Traveling to unfamiliar destinations can bring to you the sort of troubles you do not want to experience while on the road. Tourists often fall prey to perpetrators because they do not prepare properly before embarking on a trip. Let’s examine some things you should do to prevent your travels from becoming a tragedy:
1. Never list your home address on the luggage tag. If on business, put the company’s address on the tag; if visiting friends you can list their address. Use covered luggage tags as well.
2. Stay with your luggage until the luggage is checked. If you must put your bag down, keep one foot on the handle.
3. Carry important papers with you; never check anything that you simply cannot afford to lose. Photocopy your passport, driver’s license and credit cards.
4. Make sure that your prescription medicines are filled properly and labeled accurately. In some countries certain prescription medicines are forbidden.
5. Never wear anything that projects affluence. No gold chains, expensive watches and rings, luggage, or other paraphernalia should be in easy view. Better yet: leave your jewelry at home.
6. If possible travel with only one or two credit cards.
7. Do not wear name tags in public.
8. Do not use unmarked taxi cabs.
9. Sit behind the driver so you can see him, but he cannot see you.
10. If you must rent a car, rent only from a reputable company. Any operating problems that occur could signal sabotage.
11. If your cell phone does not work outside of the country, consider renting one that does for the duration of your trip.
12. If detained for whatever reason by an official, ask for identification. If in doubt, tell them that you want to see his superior. Keep your emotions in check.
13. If traveling with children, bring along an updated photograph of each child in the event that you become separated from them.
14. Write your child’s name and your hotel number on each card; include a close friend’s or relative’s contact information on the card. Give a card to each child which they will carry with them as long as you are away.
15. Discuss with your family what they would do in event of an emergency while away from home, e.g. whom to call, how to contact emergency personnel, etc.
16. Do not discuss travel plans, your room number or any other personal information in public within earshot of strangers.
17. Bring along a basic first aid kit with bandages, iodine, mosquito repellant, sunscreen, alcohol packets, dramamine, pepto bismol, etc.
18. Familiarize yourself with train and bus schedules before traveling. Have an alternate plan in place in the event your transportation plans change.
19. Do not flash your passport in public. Discreetly show important documents to officials only.
20. Never flash your money in public. Exchange funds with reputable and recognized exchangers only.
The key to safe traveling in any area is situational awareness. Distractions because of luggage, children, hotel personnel, strangers, etc. can put you at risk. Know your surroundings and stay in control of every situation.
Article Source: EzineArticles.com