Travel Advice for Students

Whether you are going away for a few weeks or for the whole Summer don't let your trip be affected by illness. For all travellers (regardless of destination) here are some useful tips and recommendations so you can make the best out of your time abroad. If you want more tips or information then look at the Department of Foreign Affairs website. Don't forget to be safe and have fun!

Before You Leave

Before you head off, there are lots of things you need to do.

Read up on the countries you plan to visit, this gives you a taste of what you are about to experience.
Get a good rucksack and bring essentials with you. Clothes, sun cream, condoms and sunglasses.
Make photocopies of your passport, tickets and insurance: keep one set of copies in your luggage separate from the originals and keep a set at home. If you do lose the originals then at least you'll have those.

Travel Insurance

Before going away get travel insurance. Lots of banks and insurance companies provide travel insurance so shop around. When getting travel insurance, choose one that covers you for illness, injury, accidents and theft. If you are travelling in Europe, make sure you get yourself a European health insurance card, which entitles you to emergency health care in any EU member state

Passport and Visa Information

Before making an travel plans always check your passport expiry date.Don't wait until the last minute to apply for your passport. Some countries now insist that your passport be valid for at least 6 months after the start of your visit, so check the expiry date carefully. Make sure you have the correct visa if you are travelling to a country that requires one.

If you are having trouble with your passport then you contact one of the following

Dublin	Cork
Ph: 01 671 1633 LoCall : 1890 426 888 Fax: 01 671 1092 Northern Ireland LoCall : 0845 8504 321	Ph: 021 494 4700 LoCall: 1890 426 900 Fax: 021 427 5770
Recorded Information Line 24 Hour Recorded Information Line Ph: 00 353 1 679 7600 or LoCall : 1890 426 800 Emergency Service Out of hours emergency telephone number : 00 353 1 478 0822

J1 Information

For those of you heading to the US on a J1 this summer, please check out our J1 section for some useful contact information and tips.

Health and Vaccinations

If you take any medication, then make sure you have enough for the whole trip and bring a copy of the prescription.

Take special care over arranging your vaccinations. Give yourself plenty of time to get fully vaccinated. Contact your G.P or call into the Health Unit for more information on what vaccinations you need.

Vaccinations take time. Consult your doctor or nurse as soon as possible ideally 8 weeks before departure. Late bookings can leave insufficient time for vaccinations to become fully effective.
Tetanus and diphtheria vaccination is important. For countries where these diseases are still common you should to receive boosters every 10 years and everyone should have completed their normal British childhood schedule.
There is an increasing risk of tuberculosis for those visiting many of the high-risk areas and mixing with the local population. Remember protection from BCG vaccination is only achieved after about 4-6 weeks. Boosters are not normally required.
Meningococcal type ACWY vaccine is advised for those visiting risk areas in sub-Saharan Africa who will be mixing closely with the local population, as might be the case in your situation.
Hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines are important for those who are not able to be careful about their food and water hygiene in risk areas, as is often the case with the more adventurous traveller.
Japanese B encephalitis is spread by mosquitoes and is sometimes advised for those spending longer periods in risk, especially rural areas, as is often the case with the more adventurous traveller.
Influenza vaccine can be considered for those who might get a more severe illness such as those with existing chest problems. Remember the 'flu' season in the Southern Hemisphere is from April to November.
Rabies vaccination can be important if you are going to be more than a day or two from good medical facilities that may well be the case in your situation.
Yellow fever is a mosquito borne disease and occurs most commonly in jungle areas. It is therefore more likely in travellers going to remote areas. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is necessary for crossing borders in many parts of Africa and South America.

Insect Bites

Depending on what part of the world you are in, mosquitoes and ticks can spread infections and disease. Remember to take particular care between April and October when mosquitoes are most likely to be around. Try to avoid risky areas like outdoor pools and watering holes. Dress appropriately in long sleeves and minimise skin exposure. Use mosquito repellents and mosquito nets at night.

When you arrive at your destination

Culture Shock

Culture shock can be very real. The term describes the stress that many travellers experience when arriving in countries where pretty much everything can be very different to everything they are used to. Homesickness can be a big problem when spending large chunks of time away from home. Some travellers go abroad to avoid unresolved problems and this can make things worse. Time differences between continents might increase isolation when it's difficult to contact friends back home.

Food and Drink

Only eat food that has been cooked all the way through or fruits and vegetables that have been washed and peeled. Remember: boil it, cook it, peel it or don't eat it.Only drink water or other drinks from sources you trust. In some countries tap water (which may also be used for ice) is not recommended for consumption and bottled or boiled water is recommended.