BB Fact Sheet – Travel – Women Travelling

Informing yourself before you go

• Your holiday is important and so is your comfort, safety & peace of mind.

• Take a moment to consider how travelling as a solo female may impact your trip, and take into consideration factors such as personal safety, differing cultures & customs in other countries, bag snatching, and Transport/accommodation issues.

• Discuss likely issues with your Travel Agent, or seek information from the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade via phone or on the internet at smartraveller.gov.au. Find out what you can do to improve your chances of limiting risk while on holiday.

• Enquire about updating your personal insurance, and what is covered if you travel here or Overseas.

• Consider making a checklist of things to do before you go and in the event of difficulty while away, and make sure you carry your Insurers international Contact details.

Baby Boomer Travelling Women

• More and more Baby Boomer Women are travelling alone, or with their children or Grandchildren

• There are some things that Baby Boomer Women can do to make this a more enjoyable and relaxing process

What can I do?

• Make photocopies of your itinerary, passport, credit cards, travel insurance documents and important phone numbers. Keep these copies separate from the originals in case of loss or theft. Also leave a set of copies with someone at home.

• Register your travel & contact details with the Australian Government Dept. Foreign Affairs & Trade (DFAT) :  https://www.orao.dfat.gov.au/orao/weborao.nsf/

• Carry the contact details of the Australian embassy with you at all times. If your city doesn't have an Australian embassy, find out which other country's embassy is available to help you, such as the British embassy.

• Take out adequate Travel Insurance, and be aware that uninsured travelers are held personally liable for covering any medical and associated costs they incur. Overseas medical costs are not covered by Medicare.

• Try to acquaint yourself with the culture and customs of the countries you are visiting. Learn simple phrases in the local language. Respecting local customs will help you avoid potentially dangerous situations, such as giving the wrong impression.

• If travelling with children, keep in mind that under Australian law, an Australian citizen under 18 years of age who has never married is regarded as a child. Children cannot be included in an adult’s passport.

Contact your Travel Insurer first.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre -  61 2 6261 3305 or

                                                             - 1300 555 135 (local call cost within Australia).

Australia – http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/tips/womtrav.html

Travel Safety Tips - http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/Travel_safety_tips

                              - http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/Travel_tips_for_women

DFAT Registration Homepage - https://www.orao.dfat.gov.au/orao/weborao.nsf/homepage

Destination Fact Sheets          - http://www.traveldoctor.com.au/dfactsheets.html

Travelling with a Child             - http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/tips/parents.html

Please contact your Travel Insurer first.

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This article was created by Elisabeth Watkins for babyboomers.com.au - Australia's leading website for Baby Boomers. Sources include the Australian Government  Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade & www.smarttraveller.gov.au. Babyboomers.com.au is a resource to help people find information and services on Health, Money, Travel.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this section should not be used for individual medical advice. Please see your doctor if you have concerns or specific questions relating to your health.

Copyright 2009 Babyboomers Pty Ltd. All rights Reserved.