at 12:06 pm and is filed under Extreme travel, Travel, Travel insurance. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.