The US Dept. of State wants to help make sure your travel overseas is uneventful. Their website at TRAVEL.STATE.GOV is loaded with very useful information on how to be safe when traveling abroad. http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety
Tips include:
How to pack your suitcase
What not to carry (what to leave behind)
How to carry your meds.
How to keep your money and passport safe
What to learn before you go (information on the country, any alerts, health conditions…and more)
How to find the nearest embassy or consulate in the country you are visiting, especially if you have a problem
Things to arrange before you go (a contact who’ll have a copy of your itinerary and a copy of your passport, notification for the credit card company…)
Precautions to take when you’re in the country abroad (on the street, how to keep your passport and other valuables safe, safety tips for your hotel stay, how to be safe when driving or on public transportation)
How to keep your money safe
And a lot more information on avoiding know or unknown criminal offenses.
Some of this information has already been covered in my previous posts but the site is well worth visiting (happy to see that “Big Brother” and I are on the same page!
Do bring your camera on every trip. Capture those moments and scenes that can never be repeated. I mean those odd scenes or events that happen in a flash and serve to bring a smile when you reminisce later.
It could be that lone fisherman casting his net, a toddler fascinated by the butterfly that landed on his hand, a double rainbow in the rain, a humming bird with its long beak down the “throat” of a hibiscus flower, the reflection of the mountain in the lake beneath, or????
Think a Pig can be a “ham”? ( yes–it’s a bad pun but you’ll see what I mean). On a recent visit to some one’s small farm in the hills of Jamaica, as I walked through the spirals of vines from the yams planted beneath, I approached a walled-off area. Before I could ask what lay behind the walls, there was a squeal and a grunt and two pigs shot their heads up over the top (standing on their back legs). Watch the video– they seemed to be posing for me.
See what I mean? you never know when you’ll capture a moment like this!
Yes– when walking around a town, a camera strung around your neck is a dead give-away that you’re a tourist. Sometimes it’s better to use a smaller digital camera that can easily slip into your tote bag but it’s a trade-off in getting a better-focused shot.
Whatever you use, have fun. Be aware of your surroundings and make sure your valuables are close to your body in front of you– you’ll be distracted while taking your pictures.
Carry extra media cards and batteries. You may miss a good shot if your card is full and you don’t have a spare or your battery needs charging. Carry at least one 2gb and a 1gb — depending on the length of your trip. Don’t forget the adaptors to compensate for foreign voltage and electrical plug outlets.
Now you’re on the street — be aware altho’ you’re enjoying the sights!
DON”T go down streets (especially side streets) where the street looks empty (no people, no traffic).
When taking photos — wrap the camera strap around your neck or arm so it can’t be snatched! Also, while focusing on those great shots, make sure your waist pac is secure in front (see why the ‘unslashable’ strap is handy?).
Don’t use your cell phone on the street unless you really have to. They can be snatched out of your hands so quickly!
If you must use an ATM, don’t use the ones on the street — go into a bank, Western Union, a hotel. Look around you before you use one to make sure you’re alone.
Be careful when opening your wallet on the street to pay for purchases. Always keep some cash in the concealed pocket in your jeans — easier to access, less chance of a pickpocket reaching in.
NEVER give money to any beggars — particularly, old ladies and children. You’d be surprised how fast you can be surrounded by a group of kids and some of those “old ladies” are not so old after all (I speak from experience).
Think you’re being watched or followed? join a group walking before or next to you and pretend you belong with them. Change direction when you feel safe again.
Or– go into the nearest hotel or store and browse until you think it’s safe again.
Feeling really scared?–go into the nearest hotel or store and ask them to call you a reliable taxi. Better yet, call your hotel and ask if they can have you picked up.
When out drinking there are a few really important precautions:
– NEVER drink too much — be always alert
– Don’t leave your drink unattended; you never know when it may be spiked
– Never reveal where you are staying if you get into conversation with the other patrons
– Try to leave the bar before the other folks you have met; pretend you’re going to the restroom and keep going
– If it’s late, take a taxi or call the hotel for a pickup
Now you’re ready! Book your trip! Pack your bags and LET’s GO!!! The world awaits you!!!
You’ve arrived and you’re raring to go explore! Lucky you — the hotel is what you expected, your room is fine (they even welcomed you with a bowl of fruit)– or not!
Hey — if it’s clean and the hotel is in a safe neighborhood, not to worry… you’re not going to spend much time there anyway. You’re here to explore every inch of the city!
But… let’s take a few precautions before you start out:
Check out the safe in your room and make sure it’s secure. Think of a code which you can easily remember but would be unknown to hotel staff or others. Leave your passport and valuables in the safe and make sure it is properly locked — no need to run the risk of losing these on the streets. Remember you have a copy of your passport with you in case you need some ID.
Dress discreetly — as Steenie says ” if no one is wearing shorts and flipflops, Don’t.” Try not to look like the obvious tourist. Yes — I know the camera is a dead giveaway but keep it in a tote that has easy access for that quick photo.
Some travel clothes have hidden pockets that are great places to keep some ready cash so you won’t need to reach into your wallet all the time. You may even want to wear one of those inside waist or round-the-neck pouches. Don’t carry all your cash with you, leave some in the safe.
A waist pack (Fanny pack) is ideal and so convenient for stuffing your keys, cash, credit cards etc. Get one with “unslashable” straps and always keep it in front. This is so much better than carrying a purse.
A tote bag will be fine to carry around your camera equipment and other “stuff”. Get one with shoulder straps long enough to keep the bag close to your body.
Have a chat with the Concierge to discuss your potential itinerary or get suggestions as to where to go. Take his/her card so you have a ready phone number if necessary. Chat with the bellman to get more ideas and his input as to what forms of transportaion are safe (especially which Taxi company to trust). Ask if the hotel has a shuttle bus or service that could pick you up at certain locations at a certain time. When I was in Cochin, the hotel was quite a ways from the “downtown” area (like the area where that spice shop was located). So, they had the shuttle take me there and arranged for a time and place for the driver to pick me up. It worked!
Get maps and circle the location of the hotel boldly so you have a clear reference point and it will come in handy if you need to get directions for your return.
Speaking of getting directions:
Don’t open your map on the street. Go into the nearest store or bar or??? and then discreetly check your route. NEVER ask for directions on the street– a dead giveaway that you are a stranger and you’re lost. Ask a Policeman (hopefully he speaks your language but gesticulation works), or go into a nearby hotel and talk with the receptionist. Don’t show that you’re flustered–be calm.
Ok — you’ve stepped out, excitement mounts! Let’s go, there’s a lot of ground to cover.
Don’t let these tips fluster you. Just be aware of your surroundings and have FUN.
Afraid of traveling alone? Worried you won’t be safe? No problem. Follow these tips to safe travel while you still have fun.
Let’s start with precautions to take before you leave home. Ten tips to see you safely on your way:
Leave the valuables at home.
Don’t carry too many expensive jewelry pieces. Limit your jewelry to one or two pieces – earrings, necklaces and perhaps one ring (or just your wedding band/engagement ring). Better yet, take your most fashionable costume pieces which can complement any outfit. This way you won’t spend time worrying that you may be mugged for your jewelry or fear of losing your favorite necklace.
Limit the number of credit cards you take.
If you intend to use a debit card, notify your bank before you go in case of loss or fraudulent charges. Do the same for the credit card company of the card you intend to take with you.
Don’t bring a lot of cash.
That will lighten your wallet especially when paying for purchases in a store or on the street; they won’t see a bulk of dollar bills when you open your wallet.
Pack a “Fanny pack” to use for everyday outings.
Preferably buy one with reinforced straps and lots of pockets (but not too bulky).
Buy one or two items of clothing that have “concealed” pockets (vests, slacks, skirts).
Leave a copy of your itinerary with a family member or friend.
Include your airline, cruise line, hotel, host or friend’s address and phone number. This way they’ll be able to reach you easily if there’s an emergency and your host or hotel can reach them too if necessary.
Leave a copy of your passport with a friend or family member.
Should any problems occur and they need to contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate in the country where you are, they’ll be able to prove your nationality and status. Take another copy with you so you don’t have to take your passport everywhere you go.
Plan your route to your hotel or the home of your Host (if you’re not being met) so you will have enough cash for a taxi or the shuttle bus.
Check with the hotel or your host before you leave home so you will have an idea of what you’ll need to pay.
Travel insurance may be a good idea.
Check with the credit card company with whom you paid for your trip – you may get a better rate. Check whether or not the coverage includes delays (free hotel if necessary), lost baggage (can you buy clothes for refund later), medical expenses (in case of sudden illness or trip to hospital). Some companies will pay for a family member to come to get you home. Shop around for deals.
10. Always remember to pack your valuables in your “carry-on” luggage.
With the new airline restrictions, make sure your carry-on fits the criteria so your bag does not get taken away on the Jetway to be put with the other luggage.
