IPA Canada - TIPS FOR IPA MEMBERS WHEN TRAVELLING

This article was first compiled and published by a member of the New Zealand Section, IPA. While it's main purpose is to acquaint new members of IPA, seeking assistance for the first time, it will also serve as a reminder to more experienced travelling members of our organization.

Never forget that IPA members throughout the world are all volunteers. This applies whether they belong to an Executive, wish to host visitors from another country, or otherwise contribute to the well being of fellow members within their own land. They do so because they are interested in meeting other people, relish the enjoyment of socializing with others, and want to share in our common bond; law enforcement and keeping the peace.

IPA hospitality is fragile, and indeed, precious. Nurtured and genuinely appreciated, it will flourish and grow. Abused or taken for granted, will wither and even die. This advice is to ensure that you do not become an abuser. Friendship includes flexibility.

The scope of IPA hospitality varies from country to country.It may depend in part on the volume of visitors received, and also on the number and enthusiasm of local IPA members. It is unreasonable to expect home hosting in popular “Tourist” areas that do not have many members. Examples are London , Las Vegas or the Hawaiian islands . The most you should expect there is a friendly face,, advice on the “Best value for your money”, places to stay, how to get around, and what to see and do.

The local IPA member usually knows all this, and such advice should be greatly valued. If you decide not to take in “Tourist traps”, choosing instead to see areas not so popular, you may well be overwhelmed by the warmth and kindness of IPA members wishing to meet, greet, and even host you. A good maxim would be, do not expect too much; if your expectations are met, that is great. If they are exceeded, then that is a bonus.

Plan Ahead

To get the most out of your vacation travel when seeking IPA assistance, start planning well ahead. If visiting Canada , or, if you are a Canadian IPA member, the rules are the same. Submit your Travel Form no less than six weeks before you intend to arrive in another country, or, if Canada is your destination. This also applies, if , being a Canadian member, you need IPA help here.

There are what we call “Horror stories” which have occurred by not doing so.These are excellent examples of how NOT to act:

The Policeman who phoned an Executive member in the middle of the night, wishing to join IPA at that moment so that he could be hosted.
IPA members from other countries, obviously not aware of how big a country Canada truly is, wishing to be hosted, and to visit in three days, Montreal, Toronto, Niagara Falls and Vancouver.
Members who turn up, completely unexpected, wishing to be hosted. Just as bad, those who are expected, and for whatever reason cannot make the journey, yet fail to let their waiting hosts know what has happened.

If you have not previously visited a country, or even a city before, do some research and reading. This will provide you with an excellent idea as to what might be available, for example, where to stay, and what there may be of interest to you there.

If you require in depth information from the Travel Secretary for that country, most these days, are reachable via email. If you choose to use “Snail mail”, don't forget to include a self-addressed envelope, WITH REQUIRED POSTAGE affixed. Fax is another swift alternative, but make sure the contactee has that facility. Some do not.

An ever increasing number of IPA members, Executive, and non Executive, now have a computer, with the invaluable ability to send and receive emails.

HOME HOSTING AND EXPRESSIONS OF APPRECIATION:

If you seek to be home hosted, please include with your Travel Form, a brief profile of yourself, your spouse and other family members, if applicable. Such important details as age; work or recreational interests; whether or not any are smokers or non smokers; any allergies or other medical problems.

If you are going to be met on arrival by your hosts, do your best to be considerate of them and their family routines.

Should your flight be cancelled, or delayed, or your travel plans changed for any reason, be sure to contact your hosts as soon as you are aware of these important changes. In most cases, they will be travelling to an airport in order to meet and greet you. Most of us have had experiences as to how frustrating those trips can be and often are. Then of course, there is the parking costs while waiting for you!!

Never, unless it is offered, use your hosts phone; not all countries are like Canada , where up to a certain point, what we call local calls are free. Toll calls still are not!! Always insist on paying or at least offer to pay for any long distance calls.

Try to make it a pleasure for your hosts to have you in their home. It costs nothing to smile, or to express your pleasure for what is being done for you. There are other and varied ways of doing this:

If you are staying for a number of days, purchase some groceries, or insist on contributing to the housekeeping costs. If your hosts are both working during your stay, suggest buying the ingredients and offer to cook them an ethnic meal of your choice. Treat them to a meal at their favourite restaurant. This is a universally appreciated way of saying “Thanks for having us”. Buy them a bottle of their favourite wine or liquor, that you know they will enjoy. If they are providing transportation, suggest, nay, insist on paying for some of the fuel. Maybe purchase a roadside lunch when out. Observe the golden rule: “Do for them what you would have them do for you”, and you will not go far wrong.

GIFTS

During your pre-planning, gather some suitable gifts to give as expressions of appreciation. Police and IPA souvenirs are always acceptable, as are pictorial calendars, books and diaries. Especially from your country. The spirit of friendship and remembrance are always more important than the value of the gift. Handmade items are individual, and usually very acceptable.

It is well worthwhile taking with you, business calling cards.They should have printed on them, your name, contact address, phone, email and/or fax numbers, and IPA membership details. These are excellent for exchanging with your hosts and other members.

INVITE RECIPROCITY

Perhaps the most important aspect of being hosted overseas by an IPA member, is the opportunity presented to you to extend an invitation to your hosts to visit you. Never neglect this; if your hosts have been good ones, they will also be great guests!!

Make the most of your trip by listening and learning. Your host will think you are a brilliant conversationalist if you throw him the occasional question and then sit back to listen attentively. If you are asked questions, by all means show national pride, and think of a positive answer. Nothing will turn a host off quicker than a poor listener, who cannot wait to get a word in to brag about how things are back home. YOU ARE AN AMBASSADOR FOR YOUR COUNTRY AND YOUR IPA SECTION!!

THE GLOBAL VIEW

In smaller countries, it is natural that it's citizens look outward at the rest of the world and in the process, acquire a more balanced view than perhaps those citizens of a very large country. Concerns will more likely revolve around that happens internally within their country, rather than adopting a “Citizen of the world” view.

Remember; IPA membership now exceeds 350,000 in over 60 countries. One of our IPA objectives is improved understanding and friendship among Police service members without distinction as to race, sex, creed, religion,language and culture.

SEEK HELP BUT DON'T IMPOSE

If you request IPA assistance with hotel or motel bookings on your behalf, establish contact far enough ahead to enable you to send any required deposit to secure that booking. NEVER request that a booking be made for you that may require a monetary deposit, WITHOUT FIRST SENDING THE MONEY!!

If you have enjoyed IPA hospitality, why not share your pleasure with others, by writing of your experience? This can then be published in your local IPA publication, giving credit where credit is due, to those who have helped you.

LETTERS OF THANKS

Even if you have shown your appreciation at the time, by presenting a gift or expressing your verbal thanks, do not neglect the simple but effective courtesy of writing a sincere Thank-You note to all those who hosted you, or gave you significant help. It can mean so much to the recipient.

AFTERWARDS

If you appreciated being hosted and assisted overseas by someone who accepted you on trust, purely because you were a member of IPA, then you can do the same for them. Even if you cannot afford to travel as often as you would like, you can still enjoy the satisfaction and joy that comes from providing a “Home away from home” for IPA visitors.

TIPS FOR IPA MEMBERS WHEN TRAVELLING.