GENERAL TRAVEL ADVICE

Most travellers encounter no problems — but occasionally things do happen to upset your plans — but that doesn’t mean to say that they will be a disaster.

Part of our job is to do the impossible — to consider what can go wrong and to plan for the unforeseen. We don’t like surprises — a surprise means that something has occurred that wasn’t foreseen and usually means a problem … basically there is no such thing as a «nice surprise» (!).

As one agency says — most people go on holiday to relax — but travel can itself be quite stressful. So, let’s try to take most of the stress out of your journey with a little preparation.

A certain amount of forethought can help you, and us, to be prepared and ready to meet most, if not all, circumstances and can at least help you to feel more confident if and when something you hadn’t planned for does occur. Most of these comments are valid wherever you travel — not just for Kyrgyzstan.

One piece of general advice — if in doubt, err on the side of caution.

Most of this is common sense, and most of it may well be unnecessary … but «forewarned is forearmed».

BEFORE YOU LEAVE:

Study your destination : learn a little about where you are going and plan your visit. Learn about the local laws, customs and climate. Learn a few useful phrases in a local language. Your itinerary may well change — but try to be clear that you know and understand the main points. Get a good guidebook, and maybe a phrase book. In your planning, think of:

Itinerary : If you decide to book a tour, rather than travel independently, then consider learning a little bit about where you are going — For example, think about:

History — in Kyrgyzstan, history did not start with the fall of the Soviet Union in 1990 — nor with the arrival of the Russians at the end of the nineteenth century — it is littered with various peoples who wandered back and forth across the landscape and it might be helpful if you knew a little about them if you are going to visit places like Burana, Talas, Uzgen.

Geography — What altitudes are you going to staying at? — How much time will be spent walking in the mountains, in towns?, etc. — consider your physical condition … will you be able to cope?

Program — For example, if the itinerary calls for museum visits and you are not a «museums type person» than consider what you are going to do.

Accommodation — there are various types of accommodation — available — try to find out what sort you will be using.

Food — especially if you have particular dietary requirements — look at the itinerary and consider if you want to book Full Board, Half Board, Bed and Breakfast, Self Catering (… it may be difficult in some parts of Kyrgyzstan to provide for all variations) … consider what you need to bring with you or may need to buy locally.

Money — How much are you going to need … and where can change foreign currency or you get extra en route?.

Clothes and Equipment — especially if you are biking/hiking/camping. Think of temperatures — it can be cold in the mountains — especially at night — even in the height of summer.

Health, Medicines etc. — make sure you have enough — if you have a serious medical condition, will you be traveling far from suitable facilities.

«When in Rome …» — Renember that everything will not be «just like it is at home» — there will be similarities — but there will also be differences.

Formalities : Ensure that you have a valid passport and visa … It is best to get visas before you travel but if you are planning to get them en-route make sure that you know what the requirements are. Ask the appropriate embassies for the latest information. Remember that there may be special conditions which apply to those people who have dual nationality.

Advice : Find out what travel advice is issued by your own Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the regions you are going to visit.

Embassy/Consul : It would be a good idea to make sure you have contact details for your nearest embassy/consul. Be aware of what a consul can and cannot do for you.

Tickets : Round tickets are your best insurance for making sure that you — Take care of your tickets, and keep a (separate) note of contact details so that you can contact the airline if you lose them or your plans change.

Insurance : take out comprehensive insurance to cover the possible loss of possessions and illness/injury whilst abroad — Health insurance for tourists is compulsory in Kyrgyzstan. Like many countries, Kyrgyzstan does not have state funded health services and medical costs can be high. Get adequate insurance cover for the whole duration of your trip; for any activities you may undertake; to cover the whole period of and all regions on your trip. Be honest with the insurance company about medical conditions etc. Check you have details arrangements and contacts for an emergency; if it covers delays, cancellation, curtailment, liability, loss of possessions; the conditions and exclusions (foir example: most do not cover drink or drug related incidents and what are the limits of cover). If you are traveling as a group or family — make sure everyone is included in the policy. Take a copy of the policy and emergency contact details with you. Basically if you can’t afford the insurance — then you can’t afford to travel.

Health : Check vaccination requirements and other health issues. There are no mandatory vaccinations required for Kyrgyzstan … but check with your GP or Travel Clinic for the most up-to-date information.

Medicines/glasses/prescriptions : make sure you have enough for your stay — carry some spare supplies if necessary and think about what documents (doctor's letters, prescriptions) you may need. Carry them in your hand luggage. If in doubt — check that the medicines are legal in the country you are visiting and keep them in their original packaging. In Kyrgyzstan you can bring medicines for your own use — adequate for the purpose and length of stay — but not so much that it might appear that you carrying them for someone else — or for sale. If you have a copy of the prescription that might be helpful. If you wear a bracelet/medallion etc. indicating particular health problems that require special emergency treatment see about the possibility of translations. Pregnant women should check their insurance arrangements; if the airline has special conditions; with their doctor before departure.

Travel Sickness :(Motion Sickness) — often belittled by those who have never suffered it, whilst dreaded by those who regularly suffer from it. (Many journeys in Kyrgyzstan cover long distances and the roads are not always very good — so motion sickness can be a real issue for people visiting Kyrgyzstan.) It is a disturbance of the sense of balance and equilibrium as a result of different kinds of motion. (For example, if you are sitting in a moving car reading a book, your inner ear detects the motion of your travel, but your eyes see only the stationary pages of your book.) This confuses your central nervous system and brings on nausea. There are various «treatments» suggested by travellers … including «over-the-counter» medications and treatments such as patches, tablets and acupressure handbands. Other practical ideas include letting the sufferer have the front seat; watching the horizon; not reading; taking sips of water; lie down and sip water until the stomach settles; going to sleep, (if you can); sucking peppermints (or ginger tablets); sit facing the direction of travel; try to get fresh air — e. g. keep the car window open; avoid spicy or greasy foods, alcohol and carbonated drinks; eat light meals before and during the journey and don? t watch or talk to another person who is experiencing motion sickness.

Baggage : Try to travel light and remember so that if you have to you can move quickly and have a free hand. You will also be less likely to put it down and leave it unattended. Label your luggage — both inside and out — use labels that can be covered — so that they cannot be easily read by a casual passer-by. Use luggage that can be locked.

Driving : If you plan to drive overseas — check what documents you need, (e. g. International Drivers«Licence) and familiarise yourself with the «rules of the road» for your host country. If you are taking your own vehicle — check hat documents you will need (e. g. registration, customs, insurance). Make sure all your documents are uptodate — check the expiry dates. Take your keys with you when you leave it — even when you go to pay for petrol. Take a spare set of keys, a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher, some spare bulbs and a warning triangle.

Itinerary : make sure that someone at home has a copy of your itinerary in case they need to contact you in an emergency — and keep them informed if your plans change. If you are on a tour then this should include, where known, a lit of accommodation contact details, but at the very least it should include contact details for the company with which you are travelling They should also have copies of all your important travel documents — see below.

Documents : make copies of your passport, visas etc. and have copies of other important documents (such as insurance policy) and carry some spare passport photos. Make a note of credit card numbers, travellers«cheque numbers (cross them off as you cash them) — and leave a copy with someone at home. Remember to fill in the «next of kin» section in your passport. If possible take a second form of identity (preferably with a photograph) as well as your passport. Carry a list of contact numbers. Keep the copies and originals separate.

Money : Give plenty of thought to money. Try not to carry more than you need for your immediate needs — but make sure you have enough in one form or another — if you need to get extra, can you? — think about how you might arrange a money transfer (e. g. by Western Union — they may need passwords). Try not to carry all your money in one form — use cash, travelers cheques, and credit cards — but remember that Credit cards are not widely accepted in Kyrgyzstan Get your money, traveller’s cheques, credit cards etc. Don’t take all your credit cards — leave some safe at home. If possible get some local currency before you travel — if not take some small notes (US Dollars are usual in Kyrgyzstan) to change and pay for taxis, tips etc.

Mobile telephones : if you are going to take a mobile telephone with you — make the arrangements for roaming in plenty of time. Make sure you know what the charging arrangements are. Check you know what you have to dial to use international roaming and pre-program your phone if possible. Tell someone how to call you. Make sure you have a suitable adapter for recharging batteries. Make a note of the serial number and other details and the contact details of your operator. You may need to register your phone when you enter certain countries — such as the Russian Federation. In Kyrgyzstan the availability of mobile phone services does not cover the whole of the country.

Will : write or update your will — leave with family/friends at home.

Special needs : do you need a wheelchair?, special diet; disabled access to hotel rooms; … have you told people?

Packing : Remember to pack : suitable clothes — think of local customs/attitudes as well as climate; Medicines etc. : make sure you have enough for your stay — carry some spare supplies if necessary and think about what documents (doctor’s letters, prescriptions) you may need; adapter plugs for any electrical goods you plan to take with you, shavers, battery charges, …;

Souvenirs : Check what is likely to be available and (more importantly) what you can bring back with you.

Home : arrange for someone to look after pets, plants, mail. Cancel the newspapers, milk etc. if you have them delivered. Make sure you turn off the gas electricity etc. Think about asking a neighbour to keep an eye on your home — think about informing the police that your home will be empty.

A few days before you leave : confirm arrangements with your agent — and check all your travel documents. Pack and label your luggage.

ONCE YOU ARRIVE:

Local laws : remember that, as a visitor, you are subject to the laws of that country. Especially: do not get involved with narcotics … penalties can be very severe and there will be no sympathetic treatment because you are a foreigner. Be especially careful at borders … never carry a parcel or baggage for another person, don’t cross borders with people you don’t know or in someone else’s vehicle — don’t accept lifts. Remember — ignorance of the law is not a defence. Also, remember that you may also be liable under the law of your home country for some activities.

Long flights : to avoid dehydration drink plenty of liquids — preferably avoiding too much alcohol — and use moisterising creams. To prevent problems resulting from poor circulation exercise muscles from time to time by manual massage, walk up and down the plane.

Visas etc. : a visa is a permission to enter a country — but it is not a guarantee. Some travellers are sometimes refused entry — sometimes no reason is given. As far as we are aware — this has not been a problem in Kyrgyzstan — but it is a theoretical possibility. A visa has an expiry/end date — Do not overstay your visa.

Registration : If you need to register with the local authorities — you do in Kyrgyzstan — then make sure you do it. In some cases you should consider registering with your local embassy as well.

Valuables : keep your valuable possessions (passport, money traveller’s cheques etc.) with you at all times and keep your bag held close to you. Preferably keep your passport separate from other ID — don’t risk losing them all together. Don’t leave valuables (that includes documents) unattended in your hotel room or vehicle. If there is a safe — use it. Lock valuables out of sight. In general : Don’t take anything you would hate to lose.

Baggage : do not carry baggage through customs for other people. Pack you own baggage and don’t leave it unattended or in the care of a stranger. Keep an eye on it at all times — especially in crowded areas like airports, bus stations etc.

Health : people away from home often do things they wouldn’t do ordinarily. Be aware of the risks from sun, altitude, uncooked food, water, blood bourne diseases etc. Wash hands with soap or antiseptic before eating or handling food and after using the toilet. Avoid insect bites — think about suitable clothing. If you are going for some time, or «off the beaten track» have a basic First Aid Kit..

Food/Drink : If in doubt drink only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice. Only eat cooked vegetables and well cooked meat/seafood/fish. Avoid food that has been kept warm — eat freshly cooked food. Use pasteirised dairy products. Peel all fruit.

Weather : Hot, cold and wet weather have particular problems. Have suitable clothing — and think about alternatives in case the weather changes. In hot weather drink lots of water at regular intervals; wear a hat and use an appropriate sunscreen; protect yourself from insects. In cold or wet weather protect the extremities — fingers, toes, ears and nose; seek shelter from high winds; avoid alcohol when it is very cold.

Fire instructions etc. : be sure to read these in your hotel, and think about what you will do in an emergency if one does occur.

Money : try to avoid being seen as «rich» — where possible use local currency and do not have large sums. Keep money, credit cards etc. distributed between several pockets. Avoid using unofficial exchange offices. Make sure you know if you need receipts when changing money — in Kyrgyzstan you don’t. Carry a list of contact numbers for reporting lost and stolen cards etc.. Have two credit cards — and keep them separate. Make a note of any credit limits and don’t exceed them.

Theft : Keep to well lit streets and avoid short cuts, dark alleys etc. Try not to travel alone at night. Keep aware for people who might be «distractions» for bag snatching and pickpockets. Report all thefts to the local police as soon as possible. If confronted or threatened : give up your valuables … «your money and passport can be replaced — you can’t»

Dealing with strangers : Be careful about what information you give to strangers : especially your home contact details; details of your itinerary and your hotel room numbers. Don’t let strangers into your hotel room — if you are meeting visitors — meet them in the hotel lobby. Be careful when drinking with strangers.

Hotel Stationery : If your hotel has stationery with the name and address written in the local language, or better still a map, then it may be a good idea to carry a copy with you. In any case — make sure you know the name and location of the hotel when you go out.

Avoid public demonstrations and large crowds. If there is trouble on the street — stay indoors. Keep yourselves informed of current affairs that may affect your personal safety whilst travelling abroad.

«spying» : Some hobbies (such as bird watching or train spotting) can lead to misunderstandings. Be careful when and where you use binoculars or take photographs to avoid the possibility of being accused of espionage.

Taxis : avoid unofficial or unmarked taxis. In Bishkek there is a taxi agency (Supertaxi — dial 152) which is reasonable and responsible.

Driving : If you are involved in an accident contact your insurers as soon as practically possible. Protect your vehicle against theft and don’t leave your documents in an unattended vehicle.

Travelling in vehicles : Wear seat belts, lock car doors, and close windows. Try to avoid driving at night.

Female travellers : This is not a major problem in Kyrgyzstan — but single women may sometimes face situations which are not faced by other travellers. Extra caution may well be called for. In particular think about: Dress codes — especially in some areas; wearing jewellery — try to avoid wearing expensive items; consider wearing a wedding ring even if you don’t usually — the «invisible husband» is sometimes useful in avoiding harassesment; in hotel registers etc. use an initial, not Ms., Miss or Mrs.; how you will handle unwelcome propositions or remarks — it is often best to ignore them and act confidently; never leave your hotel key where someone can note the room number; do not leave your window open if your room is on the gropund floor, and see if the hotel has a double lock on the door — use it, or else if you can wedge something against the door; be aware of your surroundings — especially if drinking alcohol — and never leave your drink unattended.

Keep in touch with home : especially if there is an emergency … even if you are nowhere near and not involved. People will worry about you and although the saying is that «no news is good news», it isn’t … they will worry about you until they have definite news.

Accidents/injuries : these can occur almost anywhere — but tourists need to be aware of the risks that are likely to occur, for example:

On the road : the standard of driving; the road conditions; the weather; mountain roads are all factors that may be different than at home and can lead to accidents.

At the beach : water is dangerous, as are the added attractions of jet-skis, paragliding, diving, boating etc. — even beach umbrellas can be a hazard. Don’t overstretch yourself when swimming, — avoid swimming after alcohol or when tired; use lifebelts, don’t go aquadiving within 24 hours of flying. Be prepared for the likely sun and wind conditions.

In the Hotel : trips, slips and falls; gastro enteritis; swimming pools; and large glass panes are all common hazards to be considered.

Remote locations : apart from exposure to germs and diseases which are unfamiliar at home — think about the possibility and problems of rescue.

Ski slopes : and mountain regions generally — do not ski off piste; wear appropriate clothing; use a sunscreen and goggles; don’t ski etc. when tired; be aware of the risk of altitude sickness; check your equipment carefully; treat avalanche warnings seriously; avoid skiing etc. after alcohol or if tired.

If you are on a tour —

LISTEN to the guide … they may have important information about changes in the programme. (Also, if you are talking to your neighbour then that is two people who don’t hear instructions … and possibly others around you won’t be able to hear either.)

Consider other members of the group — (and expect them to be considerate to you.) You may not be interested in this particular museum, but they may be. Let them hear what the guide has to say. If it is a «communal» meal — don’t take all the food from one particular dish. Keep to the programme times so that others are not kept waiting for you.

Try not to get separated from other members of your group — that doesn’t mean that the whole group has to stay together all the time … but you should always try not to be alone — not just for safety reasons — or at the very least make sure that someone else knows where you are.

Post : If you decide to post some things home — be careful to observe the rules about what can be posted — and what can’t. Don’t post things that you would hate to lose. Ask how long it will take. Make a note of any details of the package and ask for receipts of postage. If you send postcards — don’t be surp[rised if you arrive home before they do.

Departure Tax : Some places have a departure tax which may not be included in your ticket. Manas airport in Bishkek, for example, has a USD10 «airport administration charge» for all passengers departing on international flights. Make sure that you have the money available.

WHEN YOU ARRIVE BACK HOME:

Review your trip — and provide feedback. : It is always a good idea to send some feedback to the company — Good points as well as bad points. What was successful?, what was not so successful?. It helps plan for future trips, reinforces good practice and helps to correct any shortcomings — minor annoyances or serious problems.

Photos — If you promised to send someone photos the PLEASE Don’t forget to send them.

Posted items — if you sent yourself a parcel of souvenirs etc. and they don’t arrive at the expected time — don’t worry too much but think about making an enquiry — is there the possibility of an insurance claim?.

Sharing your experiences / Recommendations — Enjoy you memories, photographs and videos etc., but not everyone will want to have a «blow by blow» account of your trip. However, most people will be interested in your general impressions — try to identify the (say, three) best highlights, the problems encountered and also what you would do differently if you did the trip again. Likewise, chose a few photos to show people which give a general impression. You can always go into more detail later if they show more interest. Some people will be more interested … for example, if they are thinking of visiting the same places then, as a result of your visit, you may have more up-to-date information than is contained in the guide books etc. Some people create websites or belong to communities on the web which allow others to share their experiences, … and if you have particular practical information/advice/comments — consider sharing this with others.