What not to do when you travel

Don’t avoid places, avoid these mistakes when travelling.

You’ve been dreaming about your holiday since June. You’ve planned where you’ll end up, who you’re taking with you and who you’re leaving at home. Whether you’re driving, flying or taking a bus or train, avoid these mistakes to make sure you get the most out of your time off.

Don’t:

• Leave your chronic medicine and glasses at home
  Your medical condition goes wherever you go. Don’t make the mistake of thinking you will be relaxed enough not to need your medicine or office glasses while on vacation. Squinting at road signs and slowly developing a splitting headache does not add to the adventure of going on a trip. Neither does spending time at a local clinic and hoping you can arrange to get your chronic medicine in a foreign country. Ask your pharmacy and let us know if you need more than a month’s supply of medicine if you’re travelling.
• Accidentally become a smuggler
  In the movies, smuggling something over the border can be thrilling and interesting. On holiday, you probably want to skip the drama. Just because your doctor prescribed your medicine in South Africa, doesn’t mean your medicine is legal overseas. For example, in Japan some of the active ingredients in our painkillers and cold medicine are illegal. Find out if you need a special letter from your doctor to take your medicine with you from the embassy before you go.
• Pack the kitchen sink
  It’s tempting to try to pack everything you may need while travelling. You could be someone’s hero! Or your arms and feet’s worst enemy. You have to carry what you pack. Pack clothes for one week and include something warm and something for rain. You can always wash clothes. It’s much nicer not to have to lug a heavy suitcase around and you leave space in your suitcase for all those little things you just had to buy!
• Lose your photos
  After your trip you’re left with memories – and many photos of everything from your room to spitting llamas. One of the worst things that can happen is for you to lose your photos from a memory card’s tantrum or something happening to your camera. Back up your photos to memory sticks (they aren’t affected by airport scanners) or upload them to the internet. Just be careful which photos you share publically.

Check if you’re covered for medical emergencies overseas

Knowing you’re covered for medical emergencies can give you peace of mind to be just that little bit daring to go ahead and order the exotic dish at the quaint little restaurant you’ve just discovered together or to tuck into some mouth-watering street food.

Please contact TFG Medical Aid Scheme at 0860 123 077 and confirm your cover for medical costs and emergencies overseas before travelling overseas.