Independent travel

In regard to independent travel, whether you are a backpacker or doing it in style the same advice goes for all.

Be a smart traveller and research your destination/s first.

Lonely Planet books are the most up to date and concise travel guides I have used. There are others but I can only talk about the ones I use. I also do a lot of my research on the net. I visit Trip Advisor and the relevant tourist bureaus for each country or town.

Get yourself a map or even better if you can afford it invest in a GPS and download the relevant software for the country you are travelling to.

Also invest in an electronic language speaking gadget. It makes it easier than learning a lot of languages.

Not for profit organisations such as YHA are excellent for independent travel as you can get a reasonable priced room or bed in a dorm and meet a lot of fellow travellers. As far as I know there is no age barrier. My husband and I have recently stayed in a backpackers (Japan) and had a private room and met a lot of different aged groups of people. Make sure you book ahead as they can fill up very quickly. That goes for any accommodation.

Red Tape

Before you depart it is a good idea to contact the embassy or consulate where you are going to and get information on visas, travelling with medicines and working overseas.

Remember to make sure your passport is up to date as you may be denied entry if you have less than 6 months validity left.

Working Holidays

If you are planning on working overseas, prior preparation is essential. You should find out what rules and regulations apply before you depart by contacting the relevant embassy or consulate of that country.

Australia has agreements with a number of countries which allow Australians to work while holidaying. Smartraveller has a list of countries that Australia has agreement with.

When travelling alone make sure you have locks for your luggage. I was reading about an American traveller who uses a bike lock for his luggage as he travels alone quite often.

With independent travel it is vital that you keep in regular touch with your family and let them know of any changes to your travel plans.

To save them needless worry:

* leave a copy of your itinerary with them

* register your travel plans or in person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate

* establish an email address that you can access overseas

* activate global roaming on your mobile phone

* contact your family and friends immediately if there is a natural disaster, major accident or terrorist attack in the area you are in, to let them know you are safe

* advise your family how regularly they can expect to hear from you and try to stick to it.

How to stay safe

Before departure:

* organise a variety of ways of accessing your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques and cash

* check with your bank whether your ATM card will work overseas

* make two photo copies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy at home.

While overseas

* be wary of food and drink spiking - never leave food or drink unattended

* comply with local dress codes and cultural sensitivities

* avoid unlit and back streets at night

* avoid travelling alone in train carriages

* keep your hotel door locked

* never give your hotel name or room number to strangers

* think twice before accepting invitations to go out with strangers

* try to find out if the area has criminal activity

* avoid using drugs and obey the law

* don't leave any bags unattended or in the care of strangers

* never carry anything into a country for someone else

* check your medicines are legal in the country you are travelling to.

Insurance

Make sure you take out full insurance before travelling. See our travel insurance page.

Health Checks

It is a good idea to have a health and dental check up before you leave. Also make sure you have the required vaccinations. Ask your doctor to find out for you.

For more information on Independent travel why not contact us and we can research any questions you may have.

Click here for more concise information re Independent travel from Smart traveller

Click here to contact us for more information re travelling alone

Click here to go back to Solo Travel