Safety Updates
Keep safe and secure on tour
Before you travel it is important to make yourself aware of any potential safety or security risks. Please read our safety updates and be sure to check with the relevant embassies before you depart to ensure you are fully informed. At Tucan Travel your safety is our paramount concern. If you have any particular safety concerns about your tour, please refer to our FAQs, or contact us. All safety updates regarding specific tours and specific destinations will be published in our Latest News. You can also check international safety and travel advice websites, such as:
www.safetravel.govt.nz - for citizens of New Zealand
www.smarttraveller.gov.au - for citizens of Australia
www.fco.gov.uk - for citizens of the United Kingdom
www.state.gov - for citizens of the United States of America
www.voyage.gc.ca/countries_pays/menu-eng.asp - for citizens of Canada
Detailed information about what you can do to keep yourself, and your travelling companions safe on tour is included in our individual Country Dossiers, and Pre Departure Information Booklets, which are sorted by region.
General safety advice
One of the benefits of travelling with a group is the increased level of safety. However, any travel has risks attached so it is important to be prepared to ensure a safe and problem-free trip.
Do your research about your destination - get a guide book, go online, read our country dossiers and pre departure information. Your country's foreign affairs ministry should also have a website dedicated to keeping travellers safe overseas - this can be a very good source of information, tips and advice. Sign up for email or SMS travel alerts for destinations you'll be travelling for.
Get travel insurance - if you can't afford insurance, you can't afford to travel. Obtaining comprehensive travel insurance is a mandatory requirement if travelling with Tucan Travel. Visit our travel insurance page for information about how much cover you need and where you can buy travel insurance. Check your policy carefully and make sure it covers you for all the activities you want to do on your tour.
Make sure you budget enough for fun and a buffer for emergencies. Bear in mind you may need a contingency fund for things not covered by your travel insurance.
Make copies of all your travel documents (passport, vouchers, itineraries, insurance) and leave it at home with someone you trust in case of emergency.
Consider registering your journey with your local government travel advisory service so they can contact you in case of emergency. This is usually fairly straightforward to do online. Take a copy of the emergency contact details for your local embassies and consulates with you.
Take care of your health needs in advance of travel - consider prescriptions, vaccinations, dental care, medical certificates, mosquito repellant, glasses/contact lenses and any other ongoing issues you may need to deal with as you travel.Avoid all demonstrations and protests given their potential to turn violent. Pay close attention to your personal security and monitor the media for information about any possible new safety or security risks.
Your adventure travel tour leader will always be there to provide advice about your personal safety. If you are ever in doubt, always ask for further information as our crew have a wealth of local knowledge at their disposal - take advantage!
Carry a copy of your passport with you wherever you go and keep your passport in a safe place, such as a hotel safe at reception.
We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution when you travel, in the same way you would anywhere else in the world. You should be aware that all nations have both petty crime and sometimes more serious crime, but you should not be paranoid.
Remember to be very careful with your personal belongings (ie: passport, tickets, excess money, iPods etc), and only take them out with you if it is necessary - otherwise you can leave them in the hotel safe deposit box.
If you are venturing out alone, let someone at your hotel know where you'll be going and when you can be expected to return. Trust your instincts - if someone you meet is genuine, open and friendly, feel free to reciprocate... but if there's any doubt at all, don't hesitate to leave.
