From The Straits Times    |
bali_the_edge_tn


Embroidered, beaded and crystal-embellished chiffon gown, from Style Bridal & Beauty, shot on location at The Edge Bali (see the things we loved about the resort here). Photo: Her World Brides December 2015.

When travelling overseas to take your wedding portraits, you have to be extra careful, especially since you’ll be travelling with expensive items such as the wedding dress and camera equipment. Worse, if you’re driving on your own, we highly recommend you take these extra measures to make your trip a safe, fuss-free one. We also came by this unfortunate accident involving a couple having their photo shoot at Jeju Island, Korea on New Year’s Day, and thought these points might come in handy if you want to minimise unfortunate incdents like the above when you are on an overseas photo shoot:

Hire a driver
I know many people rent a car of their own during their holidays overseas, as a road trip (going off the beaten track) gives you an experience that is unlike that of organised tour groups. BUT driving around in another country does pose certain problems that you should be aware of. To be safe, always hire an experienced driver who knows the routes, driving habits of locals and what to avoid on the roads. It may cost more but you will be in safer hands than driving by yourself.

If you do want to drive around yourself while overseas:

Avoid driving at night
Not all roads are well lit or safe in the dark. Plan your schedule so that all your travelling time is during the day. It would mean wasted daytime hours that can be used for your shoot but better safe than sorry!

Respect the speed limits
You may be driving on a clear stretch of road with no other vehicles and think of speeding up – don’t. There’s a reasons why certain stretches of roads have speed limits and it has nothing to do with more cars or too many road twists and turns. Sometimes roads in deserted or rural areas may not be as smooth as you see with hidden bumps, roach cracks and unseen ditches. So stick to the speed limit to be safe.

Have spare cash
Credit cards are not accepted everywhere. If you’re driving along a rural area and your car breaks down or you need to buy something urgently, have some spare cash in case your card is not accepted by the vendor or establishment. 

Bring your identification
If you’re planning to travel a lot by road, always bring your passport wit you. Different countries have different rules and laws and even with a local guide, there are times when you need to have identification with you. Don’t be caught in a situation where the authorities put you in a tight spot due to some obscure law, or if they are just trying to wring some cash out of you.

Always have useful contacts
If you’re travelling alone, bring along the contact of your travel agency, care rental company, hotel and the Singapore Embassy with you all times. If you have friends living there, their contacts would be good as well. These are useful to have if you’re caught in a tight spot. So it’s best that you also buy an overseas SIM card that allows you to make calls easily.

Before you leave the country, it’s also best if you leave your contacts with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as leave your itinerary and trip details with a family or friend, in case of emergencies.

Buy insurance
I’ve had friends who think travel insurance isn’t necessary, especially if the trip is a short one. A word of advice: it is better to err on the side of caution. You never know what’s going to happen. And, if you’re travelling to a country in a climate, culture you’re unfamiliar with, you may get into a tight spot in terms of illnesses, theft, and so on. Should such incidences happen, your insurance will come in handy.