International Travel Tips 101....

akblack10 · Oct 18, 2012

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ontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> <w:UseFELayout/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument></xml><![endif]-->  Semper Traveling’s Top Safety Tips for International Travel;  -       Tell Someone Your Travel Plans. It’s important to share your travel plans with someone.  It’s easy to send a copy of your travel itinerary or a short note outlining your schedule to a friend or family member.  Important Information to Include, -Where you are going, city, neighborhood etc.… -How you are getting there, by car, by bus, by plane on foot, etc.… -How long you plan to stay at that location, -Where you are staying, Hotel, with a friend, etc.… -Contact information like, hotel phone number, hotel Website, etc. … Do Your Homework. Make sure you do a little research on the country or city you are going to visit.  There is plenty of valuable information available on the Internet for every location imaginable.  The US State Department website offers great country information as well as other government’s websites like Australia and the UK for example.  Countries whose citizens’ travel abroad often, to a particular location, are likely to have travel information on that country. The best thing about governmental websites is that the information is usually fairly up to date because they always have someone on the ground.  Sometimes the websites of world travelers can be a bit dated.  The situation on the ground can change quickly and just because it was safe somewhere last month doesn’t mean it’s safe today!  Be the Invisible Man / Woman. Act and dress appropriate to your environment, I call this being the invisible man or woman.  Simply stated, try not to draw a lot of attention to yourself.  Try to look like the average Joe or Jane, don’t wear expensive jewelry or inappropriate clothing.  When I lived in Rio de Janeiro, I often looked like the starving student when I went out on the street to go shopping or sightseeing.  Criminals are opportunistic; ask yourself, are they more likely to risk going to jail trying to rob someone who looks wealthy or poor?  A Brazilian friend who lived in a poor neighborhood told me that he never locked his door in the “Favela” because everyone knows he doesn’t have anything worth stealing.  If you look like a fat cat you make yourself more appealing to the hungry criminal. Treat People Kindly. I hate the expression, “Ugly American,” or “Ugly German” etc. … Every country has great people and every country has their 10% of jack-asses.  I’ve seen people from many different countries poorly represent their homeland and their fellow countrymen!  Don’t be one of the jackasses…Treat all people you meet with respect.  Look people in the eye when you engage them in conversation for directions or ask them the price of something.  Take the extra 2 seconds to say please and thank you in their language.  Courtesy goes a long way toward good international relations on the interpersonal level! The little effort you make to be kind may pay great returns later.  For example, that shop keeper you pass every morning on your way to get coffee may give you information he heard on the local radio station about unrest in a particular neighborhood.  Locals know the scams better than you and if they like you they are going to be much more likely to warn you of what to look out for. I have been in the middle of an out of control mob before and a local who spoke the language got us both to safety.  You never know when that doorman, waiter, shop keeper or hotel maid will see you out in town and assist you is some way.  If you have treated them with respect chances are they will do the same to you in a time of need! Have a Plan.  Hope for a trouble free visit to your overseas destination but plan for the worst!  Most people travel abroad and have a wonderful trouble free experience but there is always a chance you won’t be so lucky.  What are you going to do if your luggage is lost or stolen?  What are you going to do if you need medical attention overseas?   What are you going to do if you are robbed or assaulted?  What are you going to do if you lose your passport or credit cards? Most people never think about the potential problems they could face while traveling abroad.  If you have a plan you will already be more prepared than 95% of international travelers. Food for thought; -Make copies of important documents and keep them on your person.  Things like your travel itinerary, your passport, your credit cards, etc… can be easily photocopied and reduced in size to fit into your cargo pocket or travel wallet. -Make a list of all important phone numbers, hotels, airlines, Embassy, Consulate, expat organizations, rental car agencies, travel agencies, hospitals, ect... -Another idea is to scan those important documents and save them as a draft on your email services website.  That way you can access them in the event of an emergency. -When you get to your hotel or hostel, spend 10 mins and do a walk-through to make an escape plan in case of a fire or other emergency.  Where are the emergency exits?  Can you escape out your window safely?  Can a criminal easily access your room?  Where is the fire extinguisher?  These are just a few of the questions you should ask yourself when making an escape plan.  Be Aware, Be Alert, Use Common Sense The single most important factor to safe international travel is to use your common sense. If something doesn’t feel right it probably isn’t…. Follow your gut instinct!  I know you want to take in the sights and enjoy yourself but be alert, watch your bags, be carful with your wallet, don’t flash large sums of money, etc… These are all common sense recommendations right?  But, I have seen people violate the common sense rule with all of them during my travels abroad!

VanLifeCrisis · Oct 18, 2012

And have Liam Neeson as a close relative <img src="/images/boards/smilies/wink.gif" alt="" align="absmiddle" border="0" /> Bookmarked, good info.

Les H · Oct 18, 2012

Hey Andy, great info and good to see you posting!

akblack10 · Oct 18, 2012

Howdy Les, hope you and Trish are doing great!

International Travel Tips 101....

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International Travel Tips 101....

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