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(By Liana Hanley and Tiffany Breed - Bond University Journalism Students)
The Tourism Australia website showed that tourism was on the rise and there are tips to ensure a safe journey.
Senior cruise specialist Alan Harrison said insurance was vital when travelling overseas.
“People think of travel insurance in terms of their suitcase, but the problem arises if you have an accident or you’re personally hurt overseas, travel expenses covers everything that could occur,” he said.
“For example, when travelling to the United States, it is especially important, as it can cost up to $80,000 a day for intensive care.
“I’ve had clients that have had to sell their houses to pay for medical expenses whilst on holiday, as they had no insurance.”
To help avoid travel dangers Mr Harrison said, it was important to take precautions.
“At the airport when they ask you if you packed your own bag, it is a serious question, if you have said yes, then you’re responsible for what’s inside your bags,” he said.
“If you are worried about your luggage, then for $10 the airport can shrink wrap your bags so people can’t tamper with them ... a really good thing are padlocks or anything that locks your suitcase.
“It doesn’t stop thieves, but if you pick up your luggage and the lock is open, you will know someone’s been tampering with it and you can report it straight away.”
Student Lauren Friend, moved from the United States to Australia in January.
Miss Friend has travelled around the world and said that being safe and insured is important.
“I have travelled quite a bit and always get travel insurance, so this time it was the same,” she said.
“I didn’t have locks or shrink wrap, but I labeled my bags as I was worried they would get lost.
“I would never travel without insurance, it’s just too risky.”
Mr Harrison suggests looking on the Australian ‘Smart Travellers’ website when thinking of travelling overseas.
“The website provides warnings and tips on how to travel smart and safely,” he said.
Head to http://www.smartraveller.gov.au for more information.
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