by J Mock

Created on: January 25, 2009   Last Updated: October 28, 2010

Whether you are travelling for business or on vacation it is necessary to take the appropriate measures to ensure that, in the event of an emergency, you are prepared and are assured in the corrective procedures to reinstate any documentation that will allow for your return journey. Travellers are advised to transport photo-copies of all travel documents, in the event that the original is either lost or stolen.

Before undertaking a period of travel, ensure that every member of the travelling party has a valid passport, and you know where they can be easily located.

Check whether a visa is required upon entering the destination. Processing a visa may take a few weeks, so allow for a reasonable time-span for the application.

Make a copy of all important documents. Leave one copy with an appropriate relative or family friend that can be easily contacted and travel with two copies of your passport and insurance documents in the event that the original is misplaced or stolen.

Avoid keeping documents in a backpack or purse that can be misplaced, lost, or in the worst scenario, stolen.

Consider investing in security and ID travel accessories: luggage locks to prevent prying hands, and ID labels on all luggage for easy identification. A hidden belt or pouch that can be strapped to the leg or around the waist, under clothes, to shield currency and passports away from prying eyes is a useful tool.

If you lose any documentation then be prepared. Prior to travelling research the intended destination and note the address and contact details of the nearest consulate or residence that can assist you in obtaining duplicates. Where is the nearest police station to report the loss? Planning beforehand can ease difficulties should the worst happen.

Ensuring that your personal effects remain safe and secure during your travels can cause undue stress , during a time when your only concern should be relaxation and discovery. To avoid having to travel with numerous copies, an alternative option is to take advantage of an on-line safety box.

My Online Safe and keepyousafe.com are two on-line providers that allow for the digital storing of important documentation during your travels. Instant access to documentary evidence, 24hrs a day, should your personal details become stolen, lost or damaged. Your personal and secure safe that dismisses the need to travel with photocopies.

It may appear over-cautious, but if you ever find yourself in the position of being stranded thousands of miles away from home, with no money, no passport and no visa, the consequences can be stressful and time-consuming. Advanced knowledge and pre-planning can minimize stress and aid the reimplementation of all necessary documentation.

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