Going travelling? Travel Security.

Travel Safe. Travel Security. Love the Adventure with Walk and Travel.

It's that time of the year when thousands of young people are heading off on their travels or getting close to heading off. If you know someone who is going travelling get them to think about travelling safely. There are many things that can ruin a trip, but a carefully planned trip has less chance of being ruined. Here are some of my tips for a safe and enjoyable trip where you can 'Love the Adventure' and stay safe.

Learn about the country you are going to.
This is now simple with the Internet. Get other peoples reviews and tips, find out about the culture. I think that the more you can learn about a country the more you will enjoy It. If you know about the people and their customs you will be able to interact with them better. Especially in the more exciting places off the beaten track.

Learn some of the language for the country you are going to.
This is an absolute essential. We all know that in most countries the people that you come across will talk a small amount of English, especially in the tourist areas. But, you learn some of their language, simple phrases such as, please; thank you; how are you?; yes; no; and some numbers and you will be breaking down barriers everywhere you go. More importantly you will be having fun!

Always let people know where you are going. If you said you were going to check in with someone at a certain time, really do make sure you do. It just reduces any anxiety they will feel.

Take valuables in a money belt. In fact keep you valuables in a money belt. It can be a belt that goes round your waste, across your shoulder or on your arm. Just keep the valuables out of sight. I was in Bali once and a friend of mine was walking along with her money belt in her hand, a scooter whooshed by and grabbed the money belt. It went with our tickets to Sulawesi, her money, passport and credit cards. Yes, it should have been round her waste.

Think carefully about your accommodation. If you are travelling on a budget and staying in budget hotels and hostels, think about who else is staying there. There may seem like a lot of camaraderie and you will meet some wonderful people in these places, but there will always be a thief looking for and opportunity to nick things. Again, keep your valuable with you at all times. If there are lockers use them, use a travel padlock to lock the zips on your bag to stop opportunists and lock your bag, with a cable lock, to something solid like a bed leg or seat leg on a train, just to help reduce the chance of people walking off with it.

Trust your instinct. If a place feels unsafe or a situation feels wrong then get out the way. A friend was walking around Amsterdam late one night and sensed that something was wrong, so headed off to a brighter area to find a bar, 5 minutes later they heard a gun shot.

If you are heading off to a country for the first time, book onto a tour for when you arrive. This will help you get a feel for the country and learn about it in a safe environment. You will also get instant friends and these could well make great travelling companions for the independent leg of your journey. When I was in India I travelled independently first and then on a tour. I would rather have done it the other way round! A great travel safe tip if you are on your first trip to a developing country or going on your first ever trip on your own.


Have a look at the Foreign Office website and look at the information they have on the travel advice section by country. There is a wealth of information on there about all the countries in the world.

At Walk and Travel we supporters of the Foreign Office Know Before You Go Campaign. Check out their website for more travel safe tips and advice.

And lastly... Don't forget to get travel insurance. It isn't a lot of money when you think what you may get out of it. I had everything I was travelling with stolen in Morocco once. It taught me to travel light, but more importantly it taught me to have good quality travel insurance as I managed to claim back for everything I lost, even without a police report.

This may all seem like a lot to think about, but you may even need it in the UK!

Travel safe and Love the Adventure!

Gareth Sear
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Outdoor gifts.

What outdoor gear has been selling well in the last month or so?

Christmas always sees a good amount of outdoor gifts bought. From Mini Maglites to Freeplay Eco Windup Torches. Kids outdoor gear was also a good seller, who could resist the cute kids water bottles? Or the kids rucksacks?

What exciting outdoor or travel gear did you get as a Christmas present? I’m looking forward to the new season in March/April time when I should be getting in some new products at Walk and Travel to help you Love the Adventure more.

Freezing on the hills.

Freezing on the hills.

Don’t you just love this weather? I do and I really wish I could get out more on the hills and enjoy it.

The South Downs did manage to entice me out for a walk the other day. It was freezing on the hills, but beautifully sunny and fresh. The local was just out of Steyning, up on the Bostal, which is one of my many favourite views across the downs.

On with the Hiking Books, Han Wag Lima (fully recommended for people with feet like me, if you want to know what my feet are like email me). Out with the thermals – now where did I put them? I took them skiing last year, it was plus 12 C so didn’t need them, I took them trekking in Andorra, just in case, didn’t need them, went to get them out and couldn’t find them – great and still can’t, even out on a night hike last night with my Scouts. Time to invest in some new ones. At least I managed to find my daypack.

The day was clear; the views went on and on. You really can’t beat a crisp winter day for clear air and immense absorbing views. The walk wasn’t very far as the wind chill really did make the temperature plummet, so we just headed up and along the South Downs Ways and looped back and round to the car after a few miles. My chin was numb, why did I leave my fleece neck tube at home? But so worth it, just for the views. But must get sorted with my cold weather gear! Get up onto Steyning Bostal any time of the year but get up their now before the cold snap ends to really appreciate the clear wonderful views across the South Downs and the Weald.

What have you been up to? Have you been walking anywhere and enjoying the slightly chilly weather? Let me know where you have been!