It’s always good to prepare yourself for a big trip away, so we’ve put together some useful tips to help you get organised.

Take as little as possible.

Remember, you can buy things when you're away. And there’s a good chance they’ll be a lot cheaper than at home.

If you haven't already got a backpack get one that opens from the front and make sure it fits well. Easy access and comfort are essentials for travelling!

Make the most of the space you have in your rucksack.

Roll your clothes rather than folding them.

Passport (Valid for the duration of your trip)

Air Tickets

Travellers Cheques, Credit Card, Cash

Travel Insurance Documents

Driver’s Licence

International Student Card / Proof of Age Card

Ipod / MP3 Player with lots of good tunes

Camera & Charger

Mobile Phone & Charger

Worldwide Plug Adaptor

Padlock for your Luggage

At least 2 pairs of Underpants

- Set up Internet Banking. It makes managing your money easy.

- Make a family member a signatory of your accounts so they can take care of anything that may arise on your behalf.

- Organise a Direct Debit to pay your credit card monthly minimum.

- Most major credit and debit cards are accepted..

- When withdrawing money from cash machines there is usually a small fee.

- In an emergency, you can use Western Union to transfer money.

- It’s better to exchange money in Thailand as you’ll get a better rate.

- Always ask for seconds on the plane. Even if you're full you can store it in your backpack for later.

- Carry rice everywhere. When you go out for dinner you can just ask for some hot water.

- Shave your head. You'll save money on shampoo, haircuts, combs and mousse.

- Drink water or take appetite suppressants before eating out.

Make sure you have Travel Insurance and check that the cover is appropriate for you.

It doesn't cost much and can cover you against medical expenses, theft of your belongings & missed flights. For a great deal on travel insurance check out our Travel Insurance page.

Thailand is a relatively safe place. However, you still need to take general precautions to ensure that you and your belongings are safe.

- Do not carry large amounts of cash.

- Always use hostel safes for your important documents, money and expensive stuff.

- Always tell someone where you are going.

- Take care in the ocean. Avoid swimming alone and never swim whilst drunk.

- If something seems to good to be true, it’s probably a scam.

Being sick sucks.

Being sick when you're travelling really sucks!

You might want to get injections to protect against Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus and Rabies. Although unless you drink water out of the tap, get bitten by a monkey, or share needles, the risk of catching something is very low.

For more information click here

Don’t forget to stock up on contraceptive pills, inhalers, or any medication that you may need.

“Photocopy all your important documents before you go and leave them with someone reliable at home. Email yourself your flight details, insurance policy info, passport number, travellers cheques numbers & important contact numbers, like your bank's contact number from abroad.”

                                                 - Danny Cannon, Guildford

And wear Sunscreen!

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