Passport is your most important travel document; check it well in advance of any trip you are planning to take. A visit to India requires that your passport is valid for at least six months, before you are permitted entry. If it’s falling to bits, get a new one before you travel. You can get your old one back as a keepsake for a small fee. If you need to replace you passport when on the road, contact the nearest consulate. Check visa requirement with your travel agent, or contact us in advance of your trip.

• Make a note of the passport number, date and place of issue (or take a photocopy), and keep this separately, in a safe place
• Check the passport expiry date, when you first start planning your trip; it may take time to organise a replacement
• Write the full details of ‘next of kin’ in your passport
• Leave a photocopy with a friend or relative at home
• Take a second means of photo identification with you
• Keep your passport in the hotel safe, and carry a photocopy with you
• If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it to local police immediately, and get a statement about the loss

Carrying your money need not be a headache. A mixture of cash, debit cards, and depending on your destination, traveller cheques, is best. You will be able to use a debit in most cities combined with Internet banking.

Opt for an ‘out of sight’ security wallet’ to keep most of your money and cards in. Take care when taking money out; keeping a few notes and coins in a button-down pocket is a better idea than rummaging all your valuables.

Things can go wrong on holiday; luggage gets stolen, you may fall ill, or need to fly home in a hurry. Accidents, not just on the roads and expeditions, but wherever you find travellers.

All these risks and more can be covered by taking out travel insurance. Put it at the top of your pre-departure checklist. Do not leave home without it. Make sure you are fully covered in case of health problems under your travel insurance.

Nature expeditions india should not be held responsible for theft or loss of property (passport, money, baggage, other valuable). Looking after their possessions is a client’s own responsibility.

As a traveller, it is imperative to be aware of the health risks that arise when visiting new countries, trying unusual cuisines, and participating in extreme activities. The first step is always to visit a travel health clinic, well in advance of your departure. If you are going on a last minute trip, then the sooner you seek health advice the better is for you. Leave it too late-less then four weeks before you leave -and you could be compromising the effectiveness of vaccination schedules. It is important to stress that the advice given will depend on many different factors, which is why there is no such thing as uniform advice to every traveller.