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Planning to do some travelling during the summer break? Whether you are returning home for the holidays, planning to do some travelling across Australia, or simply relaxing in Brisbane - make sure you take the time to read about safety first. For travel advisories from the Dept of Foreign Affairs & Trade visit www.smarttraveller.gov.au
Helpful tips as you plan your travel.
-
Check Customs and Quarantine – different countries have different
regulations on what you can bring in to the country. Be aware of the penalties
of banned drugs. If you are travelling with prescribed drugs, try and
obtain a letter of authorisation from your doctor.
-
Book and purchase your ticket in advance – As most students travel
during the peak season, book in early to avoid disappointment with your
travel dates. In some cases, you may be required to pay additional costs.
- Check with your travel agent or airlines about your baggage entitlements
on your particular airlines. There are also limits to the size and weight
of your cabin baggage, hand carry. Try not to pack more luggage than you can
carry.
- Pack your own bags; never let anyone else pack them for you. Pack any medication
in your cabin baggage so it is available when you need it. Pack enough essential
items in your hand carry in case your luggage get lost. Clearly label all
luggage including inside the luggage, in case outside labels are accidentially
removed.
- Wear comfortable clothing and shoes for your flight. Carry a warm jacket,
so you can adjust to the different conditions inside and outside the plane.
Avoid leaving large areas of the body uncovered. Steer clear of shorts or
skirts because they do not cover extremities. Wear non-restrictive clothing
as this allows you greater movement. Wearing fully enclosed leather low-healed
laced or buckled shoes, boots or tennis shoes is recommended. Avoid sandals
and high healed dress shoes. Keep your footwear on during the flight.
- To avoid DVT (deep vein thrombosis) exercise your legs while seated and
go for a walk at least once an hour. Dehydration can also increase the risk
of DVT, so drink plenty of water or other fluids. Alcohol and coffee are not
recommended as they are diuretics (they cause you to lose fluids).
- Passengers may not bring on board an aircraft any knives, sharp and/or pointed
objects, and certain sports equipment.
- Make sure you have a signed, valid passport and visas. Fill in the emergency
information page of your passport!
- Never leave belongings unattended or with strangers, especially at airports
or stations and never accept packages from strangers.
- Register your details and travel plans with the local embassy or consulate.
Some countries will have travel advices and if you are intending to travel
to a country where the security situation is volatile, it is recommended that
you register your details. Check QUT’s travel
advice and Australia's Smartraveller
site.
-
Make copies of your travel documents – make copies of your passport,
visa (if needed), photo, and airline tickets. Leave a copy with family
or friends and take a copy with you.
-
Tell someone where you are going – keep in regular contact with
family and friends back home by email or phone and leave a copy of your
travel plans.
- Carry details of your temporary accomodation, travel & medical insurance,
and the phone numbers for QUT, ISS found in Destination QUT or Preparing for
Student Life.
-
Read up on where you are travelling – Information about your destination
will prepare your travel plans. Have a look at the Lonely
Planet website. Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs of
the countries to which you are traveling. Remember, while in a foreign
country, you are subject to its laws!
Combating Jet lag
- Rest well before your flight.
- Preset your biological clock five days before you leave. If flying east,
try to go to sleep and arise earlier each day, if flying west, stay up and
get up later
- Eat lightly before and during the flight.
- As soon as you board, change your watch to the present time at your destination
and try to eat and sleep by that time.
- Drink lots of fluids to fight dehydration which can retard the process
of resychronization.
- Avoid alcohol, which is more potent at higher altitudes, as it accelerates
dehydration and disrupts REM sleep.
- Stretch and try to relax.
- Adjust to your destination time ASAP - getting out in the sunlight will
help reset your body clock.
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