Checked luggage can easily get lost, or left for others to help themselves to your belongings. Make sure that you put all your valuables in your carry-on bag, such as:

• Mobile phone (don’t forget to fully charge it).
• Adapter and chargers for electrical appliances.
• Laptop or tablet (with all your portfolio images).
• Valid passport.
• Visa documentation.
• Money/Credit Cards
• Contact telephone numbers and addresses of your accommodation and agency.
• Portfolio.
• Valuable jewelry or watch.
• Medication/Prescriptions (make sure you bring more than you need in case you lose some, or stay longer than expected)

Avoid getting sucked into the promises of nightclub promoters; free drinks, food, parties, and even trips. They usually have an ulterior motive. Some promoters will encourage you to attend parties and clubs so that they can draw in more customers to buy alcohol - which may seem harmless. However, a few have allegedly coerced models into very dangerous lifestyles.  Promoters not only work the nightlife scene, but they also hang around where most of the castings are held, and even find out the phone numbers and addresses of the model apartments. This is all in hopes to lure models into the clubs and get paid very well doing it. If you are of legal age and want to explore the local nightlife, go with a roommate or a trusted friend. Be careful not to consume a lot of alcohol, or stay out too late. Lastly, and most importantly; don’t walk around at night by yourself.

Study the city or town that you will be visiting. Familiarize yourself with a map of the local area, and pinpoint where your lodgings and model agency is located. They will be easier to find once you are there. If you are traveling to a country that has a different language; it is advisable to learn a few key words and phrases:

• “Hello” and “Goodbye”
• “Please” and “Thank you”’
• “My name is…”
• “I am from…..(country)”
• "How much is...."
• Your birthdate
• How to order food and drink
• How to ask for directions
• Days of the week
• Numbers
• Emergency words “Help”, “Fire”, “Police”, “Hospital”

Also, be aware of the local customs; whether it is how you greet people, attend public events, or even dress code. Showing respect towards their culture will improve the way the local’s assist and respond towards you.

Although you should have some cash in the local currency, it is advisable to have most of your allowance in the form of an internationally used credit card; such as Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. Should it get lost or stolen, you can call the bank to freeze that card and send you a new one. The card will also protect you from paying for any fraudulent charges.

Bring a phone that has a cost-effective international plan. Make sure that the following numbers are stored in your phone, and written down. This is so you can quickly reach the people you need during an emergency. Also, don’t forget to take note of the local and international dialing codes:

• Local model agency
• Mother agent
• National emergency (Police/Ambulance/Fire)
• Your bank’s Fraud Protection hotline
• Travel insurance company
• Family Member/ Guardian