Passport and Visas
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.

Look after your passport

• 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

Travel Money
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.

Travel Insurance
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.

Discovery Journeys 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.