Before You Travel

• Take out travel insurance before you leave home. You never know when a medical or dental emergency could occur.
• Visit your doctor and dentist for a general check-up before you leave. Ask about any vaccinations relevant to your destination. Ensure your regular vaccinations such as the flu shot and tetanus shot are up to date. Get your doctor to print a list of all your current medications, their generic names, dosages and frequency taken. Print a spare copy and keep it separate from your main luggage.
• Pack a week’s supply of your regular medications in your carry-on luggage. This way, if your luggage is lost or delayed you won’t have any concern over taking your medication as required.

While You Are Travelling

• Drink plenty of water on your flight to stay hydrated. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, as these can dehydrate you faster. Use moisturiser to prevent your hands from drying out.
• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) commonly affects the elderly and those with heart disease or circulatory problems. Sitting still for long periods of time (such as on a plane) can increase these.

In case of an emergency

• Find out the emergency services contact numbers for the regions you are travelling in. Record the numbers for police, ambulance, your travel insurance provider and the nearest Australian Embassy.
• Make a photocopy of your passport and travel documents including travel insurance policy, travellers cheques, visas and credit cards. Carry a copy with you, separate from your main luggage and leave a copy with a family member or friend at home.

These travel tips are intended as general information only. They do not take into consideration your personal circumstances.