Traveling to a foreign country can be a once in a lifetime experience. In order to ensure a safe trip, it’s wise to follow certain guidelines. Before you leave, plan your trip and itinerary carefully. Issues of safety can be addressed even before you start packing. To avoid being targeted as a foreigner the minute you step off the airplane or cruise ship, keep these tips in mind:
· Use common sense when choosing your travel wardrobe. Flashy clothes make a visible target. Leave the expensive jewelry at home. Casual slacks and dresses are the best choice for most travelers.
·. In addition, being burdened with excessive luggage can slow you down and make transportation difficult. A tired traveler is an easy target.
· Don’t put your passports, money or traveler’s checks in one place such as a handbag or wallet. When sightseeing, place items in different places on your person. Passport pouches that hang from your neck and tucked inside your clothes will help, as will money belts, but hide extra money in your shoes or front pockets.
· If you need medications while you travel, keep them in their prescription bottles for customs checks. If your meds aren’t common or contain narcotics, it’s wise to have a letter from your physician explaining your need for that particular medication. To be safe, consult the nearest Embassy or Consulate of the country you’re traveling to about the legality of your medication.
· Don’t carry in large amounts of cash. Each country will have it’s own limitations of the amount of foreign currency is allowed, so check first. Most especially, don’t flash large amounts of cash when purchasing souvenirs or gifts or meals. If you must exchange money for foreign currency, make sure you do so at authorized agencies or you may find yourself dealing with the local black market!
· Always take along extra copies of your passport photo and a photocopy of your passport information page, just in case yours is lost or stolen. Also, copies of airline tickets, driver’s license and itinerary and credit cards should be with your papers. Leave one copy of each with a chosen family member.
· Always label your luggage with your name, address and phone number. A number of covered luggage tags are available so the information won’t be visible to the casual observer.
Security is always an issue when traveling abroad. Check with the U.S. State Department or the nearest Consulate office of the country you plan to visit before your departure. Consular Information Sheets are readily accessible for every country in the world and are important sources of information regarding health conditions, crime, entry requirements, currency regulations and the political situation of the country you’re traveling to.
When booking hotel rooms, try to acquire rooms on the second floor and up, but keep in mind that you remain low enough for fire truck ladders to reach you. Never leave valuables in your room, and opt for the hotel safe instead. Always keep your room locked and know where the nearest fire exit is located.
Before traveling abroad, it’s also wise to be familiar with the local laws and customs of the country you’re visiting. A few hours of reading before you leave can save you much uncertainty and/or embarrassment while you’re vacationing. It’s wise to respect the customs of the country you’re visiting, whether you agree with them or not. Don’t offend the natives and remember that you’re representing your country. Manners and courtesy go a long way to smoothing the path to peaceful relations between countries. Remember, while in a foreign country, you are subject to their laws and being a United States citizen will not allow you the same protection that you are guaranteed at home.
Leave your affairs in order before you travel abroad and make sure that wills and other legal documents are current. Let a trusted family member know where all your important insurance documents and financial records are kept and how to deal with them in the case of accident or death while traveling. Another issue to resolve is health insurance. Domestic carriers may not cover accidents or hospitalization in a foreign country. If you need to, access Global Insurance companies on the Internet. Many reputable companies cover accident, hospitalization, prescription and evacuation costs for a minimal fee.
While you’re in a foreign country, like you do at home, use lighted streets to commute on foot and don’t travel alone if at all possible. Don’t draw unnecessary attention to yourself by over imbibing in alcohol or arguing with someone in public. If possible, try to learn a few necessary phrases in the language of the country you’re visiting to make communication possible in case of emergency, or in case you get lost. Always make sure you know the location of the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country you’re visiting.
If you rent or lease a vehicle while traveling, make sure you have all the necessary documents necessary to rent and drive that vehicle. If possible, request that the rental company temporarily remove the rental sticker from the vehicle. Make sure the vehicle is in good working order before you leave the rental agency and make sure you check the tires to make sure they’re in good condition. Electric door locks provide added security as will air conditioning, preventing you from having to drive with the windows down. Make sure you know and abide the local driving laws.
When traveling by train, bus, or subway, be especially alert. Try not to allow yourself to be blocked from exits and try not to sleep if at all possible.
Libraries, travel agencies, embassies, consulates and travel books are ample and readily available resources for world travelers. Logging on to the official tourism websites of the country or countries you intend to visit are also good sources of information. Make your trip of a lifetime as enjoyable as possible by keeping these pointers in mind as you plan and arrange your itinerary. Plan ahead. Prepare for the unexpected. Most of all, inform yourself to the best of your abilities before you leave. You’ll be glad you did.
