Traveling is certainly fun, but just as there can be dangers at home, there can also be dangers abroad. When traveling, you must be informed about the possible dangers present and how to protect yourself. There is always the possibility that something goes wrong, so listen to the proverb "forewarned is forearmed". Safety is important whether you are traveling alone or traveling with friends or family. Keep the following tips in mind to make your next trip abroad as safe and hassle-free.
Steps
Step 1. Before leaving, find out which country you want to visit
Search the internet for all the information you need and take note of what the problems could be: there are serious sources that offer news, information and warnings, such as the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A shrewd traveler also knows the numbers to call in an emergency, and at least a few words of the local language (for example, the word for 'help'). Find out which places to avoid, such as slums or red light districts. There are official sites that offer this and other information.
- Study local customs and habits. There are gestures that are normal and harmless to you, but that may be frowned upon, if not even considered offensive, in other countries. For example, the thumbs up, which means OK in almost all Western countries, has an offensive meaning in Greece. Also ask your travel agent if he has any useful advice regarding gestures that may have a different meaning than you know.
- Observe the way the locals dress. If they dress discreetly, you should too. You certainly don't want to attract attention, especially in places that play an important religious role.
Step 2. Make three photocopies of everything before you leave
Photocopy your passport, travel itinerary and tickets, credit cards, driver's license and any other important documents. If you lose something (or if it is stolen from you) it will be easier to solve the problem. However, keep the copies separate from the originals in a safe place. You could also scan the documents and attach them in a draft email, or use a file sharing service, so you can print them when needed.
Step 3. Make sure you have the address and telephone number of your embassy or consulate
Some countries offer the option to register online at the consulate before you leave. This way, should a natural disaster or conflict occur the consulate will know which citizens are in that country and can help them faster.
Contact your embassy (or consulate) as soon as you arrive in the foreign country. Communicate your name and location, especially if it is a politically unstable country. If possible, go to the embassy or at least check the map where it is, so you know how to get there if necessary
Step 4. Avoid looking like a tourist
In general, avoid wearing:
- Too much jewelry or expensive looking jewelry.
- Nice sneakers (especially white). Sure, they are comfortable when you have to walk a long way, but they will indicate to people that you are a tourist (and therefore a potential prey for thieves). If you wear sneakers, choose them that are not too flashy.
- The pouch. A pickpocket can easily open it and empty it without you noticing, or they can cut the strap and pick it up.
- Bags that have the logo or name of the tour operator you travel with.
- New clothing.
- Electronic devices. If you want to carry them, put them in the oldest, most run-down backpack you have.
Step 5. Verify that the tap water is drinkable
Remember that water abroad may be treated with chemicals other than those in your country, so it could give you problems even if it is drinkable (children and the elderly must be especially careful). Also, when you buy water bottles on the street, check that the cap is intact - that is, still attached to the plastic ring underneath.
Step 6. Be careful when you have sexual encounters
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are prevalent in every city around the world, including yours. The spread of AIDS and syphilis is greater in some cities, especially among prostitutes. Remember, the only safe protection is to avoid sexual intercourse, but if you have any, make sure you take appropriate precautions. Women must also always be on guard against any rape.
Step 7. Do not disclose your personal information
Only you need to know where you are staying, where you need to go and when. Even if a person seems trustworthy to you, they don't need to know this information. If someone asks you where you are staying, don't tell the truth. When you arrive at a hotel, never say your room number out loud. Reception staff should be discreet about this. If you think other people have heard what room you are in, you can ask to change it.
Step 8. Make the room safe
Ask for a room that is not on the ground floor or near the elevator or fire escape, as these are the ones that get burgled most often. Bring a plastic doorstop with you and put it under the door every night. If someone has the key or forces the lock, the doorstop will give you time to get attention and ask for help. If you don't have a doorstop, place a chair against the handle. Hang the "do not disturb" sign on the door when you leave the room so others will think you are there. Leave the TV on at a not too low volume to make it clear that the room is empty. Keep valuables in the safe or in an inconspicuous container.
Step 9. Try to be polite and unassuming
If you are quiet and respectful you attract less attention. Depending on local customs, however, it is not always good to take too much confidence: it could be seen as an invitation to do things that are not your intention (this is especially true for women). Avoid behaviors (such as drinking alcohol, taking drugs) that make you loud or aggressive. Not only would you attract attention, but you would risk being more vulnerable because you are not in full possession of your faculties.
Step 10. Be careful how you transport your documents
Do not put credit cards, cash, identity documents and passport in the same place.
- Keep cash and credit cards separate from identity documents. You will prevent everything from being stolen.
- Always keep some cash in a shoe or secret pocket, in case you need it to pay for a taxi or buy something to eat. Don't carry too much cash and don't show it when you pay.
- If you have a purse, keep it in the front pocket of your pants and not the back, and keep your wallet close to your body. If you want to be a lot quieter, prepare a wallet for pickpockets: a cheap wallet in which you'll put some loose change, expired credit cards and fake IDs.
Step 11. Use this fake wallet in case of a robbery
Throw it at the robber, but so that it falls away from him. The robber will go to pick it up and you will have time to escape. The robbers are most interested in money and won't waste time checking credit cards or documents.
Step 12. Walk against traffic
In this way, no one will be able to come by surprise behind you in a car or on a moped to snatch your bag or backpack, which should still be kept on the side of the body opposite to the traffic of cars. Walking like this you will also avoid accidents, because I could see the cars in front.
Step 13. Be careful when using public transport
Do not get into taxis that do not show a license. Better to rent a car or take the bus or train. Try to sit in the front of the bus, next to the driver. If you are traveling at night, do not go to the top floor of a double-decker bus. If you take the train, look for a seat in a car halfway down the train where there are other people, so that you don't have to walk alone along the platform, which may be deserted and poorly lit when you arrive. If necessary, sit near the emergency knob or button.
Step 14. Don't get in the car with a stranger
If you take a taxi, have your license shown. If you find yourself in an unlicensed taxi, try to get off as soon as you can (in extreme cases you may need to get out of the window).
Step 15. If you are taking a taxi, do not sit in the passenger seat (especially for women)
Make sure the doors can be opened from the inside. Keep your cash ready for when you get to your destination, so you don't have to stay in the taxi longer than necessary.
Step 16. If you are driving, you must be aware of the rules of the road
In some countries you drive on the left side of the road, in others on the right. In the United States you drive on the right side, while in Japan, Australia and New Zealand you drive on the left. It's not easy to drive in the lane you're not used to, so be very careful, especially when making a turn - make sure you're in the right lane. Do not reverse unless absolutely necessary. For example, you can reverse to exit a parking lot, but not if you skipped an intersection where you had to turn. Reversing in the lane you are not used to is even more difficult than driving in the wrong lane of the carriageway.
Advice
- Not everyone is selfless in dangerous situations. Some people only think about themselves, so don't trust them easily.
- You must be very careful if you are in a country with high political tensions, which could suddenly lead to fighting or dangerous situations (including terrorist attacks, bombs, kidnappings). If you find yourself in an unstable situation, do not leave your accommodation. There may be street shooting, so it's best to stay inside until things get quiet enough.
- Don't accept favors from strangers, especially when you need to change money. Do not do it through illegal operators or agents.
- If you are traveling alone try to make friends with other travelers. In a group it is safer.
- Be especially careful at night, as this is the most dangerous time of day in any country. Do not go to unfamiliar places and stay in well-lit areas (the recommendation is especially true for women: unfortunately, at night the percentage of rapes, kidnappings or even murders increases). At night, gang activity and drug dealing also increase. Avoid staying on the premises until late at night.
- If you are traveling or working in a country that is known for kidnappings of foreign nationals and you are concerned that it will happen to you too, avoid always leaving your hotel or place where you are staying at the same time, and do not always take the same route (to go to the office or workplace, for example).
- Learn phrases in the local language, at least to ask if anyone speaks your language. You won't have a perfect accent, but the locals will appreciate your effort.
- Stock up on food and water to keep in your room in case there is a likelihood of kidnappings, riots, or something else serious that could force you to stay in the hotel. It's not wasted money, it could save your life. If nothing happens and you don't use the supplies, you can leave them at the hotel as a thank you for the hospitality.
- Do not give your passport to the hotel reception. Some countries require it by law (in Italy it is normal and safe). If you don't feel like leaving your ID, get a certified copy, or make a good quality photocopy of the main page and ask the hotel to keep that instead of the original.
