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HolidaySurvival

Guide

2013

Washbag❍ Toiletry bag❍ Shower gel❍ Shampoo + conditioner❍ Toothpaste + toothbrush❍ Haircare and styling❍ Airline approved

size toiletries ❍ Deodorant

Sun stuff❍ Sun lotion face (SPF 15+)❍ Sun lotion body (SPF 15+)❍ Aftersun❍ Lip protection

Beach stuff❍ Sunglasses❍ Swimwear❍ Towel❍ Beach bag❍ Flip-flops❍ Sunhat

Cosmetics❍ Cleanser/wipes❍ Toner + Moisturiser❍ Aftershave❍ Hairbrush + comb

Holiday Survival Guide Checklist

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Insider Tip: Dublin Airport Authority

Know the rules for carry on. Remember you can’t have sharp items like razor blades

First aid❍ First aid kit ❍ Pain relief ❍ Plasters ❍ Insect repellent ❍ Bite and sting relief ❍ Diarrhoea relief ❍ Rehydration sachets ❍ Antiseptic ❍ Allergy Relief ❍ Indigestion tablets ❍ Antibacterial products

Don’t forget❍ Passport ❍ Tickets ❍ Travel insurance ❍ Travel adapter❍ Batteries❍ Travel hairdryer❍ Travel sickness relief ❍ Flight Socks ❍ Camera❍ Memory card❍ Mobile phone charger❍ Luggage locks + tags❍ Prescription medicines

Your extras................................................

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or tweezers in your carry on luggage. Check the DAA website for a list of prohibited

items or you could end up having a very hairy holiday!

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How To Be Safe In The Sun

Risk of Melanoma It’s a four-syllable way of saying skin cancer. Getting sunburnt is the big risk-factor for melanoma. Avoid getting sunburnt and or prolonged over-exposure to the sun.

Sunburn Hurts A lot. It’s like walking around with boiling oil dripping on your skin. Try some of our tips to avoid getting that ‘Lobster Look’. Covering up with clothes and a hat is the most important thing to do, always wear high SPF sunscreen with UV protection, seek shade between 11am-3pm. Sport

the celebrity look and wear some wrap around sunnies to protect your eyes. Think of the holiday pics!

Pick the Right Sunscreen! Wherever you go, it is vital to use the appropriate sun care products. That means an SPF protection level of factor 15 or more, and always seek out the UV logo on the bottle.

Remember, sun screen may be the only thing between your skin and the sun’s 5500 degrees – not even the clouds can protect you as up to 80-85% of the sun’s rays will penetrate the cloud cover.

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TotalSun

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Before You Go

• Valid Passport It’ll never happen to you, right? But you wouldn’t believe the amount of people who show up at the airport with an out-of-date passport. And remember that some countries now insist that yours is valid for six months after your date of departure so you may need to renew it even if it’s not out of date.

• Need a Visa? You may think that the whole world is only happy to have you, but some countries insist on those little stamps first. Check with the nearest Embassy of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa.

• Get Travel Insurance! Because, you know, stuff happens: be aware of its specific conditions and make sure it covers medical treatment, accidents, cancelled flights, injuries from extreme sports, stolen

Important Advice From The Department Of Foreign Affairs & Trade

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Survival 101

An Roinn GnóthAí EAchtRAchA & tRádálA dEPARtMEnt oF FoREiGn AFFAiRS & tRAdE

goods (passports, cash, cards or luggage) as well as the extra cost of travelling home in an emergency. Check on the time and journey limits in your insurance.

• European Health Insurance Card One of the big pluses of travelling within the EU is the European Health Insurance Card, which entitles you to free emergency medical treatment, but is NOT a substitute for travel insurance.

• Vaccinations Spelling the names of tropical diseases is hard enough; getting one can be a nightmare. You’ll need vaccinations for certain parts of the world. Any GP will advise on what you’ll need for where you’re going. Check out the Tropical Medical Bureau’s website www.tmb.ie for information on vaccinations.

• Prescriptions If you take prescription medication, make sure you bring enough to last for the duration of your holiday and unexpected delays. You should also ask your doctor to write you a letter explaining why you need to carry this medicine with you.

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• Your Money Don’t carry large amounts of cash: international credit cards and your bank card (as long as it’s linked to an interbank network like Maestro or Cirrus) are the safest and handiest way to carry money abroad – they’ll work in all but the remotest areas, but be sure to check this out before you go.

• Local Currency You’ll need a small amount of it for bus and taxi fares, phone calls or small purchases upon arrival.

• Emergency Numbers Ever lost a credit card and spent an age looking for the 24-hour emergency number of the issuing bank? Avoid the hassle by

keeping a separate note of it should you need to cancel a stolen card.

• Mobile Phone & Electricity Can your phone roam onto the local network? Also check if you need an adaptor for your charger!

• Irish Contacts Abroad Make a note of the contact details of the nearest Irish Embassy or Consulate while you are abroad in case you need to contact them urgently.

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• Paper Trail Leave your contact details and travel plans with someone at home and also register your plans with the Department of Foreign Affairs by logging onto www.dfa.ie.

• Email Back-Up Email yourself a document with all your important details: photocopy of your passport and ID, credit card details, emergency contact numbers and anything you may need during your travels. Ingenious and easy!

While You’re Away

• Keep your tickets and passport safe at all times, and carry a photocopy of your passport in a separate place – or email it to yourself.

• Thankfully, really bad stuff very rarely happens, but stay in regular touch with your family to let them know you’re safe, especially in the event of a natural disaster or terrorist attack.

• Abroad is the same as at home, only hotter and with different languages: be aware of your personal security and use common sense the same way as you would at home.

• Leave the jewellery, valuables and cash in a safe place.

• Familiarise yourself with local laws and don’t break them: the memories of an entanglement with the local legal system are those you don’t want.

• Don’t overstay your visa, and don’t try to work illegally.

• Be sensitive to local customs, dress codes (especially in Islamic countries), and learn a few words of the local language.

• Never take photographs of people without their permission.

• NEVER use, buy or carry illegal drugs in foreign countries. Always pack your own bags, never leave them unattended, and never carry anything for anybody else. The ‘Banged Up Abroad’ section in the bookshop is big enough without you adding your tale of woe to it.

• Take note of the local laws about alcohol. Overindulging abroad might seem like a good laugh, but there are plenty of countries where public

drunkenness can cause grave offence. Also, if you’re injured while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, your insurance almost certainly won’t cover you.

What To Do In An Emergency:

• Contact family and friends at home first – they may be able to resolve your situation for you, or help you to sort it out more easily.

• If necessary, the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade in Dublin or the Irish Embassy

or Consulate closest to where you are may be able to assist. If you contact their offices abroad outside their normal opening hours, you’ll usually get through to an answering machine that is monitored at regular intervals. Remember to leave a message outlining your emergency and your contact details so they can call you back.

• In countries where there is no Irish Embassy or Consulate, you may be able to get help from the Embassy or Consulate of another EU member state.

Your Nearest Irish Embassy Or Consulate CAN:

• Issue emergency travel documents.

• Let your family or friends know if you’ve been the victim of a crime or suffered a medical emergency.

• Visit you if you are arrested and advance money to you from your family.

• Help you to transfer funds from home if necessary.

• Provide a list of English-speaking lawyers, doctors and interpreters.

• Contact local police, hospitals, doctors to seek information on your behalf.

• Help you arrange repatriation to Ireland.

Your Nearest Irish Embassy Or Consulate CANNOT:

• Give legal or medical advice.

• Get you out of jail, or get you better treatment than locals in prison.

• Pay your medical, legal or other bills.

• Investigate a crime.

• Deal with your insurance company for you.

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1. Google Your Destination.

Do some research and make a list of the most interesting recommendations that you can find. It’s the best way to get off the tourist trail and experience something a bit more unusual.

2. Keep Your Packing In Check

Nothing spoils a holiday like having to dump half of your belongings in an airport. Know your baggage limits!

3. Learn Some Basic Lingo

Wherever you are, it’s always worth knowing how to say ‘hello’, ‘please’, ‘thank you’, ‘sorry’, and ‘Do you speak English?’ It’ll make getting around a lot easier, and people are more welcoming when you make even a small effort.

Three Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Holiday

Backpacking is fast becoming a popular holiday choice, ye wild things! It can be a once in a life time experience, if you think and plan ahead. The Tropical Medical Bureau has the low-down!

Stick to ‘The Plan’

• You won’t find that many medical facilities in backpacker’s territory, so avoid getting that upset tummy or grumble down south by having a well-thought out travel plan…and sticking to it!

• If you already have a medical condition, speak with the TMB or your GP before jetting off with your hiking boots in tow.

Don’t Drink the Clear Stuff

• Use boiled or sealed bottled water at all times for drinking and brushing your teeth. You could end up with bowel parasites if you don’t. Nasty.

• Remember this tip the morning after the night before when you’d sell your Granny for hydration. Parasites and hangovers are not a great combination.

Top Backpacking Tips from the Tropical Medical Bureau

Keep Your Distance

• Don’t go petting any furry four-legged friends, and treat any bite very seriously. That little dressed up monkey may seem a-must-get-shot, but you can be guaranteed that tetanus or rabies is a shot that you’ll remember far longer.

Mind the Creepy Crawlies

• Spray your room with repellent, in the evening especially, to keep the bugs at bay!

• Treat any nasty bites early. Did you know mosquitoes are attracted to alcohol in the blood? Might make you think twice before heading to that full moon party, eh?

Get Vaccine-Smart!

• TMB are a one-stop shop for vaccinations! When you are planning your trip, head to the TMB for that in-the-know advice. They will tell you what vaccines you need to get for each country.

• They’ll administer your vaccinations at the same time and give you a lollipop once you’re finished.

• Visit www.tmb.ie or call 01-2715200 to book an appointment, there are 21 clinics nationwide to choose from.

Need Help?

• The TMB have a 24 hour support service. Just call or email them.

• The TMB also offer a full check-up when you get home from your hols. Drop them a line if you’re feeling unwell and think you might have caught something.

Find us on Facebook for some great discounts and promo codes on all Tropical Medical Bureau services at www.facebook.com/TropicalMedicalBureau

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Dr. Graham Fry, Medical Director of the TMB, says “It is very easy to get caught up in the excitement of an upcoming holiday or trip, but if you forget an essential detail such as a vaccine or not to drink the tap water, potentially your dream could become a nightmare.”

Avail of a 10% discount on all travel products on www.Travelshop.ie, the one stop shop for all your travel needs, with this helpful promo code: Survival 101.

Dr. Fry adds, “Organise the essentials to cover you should something go wrong, if you fail to prepare then prepare to fail. Don’t let the finer details ruin that ‘once in a life time’ experience!”

Remember, the best pace to drink at is your own when on hols. Things like the speed of the fastest drinker, the mood you are in, the lovely weather and how much money you have in your pocket can all make you speed up. Reduce the amount you drink, and slow down the pace you drink at to make it a holiday worth remembering…for all the right reasons!

Plan ahead – Think about all the things you want to do while away, and make the most of the break!

Avoid rounds – These are hard on your pocket and put you under pressure to keep up. Those sunshine cocktails don’t come cheap…

Ditch the drinking games – Let’s be honest they make everyone drink way too much, way too fast.

The Best Pace to Drink at is Your Own!

Drink lots of water – Pace your drinks with water regularly to stay refreshed and hydrated. This gives your body a chance to break down the alcohol already in your system and will help prevent dehydration. The last thing you want is to be dehydrated in the sunshine.

Fill your free days and nights with sightseeing, outdoor activities, and sampling the local cuisine.

Check out the new drinkaware.ie Pacing Campaign on drinkaware.ie!

Prepare to Fly• Arrive on Time

Give yourself plenty of time to get through security and immigration checks at the airport if you want to avoid waving at your departing flight from the lounge – allow at least two hours for all international flights.

• Watch Your Weight Hand luggage limitations are getting tighter and lighter: check the airline’s website to make sure you’re within their limit or you’ll pay double for it at the airport.

• Liquid Limits Yes, that bottle of water is too much, as is that oversized bottle of perfume/aftershave. No, they don’t care that it was expensive: if it’s more than 100ml, they get to keep it.

• Inflight Entertainment A few drinks in flight may seem like a way to kickstart your holiday, but pressurised cabins will make you drunk faster and leave you with a killer hangover.

Other Useful Tips

• Destination Time Change your clock to the destination time as soon as you board the plane: not only will you know how long is left in your flight but it’ll kick start any adjustments to the new time zone, which is helpful if you’re travelling to the other side of the world.

Winter Sports

• Winter Cover Most insurance policies don’t cover winter sports, so you’ll need extra cover if you want peace of mind on the mountain.

• Layers Thin layers of modern, insulated fabrics are the best way to stay toasty under the ski jacket.

• Panda Eyes A good pair of sunglasses that filter out both UVA and UVB rays are essential – they mightn’t help the tan but they’ll definitely prevent snow blindness.

• Sun Care Yes, it’s freezing, but snow and the sun will team up to really fry your skin: use high factor sun cream on your face – double what you would use at the beach.

• Off-Piste If you’re a snowboarding explorer type, let someone know where you’re going; off-piste avalanches do happen and the St Bernards will locate you faster should you become trapped.

• Rehydrate Exercising at altitude, coupled with heated chalets and après ski drinks will leave you seriously dehydrated, so be sure to drink plenty of water.

• Mountain Rules Ski with care. Uphill skiers and boarders must always give way to those below them. Be mindful of those with less ability and give them plenty of room. Don’t go full throttle on blue or green pistes. You don’t want to be the cause of an accident – litigation is increasingly popular.

Alcohol Abroad

• The dehydrating effects of drinking alcohol are made much worse by the heat, so make sure to drink plenty of bottled water and take regular breaks from the sun.

• Although the heat might make you feel less hungry than normal, remember to eat before you start drinking. Drinking on an empty stomach is never a good idea.

• Measure Up Foreign measures are usually larger than Irish ones, which means two vodka ‘n’ cokes may be more like five at home – pace yourself and drink plenty of water between drinks.

• Let Loose Alcohol lowers inhibitions meaning if you drink to excess, you could find

yourself in some risky situations. At the very least you’ll wreck the night out for your mates if they have to look after you when you’re worse for wear. Remember alcohol will do nothing for your looks either – you’re drop dead gorgeous until you drop down drunk.

• Water Safety There’s nothing quite like a dip in the pool to cool off after being in the sun. But swimming after drinking alcohol is really dangerous, no matter how good a swimmer you think you are. So, do the smart thing, once you’ve started the festivities, stay out of the water.

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• Respect Public drunkenness is seriously frowned upon in many countries, so pay attention to what is (or isn’t) going on around you and act accordingly.

• Drink Drive Limits Bear in mind, your holiday destination may have different laws when it comes to driving and alcohol – in the US, it is illegal to have any alcohol in your blood if you’re under 21 and driving. So unless you want to spend your holiday (and more) behind bars, nominate a designated driver, book a taxi, take a rickshaw and always respect drink drive limits.

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Cultural Ties

• Dress Appropriately You may be on holiday, but it’s their country: unless you’re poolside or on a beach, cover up. Use your common sense and dress with respect.

• Stay Calm Saving face, or avoiding embarrassment, is a big deal in some cultures, particularly in Asia: try to stay calm and level-headed in all your dealings, as losing your temper will only make things worse.

• Haggling Arguing over price is one of the great sports in the world, but be sure to treat it as such: the best result is a price that makes both seller and buyer happy, so be sure to haggle with a smile and a laugh.

Safe Sex

• Use Condoms Nobody is worth you playing Russian roulette with your sexual health, so never ever have unprotected sex with new friends.

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• Stay Alert and in Control There’s a crowd you just met that seem fun, who keep buying you shots all night? Trust us, they’re not that great and chances are it’s not the sparkling conversation they’re after: if you’re alone in strange surroundings, always stay alert. If you lose control, you could land yourself in serious trouble. As with anywhere where tourists congregate in large numbers, beware of shady characters masquerading as friends in order to defraud, rob or otherwise cause trouble to you.

• Contraceptive Pill If you’re taking the pill, make sure you carry your prescription in case you have to replace it.

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Useful Websites

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: www.dfa.ie

The Tropical Medical Bureau: www.tmb.ie

Lonely Planet: www.lonelyplanet.com

HostelWorld: www.hostelworld.com

Trip Advisor: www.tripadvisor.com

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Compiled by travel writer & radio presenter Fionn Davenport