We all want ‘peace of mind’ when travelling overseas but with the world becoming more and more complicated – pirates attacking cruise ships, terrorism, political uprisings and now swine flu – the need to have as many points covered as possible to optimise your security is now more imperative than ever.
“People have to, now more than ever, be very aware of where they are going and what they are doing as situations can change dramatically,” Mark McCormack, CEO of Loop9, and developer of the new cutting edge technology Travel Messenger SMS ‘Concierge’ Service, said.
McCormack said Travel Messenger, which sends up-to-the-minute SMS security updates to a traveller’s mobile phone (covering over 200 countries and 3000 cities) is vital for 21st century travel security.
“To me, it is as necessary as travel insurance – you should not leave home without it”.
McCormack has five tips “absolutely vital” for those seeking peace of mind while travelling abroad:
(1) Register on www.Smarttraveller.com.au – the Australian Government’s travel advisory and consular assistance service. It provides up to date advice for travellers on a host of countries. If registered, the government can then contact you if an emergency arises at your destination.
(2) Check out World Health Organisation www.who.int for advice on subjects such as the swine flu outbreak. The WHO recommends that if you are travelling in swine flu affected areas to avoid public gatherings, avoid using public transportation, if in public try to remain 6 feet away from others, if you experience cold like symptoms see your doctor immediately
It also offers advice on keeping healthy while overseas and what to do if you fall ill.
(3) Travel Insurance – never leave home without it. Lack of travel insurance can ruin a holiday and end up costing the traveller tens of thousands of dollars in medical costs. Go to the website www.insurancecouncil.com.au for all the latest information. Read policy fine print carefully and make sure you are covered for all your varying needs.
(4) Photocopy all your travel documents and keep them separate from your originals. Also email all your personal details such as passport number, itinerary, flight details to your own email in case documents are lost/stolen.
(5) Sign up to Travel Messenger - www.travelmessenger.com.au - through major travel agencies.
“In less than 12 months of operations Travel Messenger SMS technology has proven crucial to the safety of thousands of Australians caught up in dangerous situations overseas – most recently the political turmoil in Bangkok and the terrorist attack in Mumbai,” McCormack said.
“We kept travellers constantly updated on the unfolding situations 24/7 with up to the minute travel warnings,” he said.
For further information visit www.TravelMessenger.com.au
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