Travel Tips

It is very important to make sure that all your travel documents are in order several weeks before your trip takes place, to ensure that everything is up to date and to prevent any last minute panics!
Have a look at our advice below and don’t forget to check out our FAQ’s or contact us if you still have further queries.

Passport

Please remember that your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of your return to the UK. If you need to obtain a new passport before your trip, make sure you leave at least 6 weeks to get this organised. If you haven’t been able to give your passport details to us on booking the challenge, please send them in as soon as you receive them, so that we can complete your booking.

Make sure that you make a note of your passport number and keep it somewhere safe. It would also be wise to keep a photocopy of your passport with you, in a separate place to your passport, and leave a copy with someone at home, in the case of an emergency.

Always take at least one passport photo with you, just in case it is needed for a visa or new passport, in the instance of yours being stolen or misplaced.

Vaccinations

You will need to check what vaccinations are required for the country you are visiting. Check out Fit For Travel to find out the exact vaccinations needed, or consult your local doctor. If you do need vaccinations, make sure you book an appointment with your doctor at least 4-6 weeks before your trip, to allow time for the vaccinations to take effect.

If you need to have a large number of vaccinations, don’t try to do them all in one day, spread them out, and do remember that some require more than one dose, so you may have to go to the doctors several times in the course of a month to get your vaccinations completed.

It is a good idea to keep a note of all the vaccinations you have had so that someone can obtain the information easily if there is a medical emergency. Or you may require proof on entry to a country - a Yellow Fever certificate for example, if you are coming from a risk area.

Visa

Some of the countries we run challenges in, require that you enter with a visa. If so, you will be advised on how to obtain this once you have booked your place. Alternatively you can look at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office for travel advice and more information.

Some challenges may require a visa that can be obtained on arrival in to the country – again you will be advised on this once your place has been confirmed on the trip.

Flight tickets

You will be advised accordingly on flight tickets once your booking has been confirmed. Flight tickets will either be sent to you in advance, or an Action Challenge/charity rep will hand them out at your designated airport meeting place. Either way, you will be advised in advance so you know what to expect on the day of departure.

Packing

It is always very tempting to try and over pack for a challenge, and find that you can’t fit everything in to your rucksack or duffle bag. You will be given a specific kit list for your challenge, or you can get an idea as to what will be required by looking at our generic kit list. However, the list is meant to be used as a guideline, you may find that you don’t need some of the items included, or that there are essential personal items that we haven’t included that you know you need. Either way, try and pack to a minimum and just bring essential items. You will find that you’ll wear the same clothes again and again, so won’t need to bring a huge quantity of tops or trousers etc. A good tip is to do a practice pack a week before you leave – that way you can see how difficult it is to fit everything in, whether there are items that you can leave behind, or items that you had forgotten about.

Try not to bring your kit in a suitcase, unless you have been advised to do so. Rucksacks or duffle bags are far easier to move around with, and easier for porters to carry too.

You will more than likely be going to a country with quite basic conditions, and if you are trekking in a rural area, you will have no access to power points for hair dryers or electrical equipment, so these may be items that you can leave behind!

One last tip – make sure you leave plenty of space in your bag for shopping!

Traveling

Once you are on your way, don’t forget the following tips:

  • Drink plenty of water, keep hydrated
  • Stretch your arms and legs every few hours
  • Don’t drink excessive amounts of alcohol, tea or coffee
  • Avoid heavy meals, try to eat light portions
  • Moisturise to keep your skin feeling fresh
  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing

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