WE humans have a habit of sharing stories with friends – particularly about our travels, whether far and wide or closer to home – and chances are when things go wrong, we hear a lot more.
The good, the bad and the ugly.
It’s a fact that there’s more bad news stories on mainstream media – and social media – than what is good for us.
We hear a lot more when things go wrong – up in the air, all at sea, off the rails – and, of course, about far too many road accidents.
We can certainly learn from the travel experiences of good friends.
But we need good advice – from reliable sources, in addition to friends – when we are planning our own travel to be as safe, secure and satisfying as possible.
The Federal Government has just launched an online information hub to help educate young people – and all of us, whatever our age – on how to be safe overseas.
It comes after Australian teenagers Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles died from consuming tainted drinks in a bar in the Southeast Asian country of Laos last year.
Young travellers, as well as those of us who are young at heart, love to hit the clubs, festivals and poolside bars when travelling.
All are now advised to check this out on Smart Traveller: smartraveller.gov.au, click on the Partying safely hub
It reminds us that getting the right advice matters, as increasingly many go to online sources for information and guidance.
The short answer is DON’T, as you cannot expect to get authoritative or reliable advice from those places.
Just as you must go to your doctor for medical advice, your travel agent is the best place to go for travel advice.
On your behalf, they can access all airlines, cruise companies, tour operators, and get all you need on destinations if you are unclear about the place.
You won’t get the right advice on travel – or learn about the precautions you need to take – unless you ask for it.
Every organisation in the travel/tourism industry is committed to customer service.
Make sure you get it.
So, start with your travel agent.
