Travel Tips for Pozieres…Our Legacy 2016 Tour

Introduction

You’re about to go on the adventure of a lifetime, and for a number of you, travelling overseas to a foreign land may be a new challenge. However, don’t forget the travel that you are about to undertake is a tremendous opportunity and one that you will remember for years to come.

These travel tips are designed to allow you to enjoy the culture and experience of the Pozieres...Our Legacy 2016 Tour.

Just remember that in some countries criminals make their living by stealing from tourists, so stay alert and look out for each other.

Common senseis your most vital commodity when travelling. Think before you act and always watch out for each other.

Back Packs / Handbags

In cities and crowded areas, do not wear your back pack on your back. In fact, some places will not let you wear it on your back anyway so as to reduce the chance of you damaging displays etc. when you change direction. Place it over one shoulder, but under your arm or on the front of your body. This gives you more control in market places and shops to move around, especially in crowded areas.

When walking close to roads, have your back pack on the off-side: that is the shoulder furthest from the road. This will negate the opportunity for motorcycle riders and their passengers from grabbing your bag as they ride past.

When you pack your bag, use the internal zippered pockets (if fitted) to store your attractive items, so as they are not sitting loosely in the bottom of the bag. Thieves do use razors to cut open the bottoms of bags, to grab the smaller contents as they drop out. Lock the zippers of your back pack together. We recommend small carabiners (a metal loop with a spring-loaded gate) that you can buy at Supercheap Auto, Rebel Sport or the Reject Shop. They are light, easy and very effective. Clip each compartment separately, then if able, all the carabiners together.

Handbags need to be kept zipped up at all times and carried under the arm, especially in enclosed areas such as elevators, trains, access lines etc.When sitting in outdoor cafes, restaurants etc. keep your handbag on your lap and for your back pack, you may even wish to carabiner your pack to your chair or the table leg.

Top Pick:Always think to yourself ‘how can I make it harder for a thief or pickpocket, to steal from me?’ Then act accordingly.

Top Tip: A small fold up umbrella is a great asset. Protects from rain and sun and straps on the side of your backpack.

Safety - Wallets, Jewellery, Cameras and Passports

Beware of petty theft—purse snatching, cell phone grabbing, pickpocketing, and the like. Use common sense: leave your expensive jewellery at home, avoid pulling out a lot of money in public, and avoid darkly lit areas in the evening. When withdrawing money from ATMs, be especially aware of your surroundings and anyone standing too close. If you feel uneasy, press the cancel button and walk to an area where you feel more comfortable. Credit-card fraud is increasing in France, especially in urban areas; be sure to collect your receipts, as these have recently been used by thieves to make online purchases. When in doubt ensure friends are around you at all times.

Distribute your cash, credit cards, IDs and other valuables between a deep front pocket, an inside jacket or vest pocket and a hidden money pouch. Don't reach for the money pouch once you're in public. Be especially vigilant on public transportation and in crowded areas. Always carry your wallets, passports etc., in your front pockets, never your back pockets. If your purse is in your handbag, then have it in a zippered compartment when able and not in an outside compartment where the material can be easily cut to access valuables. Necklaces, pendants etc. should be worn under blouses and shirts.

Be cautious when asking someone to take your photo using your camera, they may run off with it or demand money to get it back. Choose carefully, such as a member of the group.

Top Tip:A simple security check of yourself and your mates takes seconds but it’s worth it!

Top Tip:Take a photo of all cards, documents etc and email to yourself and your family.

Money

The currency of France is the Euro (€). It is generally always possible to exchange money into local currency after arriving in France. ATMs are available all over France and are the safest and easiest way to access cash. Debit cards mean you can access money at ATMs, or you can get a pre-loaded cash card (like Travelex or a QANTAS / Virgin Cash Card) and load it up before you leave home.

We recommend that you change approximately AUD100 cash into euro before departure. This will cover you for spending money until you have the chance to change more or find an ATM.

Top Tip:Why not hide away a €50 note somewhere? It might be useful in the case of a lost wallet or other emergencies.

Language

Try and utilise your French speaking skills when you are in France. The locals will appreciate you making an effort in trying to speak a little French.

Tipping

The French have a clear idea of when they should be tipped. Bills in bars and restaurants include a service charge incorporated into the price, but it's customary to round out your bill with some small change unless you're dissatisfied. The amount varies: anywhere from €0.20, if you've merely bought a coffee, to €1–€3 (or more) after a meal. In some places, staff may expect nothing (if there's a sign saying "pourboire interdit"—tips forbidden). Washroom attendants usually get €0.50, though the sum is often posted.

Taxes

Taxes must be included in affixed prices in France. Prices in restaurants and hotels by law include taxes and service charges. If these appear as additional items on your bill, you should complain.

Dining

All dining establishments must post their menus outside, so take a look before you enter. Also keep in mind that it's less expensive to eat or drink standing at a café or bar counter

than sitting at a table. Two prices are listed, au comptoir (at the counter) and à salle (at a table). Sometimes orders cost even more if you're seated at a terrace table.

Health

Travelling always requires an element of caution when it comes to your health. Life on this trip will at times be a bit hectic, with early starts and late nights and so much to see and do. Getting sick on tour is a real shame but it's definitely avoidable. Simple advice like eating well and getting sufficient rest is key and as long as you take care of yourself you should be fine.

Should you be unfortunate to be unwell, speak to the tour medic who will be able to organise taking you to a pharmacy or if need be, to see a doctor.

With long periods on planes and buses everyone should become familiar with what DVT is and how to reduce the risk.

International Power Adaptors

These are a must and any travel shop will be able to assist.

Business Cards

If you’re out exploring in towns and cities, a great tip is to always carry your hotels business card or brochure in your pocket. That way you can always jump in a cab and pass this information to the driver.

Leaving an Area

When exploring and you stop to rest, refresh etc., always take a couple of steps and look back to where you were sitting. It’s amazing, what you may have accidentally left behind.

Toilets

In most of France (except motorways which have a toll) you will have to pay a small amount to use public toilets at service stations and in city centres. It is a common practice in Europe and should be regarded as a form of ‘tipping’, as the money goes to the people who clean and/or maintain the facilities. It is very rare that public toilets do not supply toilet paper, but it may be useful to carry a pack of tissues with you.

Communication

Internet

Wi-Fi hot spots can be found at many cafés throughout France. Major airports also offer complimentary Wi-Fi, though sessions may be limited to 30 minutes. In smaller towns, ask at the local tourism office where you can get connected. Note: if you capture a wireless network called "Free," don’t be misled—it’s the name of the carrier used in France and is not free of charge.

All accommodation that we are using has free Wi-Fi.

Check (download the app) for the nearest hot spot. Worst-case scenario—head to McDonalds for unlimited access with any purchase.

Phones

The French are very fond of their mobile phones (portables), meaning that telephone booths are on their way to becoming obsolete. But French telecom giant Orange does maintain some 40,000 nationwide, and the majority will accept a ticket telephone, a prepaid calling card, which can be purchased through Orange boutiques ( The cards work on any phone (including your hotel phone). To use one, you dial a free number, and then punch in a code indicated on the back of the card.

When using a mobile phone abroad, it’s advisable to turn off your data services function to avoid exorbitant, unexpected fees.

If you just want to make local calls, consider buying a prepaid SIM card (your provider may have to unlock your phone for you to use it); you can purchase one through Le French Mobile ( a service catering to English-speaking visitors. An alternative is to buy a cheap, disposable "BIC" prepaid phone; they’re available from Orange outlets, tobacconists, magazine kiosks, and some supermarkets. You can then have a local number and make local calls at local rates.

A cost-effective alternative is to use Skype ( Google Hangouts ( or Apple FaceTime ( which allow you to make calls online. After downloading free software, you can place no or low-cost calls anywhere in the world with an Internet connection from your smartphone, tablet, or laptop.

Another means is to use VIBER and get your friends and family to do likewise. Most cafes and accommodation that we are staying have free WIFI and you can message via Facebook or VIBER. VIBER is also a voice over Internet system so you get free phone calls when in free WIFI areas.

Street Crossings

Remember that traffic conditions are totally different in France and Belgium and you need to set yourself a drill:

-stop at every gutter or crossing

-look right

-look left

-look right again

-cross

Most of all, when in a group – watch for your mates, as they’ll tend to forget!

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