Key TravelWise messages
Teacher instruction: In wrapping up this lesson, students can be asked to share with a partner, a group, or the class, key messages they are taking away from the lesson.
This activity highlights the key TravelWise messages citizens should be aware of before and while travelling abroad. It also provides students with an opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned throughout the lesson, and provide views on how the TravelWise content may change their perceptions of travel preparations and actions while in another country.
Teachers can take a selection of answers on the board, and then remind students of any important messages that may not be mentioned. These can include the following in line with the TravelWise website:
- To take out comprehensive travel insurance to cover all activities planned while away. This is especially important if participating in outdoor activities such as adventure or water sports, though it is recommended for every trip regardless of plans. Many consular cases the Department deals with are often a result of fallout from citizens failing to obtain adequate travel insurance before departure. Unfortunately covering such expenses that accrue in these cases is not something the Department can do. This particular point is of great importance for citizens to be aware of.
- To check the validity of their passports before booking their trip, or at least well in advance before departing, given the different validity requirements for countries. Citizens should also be conscious of the quality of their passports and should ensure there is no damage, no matter how innocuous, to their booklet. For example, immigration authorities in some countries might not permit entry to citizens whose passport may be slightly damaged or torn. To have digital copies of their travel documents. This greatly helps the process of providing emergency travel documents should citizens have the misfortune of having their passport lost or stolen while abroad.
- For those travelling to Europe, the Department recommends obtaining a passport card, and a European health insurance card. The links to apply for both are provided in our travel advice.
- Get to know where their nearest embassy or consulate is in case they require assistance while away. These missions are contactable 24/7 and citizens can rest assured that with their local expertise, our colleagues will be able to provide the best advice for their particular situation.
- To register their details on our Citizens Registration platform for the duration of their time abroad, especially if they plan on going to high risk locations. The citizen’s registration platform provides department staff with the ability to contact citizens in the case of an emergency.
- To share their travel plans with family or friends. This is so they know their whereabouts, and how best to contact them should communications fail, be it in an emergency situation, or as a result of something as simple as losing a phone abroad, or being out of coverage.
Classroom activity #1 revisited: What to know before you go
Teachers should divide students into the same groups as previous to discuss the same scenario below they received in the first instance to discuss new information they learned during the lesson and present any new responses they have for their respective scenario.
Where feasible, students and teachers should access ireland.ie/travelwise to check country-specific travel advice for the destinations relative to their assigned scenarios.
Once more, students should be encouraged to think outside the box and draw from their own experiences and those of their family, friends and stories from the media.
Advice that was mentioned previously such as checking the mobile data plan of their destination, whether their chargers will work with the voltage and socket differences, safety for LGBTQI+ students should be encouraged and expanded on here.
SPHE lesson conclusion
To conclude, students can be asked for their views on what they have learned, and how they will apply TravelWise principles in the future when going abroad.
Students should also be encouraged to discuss the content of the lesson with family, especially those who may be planning to travel in the near future, or who travel on a regular basis.
The Department of Foreign Affairs welcomes all feedback received on the lesson.