Travelling tips

Hurray for Holidays! Summer's here and we're set for some serious loafing and relaxing. Whether you're heading for a sunny island holiday or perhaps a winter escapade Down Under, we've got some healthy and homely advice to ensure your vacation is problem-free.

Firstly, important documents. If you want to know how to secure your passport, ask any Malaysian or Singaporean. They are the best passport keepers, they guard them with their lives! Of course you don't have to go to such lengths but taking precautions is infinitely better than having to explain how and where you lost your documents to the authorities who don't understand you.

The best defense is a passport holder or pouch which you can hang about your neck. If you are planning to battle a sea of humanity in the crowded Mumbai train station, or battling a sea of humanity anywhere else with a high risk of pickpockets, investing in a thin travelers pouch (you can find them in most luggage shops) which you can slip underneath your clothing is the best way to go.

"Take your vitamins", your Mom always reminded you but often its the first thing we forget when we leave home. Mom was right and like Visa, don't leave home without it. Ensuring you're in good health before you travel is important but always ensure you are well-stocked with the essential drugs. Painkillers, cold and flu tablets and oral rehydration sachets are all must-haves and if you're travelling where drinking water is unsafe, include water purification tablets and anti-diarrhoea tablets such as Imodium.
If you're travelling with small children or have limited access to bathrooms, wet wipes and liquid soaps will come in quite handy.

With children in the equation, your luggage is increased considerably. To keep them busy during the six-hour layover at Singapore airport, bring along their favourite toy, colouring books, jigsaw puzzles and even trivia toy. It will help keep the little tykes busy and hopefully quieter. For the not-so-little ones, encourage them to write a travel journal of the holiday, it will keep them interested in the journey and less in the destination. Also they will have a record of the vacation for show-and-tell at school.

If you are travelling long distances, say over 20-hours, you may want to include a small towel, a change of clothes (and clean underwear) in your carry-on luggage. You won't feel as tired and and drained when you reach your destination.

For the longer flights, including health bars or dried fruit may help if you start feeling peckish or if you don't wish to be woken up at 4am in the morning for your breakfast.