Cheat sheet: Travel and expeditions

1. 1Check validity – Check the expiry dates of passport, ID card, driving licence and any visas.
2. 2Clarify entry requirements – Clarify visa requirements, transit rules, health certificates and rules for children (e.g. consent letters when travelling with one parent)…
3. 3Make copies – Copy the passport data page, visas, driving licence, insurance documents, booking confirmations and card-blocking numbers.
4. 4Protected digital copy – Store scans encrypted so they can be retrieved even without your own phone.
5. 5Emergency numbers on paper – Write the destination's emergency number, the nearest embassy or consulate, the insurance emergency line, card-blocking numbers and a…
6. 6Carry originals securely – Carry originals close to the body and not together with all cash and cards in one place.
7. 7In case of loss – Report loss or theft to the local police and keep the confirmation, have cards blocked and contact the responsible embassy or consulate…

Caution: Entry requirements (minimum passport validity, visa, certificates) change and differ by nationality. Use only current information from the destination country or your own foreign ministry, not old travel reports.

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1. 1Clarify existing cover – Check what health insurance, credit cards or existing policies cover abroad.
2. 2Scope – Does cover apply to the destination, trip length and all travellers?
3. 3Activities – Are planned activities such as mountaineering, diving or motorcycling included or excluded?
4. 4Medical – Check pre-existing conditions, pregnancy, medical evacuation and search-and-rescue costs.
5. 5Note the emergency number – Save the policy number and the insurer's 24-hour emergency number on your emergency card and phone.
6. 6Leave at home – Leave a copy of the policy with a trusted person at home.

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1. 1Official travel advice – Read your foreign ministry's travel advice, including the section on natural hazards and climate.
2. 2Check the season – Find out whether the trip falls in a storm, rainy, heat or wildfire season.
3. 3Local warning systems – Find out how the region issues warnings (sirens, apps, radio, SMS) and which local emergency number applies.
4. 4Learn the behaviour – Review the basic rules for the main hazards, e.g. earthquake, tsunami, flood.
5. 5On arrival – Look at the accommodation's escape routes, higher ground and assembly points.

Danger: On site the instructions of local authorities apply. Follow evacuation orders immediately.

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1. 1Pack hand luggage – Medication, charger and power bank, change of clothes, toiletries, snack, empty water bottle, documents.
2. 2Data offline – Booking reference, airline contact, insurance number and lodging offline and on paper.
3. 3Notifications – Subscribe to the airline's flight information by app or SMS.
4. 4Rebook in parallel – On cancellation queue at the desk while also using the app or hotline.
5. 5Keep receipts – Keep confirmations of the cancellation and receipts for food, hotel and transport.
6. 6Inform contacts – Inform relatives, lodging and employer if relevant about the delay.

Caution: Always carry essential medication in hand luggage, with a reserve for a few days of delay.

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1. 1Walk around – Photograph damage; check tyres for tread and damage; test lights.
2. 2Equipment – Locate spare wheel or repair kit, jack, hi-vis vest, warning triangle and first-aid kit – as available or required.
3. 3Controls – Find out hazard lights, headlights, wipers, handbrake, fuel cap and fuel type before driving off.
4. 4Numbers – Save and note the rental company's breakdown and accident number.
5. 5Child seats – Check child seats yourself and install them according to the instructions.

Caution: Do not drive off with obvious defects (tyres, brakes, lights, warning lamps on the dashboard); ask for another vehicle.

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1. 1Research local rescue – Note emergency numbers, the mountain rescue organisation, weather and avalanche services of the destination from official sources.
2. 2Check insurance – Read whether search, rescue, helicopter and repatriation are covered and whether there are altitude or activity limits.
3. 3Leave a route plan – Give route, timetable, turnaround time and latest alarm time to a contact person or your accommodation.
4. 4Be able to give your location – Be able to read coordinates on your phone, carry a map, note trail numbers and landmarks.
5. 5Know the signal – Know the alpine distress signal (six signals per minute, one minute pause) and hand signals for helicopters.

Danger: In an emergency call the local emergency number (112 in the EU). Some countries and regions also have separate mountain rescue numbers – check official sources beforehand and save them in your phone.

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1. 1Read the travel advice – Read your own foreign ministry's official travel and safety advice for the destination: security situation, natural hazards, health, entry…
2. 2Register where offered – Check whether your country offers registration for travellers (examples: the German Federal Foreign Office's crisis preparedness list, the…
3. 3Note contact details – Note the address and emergency number of the responsible embassy or consulate and the local emergency number on paper.
4. 4Inform a contact person – Give a person at home your route, accommodation and copies of documents and agree when you will check in.
5. 5Update on the way – When the route changes, update the registration and your contact person.
6. 6In a crisis – Follow the instructions of local authorities, watch for messages from the embassy or consulate and contact relatives as soon as it is…

Caution: Registration is not a promise of rescue. What embassies and consulates can do is limited; in acute danger use the local emergency number and follow the instructions of local authorities.

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1. 1Check mandatory equipment – Check the mandatory equipment for your own country and all transit countries and stow it within reach – the high-visibility vest inside the…
2. 2Pack the basic kit – Headlamp with spare batteries, blanket or sleeping bag, warm clothing, water, non-perishable food, charging cable and power bank, first-aid…
3. 3Add for winter – Ice scraper and brush, compact shovel, snow chains where appropriate (practise fitting them beforehand), jump leads, antifreeze in the…
4. 4Prepare the vehicle – Check tyres for condition and suitability for winter conditions, have the battery, lights and wipers checked.
5. 5Before departure – Check weather warnings and road conditions, tell someone your route and expected arrival, clear windows, lights and roof completely of snow…
6. 6Drive to conditions – On snow and ice reduce speed considerably, increase following distance greatly, steer, brake and accelerate gently.
7. 7Check regularly – Check the kit twice a year: batteries, shelf life of water and food, first-aid kit, completeness.

Danger: After a breakdown on fast roads, staying next to the vehicle is dangerous. Put on a high-visibility vest, switch on hazard lights, leave the vehicle if possible and wait behind the crash barrier or away from the carriageway, and secure the scene as local rules require.

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1. 1Assess and call for help – If anyone is injured or in danger, call the local emergency number (112 in the EU) and give location, road, direction of travel and number…
2. 2Stay in the vehicle – As a rule, stay in the vehicle.
3. 3Keep the exhaust clear – Before each start check that the exhaust pipe and the area behind it are clear of snow, and check again regularly during continued snowfall.
4. 4Use the engine sparingly – Run the engine only intermittently to warm up, with a window on the sheltered side opened a crack.
5. 5Stay warm – Put on all available layers, hat and gloves, use the blanket, huddle together.
6. 6Stay visible – Tie a brightly coloured cloth to the antenna or window; at night switch on the interior light briefly while the engine is running so the…
7. 7Watch each other – Do not let everyone sleep at the same time; pay particular attention to children, older people and those with medical conditions.

Danger: Carbon monoxide is invisible and odourless. With the engine running, the exhaust pipe must be clear of snow. Headache, dizziness, nausea or drowsiness can be signs of poisoning: switch the engine off, get fresh air immediately, call the local emergency number (112 in the EU).

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1. 1Plan ahead – Know at least two routes to a safe destination outside the hazard area (relatives, friends, emergency shelter) and mark them on a paper map.
2. 2Fill the tank – When an evacuation seems likely, fill the tank or charge the vehicle.
3. 3Leave early – Leave immediately when told to evacuate; leaving earlier avoids traffic jams and dangerous conditions.
4. 4Use official routes – Follow the routes named by the authorities, even if the navigation device suggests otherwise.
5. 5Avoid hazards – Do not drive through water, keep away from power lines, turn back at smoke, damaged bridges or fallen trees and choose another route.
6. 6Inform your contact – Tell your out-of-area contact your departure, route and destination – by text message if calls do not get through.
7. 7Return only when cleared – Return only when the authorities allow it, and watch for damaged roads, lines and buildings.

Danger: Never drive through flooded roads or underpasses. Water depth and current cannot be judged, the road may be washed out, and even shallow moving water can sweep vehicles away. Turn around.

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1. 1Read the escape plan – Look at the plan on the room door, note your position and both escape directions.
2. 2Walk the route – Walk to the nearest and second-nearest emergency exit.
3. 3Count doors – Count the doors between your room and the exit and note which side it is on.
4. 4Prepare by the bed – Put the room key, phone, torch, glasses and shoes within reach.
5. 5When the alarm sounds – Take the alarm seriously.
6. 6If the route is blocked – Go back into the room, seal door gaps with wet towels, call the local emergency number (112 in the EU) and give your room number, signal at…

Danger: In a fire do not use the lift/elevator. Take the stairs.

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1. 1Search calmly – Check lodging, vehicle and recently visited places; ask the lost property offices of hotel, railway or airport.
2. 2Police – Report the loss or theft to local police and ask for written confirmation.
3. 3Embassy or consulate – Contact your country's embassy or consulate; ask about appointments, required documents and fees.
4. 4Block cards – Have stolen bank and credit cards and SIM cards blocked immediately.
5. 5Replacement document – Apply for a replacement or emergency travel document with copies, police confirmation and passport photos.
6. 6Arrange onward travel – Inform the airline, tour operator and insurer; where visas apply, also the host country's immigration authority.

Caution: Only use the embassy's official contact details (e.g. from your foreign ministry's website). Beware of intermediaries promising "fast passports" for money.

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1. 1Hazard lights and coast – Switch on hazard lights and roll as far as possible onto the hard shoulder or an emergency bay; turn the wheels away from traffic.
2. 2Put on the vest in the car – Put on the hi-vis vest before getting out.
3. 3Get out on the safe side – Everyone gets out on the side away from traffic.
4. 4Behind the barrier – Go behind the crash barrier or onto the verge, at a distance from the vehicle, slightly back against the direction of travel.
5. 5Secure according to local rules – Place the warning triangle only if required or recommended and safe to do; walk behind the barrier while doing so.
6. 6Call for help – Use the breakdown service or emergency roadside telephone; give your location via distance markers, junctions or phone location.

Danger: Do not stand on the carriageway or between the car and traffic. No repairs on the traffic side, including tyre changes – call the breakdown service.

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1. 1Emergency card – Put a card with first name, parents' phone number (with country code), any allergies or conditions and lodging in the child's pocket.
2. 2Take a photo – Take a photo of the child in the day's clothes every morning.
3. 3Meeting point – When arriving somewhere new, agree and point out a clearly visible meeting point.
4. 4Practise the rule – Practise with the child: stay put, do not go off with anyone, seek help from staff, uniformed people or parents with children, show the…
5. 5Learn the number – Older children memorise a parent's phone number.
6. 6If it happens – One adult stays at the last known place or meeting point while the other immediately informs staff or security.

Danger: If a child is missing and not found quickly, immediately inform staff, security or police and call the local emergency number (112 in the EU). Do not search alone for long.

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1. 1Contacts – Two emergency contacts with international dialling codes, including one outside the destination country.
2. 2Local numbers – Emergency number of the destination country, embassy or consulate, lodging.
3. 3Insurance – Policy number and the insurer's 24-hour emergency number.
4. 4Health – Briefly note allergies, important conditions and medication; also in the local language if possible.
5. 5Keep it – Keep the card in the wallet or passport; a copy in the luggage.

Caution: Do not write down passwords, PINs or full card numbers.

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1. 1Check if necessary – Can the drive happen in daylight?
2. 2Route and gaps – Check the route, fuel stations and dead zones; download offline maps; fill up.
3. 3Tell someone – Share the route and planned arrival with a contact and agree when they should raise the alarm.
4. 4Breaks – Take regular breaks; traffic rules such as the UK Highway Code recommend breaks roughly every two hours.
5. 5Lights and visibility – Keep windows and headlights clean; use high beam but dip in good time for oncoming traffic.
6. 6In a breakdown – Secure the vehicle, make it visible, stay with it if safe; do not set off on foot into the unknown at night.

Danger: Drowsy driving is dangerous. With yawning, heavy eyelids or microsleeps stop immediately in a safe place and sleep. An open window or loud music does not help reliably.

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1. 1Before boarding – Assess the condition and load of the boat; with small operators ask about life jackets.
2. 2Briefing – Follow the safety briefing or signs attentively, even if they seem routine.
3. 3Jackets and muster station – Locate the life jackets (including children's) and the muster station; walk the route from cabin or seat once.
4. 4Wear it on small boats – On small open boats put on the life jacket and fasten it correctly; children always.
5. 5When the alarm sounds – Grab warm clothing, life jacket and medication and go to the muster station; follow crew instructions.

Danger: Do not board boats that are obviously overloaded, carry no life jackets or set out in a storm.

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1. 1Wait for announcements – Stay seated, follow announcements and displays.
2. 2Ration supplies – Ration water, food and battery.
3. 3Look after others – In heat or cold, look after children, older and ill people; report needs (medication, water) to staff.
4. 4Evacuation – Leave only when instructed.
5. 5Arrange onward travel – Ask the rail company about replacement transport, passenger rights and accommodation; keep receipts.

Danger: Never step onto the tracks on your own. Trains may run on adjacent tracks, conductor rails and overhead lines may be live – even if your own train has no power.

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1. 1Attend the muster drill – Follow the safety drill or video attentively and register at the muster station if required.
2. 2Know the route – Walk two routes from the cabin to the muster station; note stairwells and signs.
3. 3Know the alarm signal – Under SOLAS requirements the general emergency alarm usually consists of seven or more short blasts followed by one long blast; follow the…
4. 4When the alarm sounds – Take warm clothing, sturdy shoes, medication and the cruise card; take or put on a life jacket only as instructed.
5. 5Family – Agree beforehand: wherever you are, go straight to your own muster station.

Danger: When the alarm sounds do not use lifts; take stairs and signposted escape routes.

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1. 1Split – Daily money at hand, reserve and second card separately (lodging, inner pocket).
2. 2Carry – Bags in front or at the side with the opening towards your body; phone not in back pockets; at tables secure your bag to your leg or chair.
3. 3Recognise distraction – Crowds, bumping, petitions, "stains" on clothing, pushy helpers at machines: stop briefly, hand on valuables, step away.
4. 4Check offers – Book taxis and tours via official stands or your lodging; agree prices in advance; politely decline under pressure ("only now!").
5. 5After a loss – Block cards and SIM, get a police report for insurance, contact your mission if the passport is lost.

Danger: When threatened or robbed, do not defend anything. Money, phone and bag are replaceable. Then get to safety and call the local emergency number (112 in the EU) or police.

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1. 1Before – Know the hazards and season at the destination, note the country's warning apps or official channels, register with your foreign ministry…
2. 2Protect yourself during the event – Follow the relevant basic rules (e.g. earthquake: take cover; flood: go higher; wildfire: avoid smoke) and the instructions of authorities…
3. 3Sign of life – Short message to an agreed contact at home: "We are safe, location, next update at …". Use social media safety check or people-finder…
4. 4Embassy or consulate – If needed (injury, lost documents, problems leaving) use your foreign ministry's crisis hotline or contact details.
5. 5Departure – Clarify with tour operator, airline and insurer; do not drive through closed areas on your own.

Danger: Instructions from local authorities and rescue services take priority, even in a foreign language. Follow evacuation orders immediately; with a tsunami warning or strong earthquake at the coast, move immediately to higher ground or inland.

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1. 1Get advice – Get medical or travel-medicine advice a few weeks before the trip: vaccinations, prevention, risks at the destination.
2. 2Check insurance – Clarify whether treatment abroad and repatriation are covered.
3. 3Your own medication – Take regular medication in sufficient quantity plus a reserve in its original packaging in your hand luggage, with a list of active…
4. 4Agree the medical kit – Agree the contents of the medical kit with a doctor or pharmacy, matched to destination, duration and fellow travellers (e.g. children).
5. 5Prevention on the way – Pay attention to drinking water and food hygiene, sun and heat protection, and mosquito protection where advised.
6. 6Carry information – Note blood group (if known), allergies, medical conditions and emergency contacts on a card and carry it with your documents.

Danger: In case of high fever, shortness of breath, severe pain or impaired consciousness on the way, seek medical help immediately or call the local emergency number (112 in the EU) and inform the insurance emergency line.

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1. 1Find out in advance – Use travel health advice and travel guidance on water quality.
2. 2Water – Use sealed bottles, boiled or self-treated water – including for brushing teeth.
3. 3Food – Prefer freshly cooked food served hot; peel fruit yourself; be careful with raw salads, raw eggs, unpasteurised milk and buffets that have…
4. 4Hands – Wash hands with soap before eating and after using the toilet; hand sanitiser as a supplement on the go.
5. 5With diarrhoea – Drink plenty; carry oral rehydration solutions as advised by a travel health service.

Danger: With blood in the stool, high fever, severe pain, signs of dehydration, or with diarrhoea in infants, pregnant women or older people, seek medical help; in an emergency call the local emergency number (112 in the EU).

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1. 1Plan the first days gently – Do not schedule strenuous tours on the day of arrival; increase exertion gradually over several days.
2. 2Use the time of day – In heat, move activities to the cooler morning and evening hours, shade and rest at midday.
3. 3Drink regularly – Drink throughout the day and watch urine colour; with heavy sweating also take in salt through meals.
4. 4Dress appropriately – Heat: light, loose clothing, hat, sun protection.
5. 5Watch for warning signs – Treat headache, dizziness, nausea, severe exhaustion (heat) or shivering, numbness, clumsiness (cold) as a signal to stop – also in fellow…

Danger: Confusion, altered consciousness or collapse in heat may indicate heat stroke: call the local emergency number (112 in the EU) immediately, move the person into shade and cool them.

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1. 1Before – Depart rested.
2. 2On the way – Set your watch to destination time, drink enough, keep alcohol and caffeine moderate, sleep if possible when it is night at the destination.
3. 3Day of arrival – Eat and sleep on local time, get daylight during the day, short naps instead of long daytime sleep.
4. 4Postpone decisions – Put important decisions (route choice, contracts, money) on the next rested day if possible or cross-check with fellow travellers.

Danger: Drowsy driving is dangerous. After overnight flights or a long journey, pick up the rental car after a sleep if possible or use a transfer.

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1. 1Make a list – Note all medicines with active ingredient, strength, dose and timing; copy in luggage and digitally.
2. 2Check rules – Ask the embassy or health authority of destination and transit countries whether medicines are allowed, limited in quantity or need a…
3. 3Doctor's certificate – Certificate on the need for the medication, active ingredients and dose, ideally in English, mentioning syringes and devices if carried.
4. 4Pack – In original packaging in hand luggage, reserve for some extra days, part of the reserve separately.
5. 5At the destination – Protect medicines from heat (do not leave them in the car).

Danger: Import rules for medicines differ greatly; some medicines common at home can be banned or require a permit at the destination. Check the rules of destination and transit countries with their embassy or health authority.

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