The advantages of joining Savvy Traveller UK before embarking on your worldwide travels
Travelling alone
You know how it is when you want to go somewhere but none of your buddies have the money, time or inclination to join you. Do you really want to travel alone? Our travel safety courses take up to 16 people so you have instant company during the course and the chances are you’ll find a travel companion for at least the initial stages of your trip. And remember, the others will be no more than an email away!
Speaking the lingo
Imagine someone who speaks no English coming to your country and trying to ask you for directions – you want to help but where do you start? Generally, if you make the effort to understand your host country’s language and customs, your hosts will make the effort to understand you. If South America is on your itinerary, Savvy Traveller introduces you to language schools where you can boost your Spanish language skills and break the language barrier with ease. Our recommended schools in Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Guatemala and Mexico cover most of South & Central America and we suggest an initial two or three week course, early in your travels, with a one week booster to brush up rusty grammar, after you’ve been practicing on the road for a few weeks. We will make specific recommendations for travellers to other continents.
Community and Conservation Projects
If the idea of responsible travel and adventure volunteering appeals to you, look at the projects that the VentureCo Trust sponsors around the world. As a Savvy Traveller you can join one of our community and conservation projects in Africa, Asia and Latin America and add an extra dimension to your trip. [click here to “Savvy Volunteer”]
Getting around
There’s no doubt about it, travelling on public transport will give you some of the best and some of the worst memories of your trip, that’s what it’s all about. For your safety and comfort it’s important that you choose transport carefully and Savvy Traveller looks at all the local options, from air-conditioned sleepers to the ubiquitous “chicken bus” to riding in the back of a truck and the roof of a train. Bus journeys and bus stations are where thieves are most active and there’s a chance that at some point, YOU are going to be their target; Savvy Traveller shows you how to maximise your personal security, so minimising the risks of theft.
Eating and drinking your way around a continent
Food has got to be one of the joys of travel, but it can also put you in hospital: you have to be careful where and what you eat. Sometimes the dodgy looking street treats are safer than the 5 star hotel’s buffet! It’s also important to think about water: where are the sources of good water and is it best to sterilise it, filter it or boil it? How much should I be drinking to stay hydrated? How will a night in the boozer affect me at altitude? Savvy Traveller will give you practical tips on what’s good about the local food and drink and where to get it.
A bed for the night – Five star or no star?
Finding a place to stay that’s safe and within your budget is very important, especially if you’re arriving in a big city late at night. There are VentureCo recommended hostels in many popular destinations and all will extend a warm welcome to a Savvy Traveller! When you’re exploring off the beaten track (as we hope you do) our Savvy Traveller advice on selecting accommodation will see that you end up in a room with a view instead of a room full of cockroaches!
Looking after your belongings
Travelling around the developing world with a backpack does make you stand out from the crowd, the locals don’t carry backpacks! Savvy Traveller offers guidance and practical tips about how to pack and protect your baggage, how to conceal your valuables and how to be vigilant whilst looking as inconspicuous as possible.
Staying out of trouble
The big headline travel stories tend to put the spotlight on the unfortunate few who disappear, suffer violent attack or get caught up in a civil or natural disaster. Fortunately the vast majority of travellers enjoy a trouble free trip and the Savvy Traveller Course will help you maximise your personal security, show you how to recognise potentially troubling situations and avoid them, making your adventures memorable for all the right reasons.
Becoming unstuck
What happens if you are robbed, left stranded or even hospitalised? It always pays to consider the worst case scenario and have a back-up plan – often just having a reliable travel companion will get you out of a fix. As a Savvy Traveller we’ll run through various courses of action that are proven to work and, of course, there’s a good chance that there’ll be a reliable travel companion amongst your fellow Savvy Travellers!
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