Security On Holiday - Part 3 - Before You Leave

What is the world coming too, Death, Despondency and Sinking to the Depths of Despair?

Will our weekly shopping bills be rising, are the feral youths running riot on the streets, will the COVID-19 virus be escalating tremendously. Need I go on?

The world does seem to be sinking into the depths of despair!

If you believe what the papers say, then yes, we are sinking and sinking fast.

‘STOP’

Do not despair; you can easily protect yourself with sound and adequate security measures.

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Security While On Holiday

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Before You Leave 

In the Military, before an operation begins in a new area, it will have up-to-the-minute intelligence assessments of the political situation there, and analysis of the strengths and capabilities of hostile and friendly groups. Our Forces would have maps of the terrain, information on the climate, flora and fauna, including potential health threats. Our Soldiers will have undergone intensive training in conditions similar to those they will be facing, and a few will have taken crash courses in the native language. 
No one is suggesting that you should go on your trip having gone to the same lengths as the Military; it’s a holiday after all, not a Military campaign. But, a little advanced planning will ensure you arrive safely at your destination, relaxed, and ready to enjoy your stay. The precautions you should take on holiday are not paranoia; they are the minimum amount of sensible and straightforward planning to retain control. If you do that, you minimise the risk of a drama spoiling your holiday; something you should remember for the rest of your life, for the right reasons and not the wrong ones. If you are robbed, or mugged before you even get to your hotel, the holiday will be spoilt before it has even begun. 

One of the dangers is believing that the holiday starts the moment you leave home. It does not; it begins when you are safely in your hotel at your destination. By all means, take advantage of the free drinks on the flight, but control it; have a drink, but not a skinful. Arrive at the other end ‘compos mentis’, having not annoyed any other passengers, or been barred from your flight because you were drunk. 

Never leave home without a map to help you plan your route. You will always be able to find a map in your destination, but you should have studied and planned your route before that. Recheck it while you are on your flight. A good street map will enable you to preselect safe havens like hospitals, police stations, and public buildings along the route. Pick distinct markers, prominent buildings, or landmarks that you will recognise; no matter how you are travelling, by bus, taxi, or car, you will know where you are. That way, you are retaining control. 

It is essential to look at your travel insurance well before you leave home; ensure you have the right level of protection for the country you are visiting. A lot of people always go for the cheapest option; however, it is still worth reading the small print before you apply. Your health and safety is essential. Check you have copies of your documents with you before you leave home; either, on your phone or hard copies. 

It is vital to plan your route to the airport or ferry terminal too; book your car park, and make sure you have the required documents for your vehicle. It’s worth looking at the weather also before you set off. If the weather is a bit rough, it may take longer to get there, leave home earlier and drive steadily. That way, you will arrive at the terminal in one piece and without stress. 
A few years ago, my friend Rob and me were heading to Portsmouth to catch a ferry to France. We ended up stuck in traffic on the M25. Even though we were on our motorbikes, we couldn’t travel between the cars because the bikes were very wide with side panniers. We finally got through a lot of traffic and came off the motorway at the next junction. Our only option was to travel as fast as possible, sticking to the National speed limit though. We arrived at the ferry terminal 15 minutes before the ferry left; stressed wasn’t a strong enough word. We made it though. 
An important note before you leave home: Always physically check your travel documents, including your passport. How many times have you seen people at the airport in a blind panic because they forgot their passport?

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