SECURITY
THE EXPERT
Julie Bishop, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and head of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
THE QUOTE
“We advise all travellers to take responsibility for their travel decisions,” she says. “You need to prepare carefully. Every destination, no matter how many times you’ve been there or how short you’re staying, has risks. Keep in mind that once you leave Australia, you don’t have the same support arrangements as back home when something goes wrong.”
THE ADVICE
1. Research your destination – understand the safety, security and health risks before you book your plane ticket.
2. Know the local laws and customs. These can be very different from those in Australia and the penalties far more severe.
3. Subscribe to the Smartraveller advice; you’ll receive an email whenever the advice for your destination is updated.
4. Get the basic preparations right. Buy the right insurance, making sure you’re covered for all of your destinations, all of your activities and the entire length of your stay, and share your itinerary with someone back home. Make copies of key travel documents and have contingency plans for travel to risky areas.
5. Always stay in contact with friends or family back home. In an emergency such as a cyclone or terrorist attack, it is especially important to let people back home know you’re OK.
