Advice to travellers

Common Risks For Foreign Travel

When traveling abroad, it is important to be aware of the risks such travel poses. One important way to stay safe abroad is not to dress flashily or in a way that will draw attention. Dress conservatively while abroad, do not wear expensive looking jewelry, and generally avoid looking affluent, because it will mark you as a tourist. Also try to travel lightly, not taking too many clothes and taking clothing articles that can be mixed and matched. Traveling lightly minimizes the risk of setting down heavy luggage and leaving it unattended, which is an invitation for it to be stolen.

Carry as few valuables with you as you can, and make sure they are hidden on your body if you are carrying them. A coat with inner pockets, a sturdy bag worn with the strap across the chest, or a money belt is a good solution for this. Valuable things like passports, credit cards, and cash should be locked in a hotel safe when they are not brought along with you (remember that in some countries carrying identification with you is required).

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It is also a good idea to take care of your home security before leaving so you do not have to worry about your house or apartment being burgled while you are gone. Have a neighbor check on you house or apartment and time lights so they come on at night. Make sure to give the person looking after your house or apartment emergency information and remember to put mail or publications on hold. Leave an itinerary with a close friend or family member in case there is an emergency and they need to contact you.

When traveling to your destination, security is also important. Put your name, address, and telephone number on the outside of luggage but use a covered luggage tag to avoid people seeing this information. If possible, lock your luggage and do not tell strangers where you are coming from, where you are going, and for how long. If the wrong person finds this information out, it will be easy for them to rob your home.

When you arrive at your destination and are out and about, it is important to fit in with the native people of the area. Plan where you are going before leaving the hotel and ask a hotel employee or concierge how to get there. Avoid asking for directions because it will expose you as a foreigner to be taken advantage of. Try to keep guidebooks and maps out of sight. Research before going out the areas in your destination to avoid and do not travel to those areas. Try to avoid or be very careful when going to places like crowded train stations, crowded subways, tourist sites, elevators, market places, and the like.If traveling with multiple people, divide up cash and credit cards among yourselves so that if one person's money or credit card is stolen, it is not all of it and there is still others to use.

Bring extra passport photos and a copy of your passport just in case you lose your passport. This will make replacing it much easier. Make sure to know where the embassy is in the country you travel to, how to get there, and the emergency numbers for the area. Be aware of the people around you; women and even children may be pickpockets. If you are confronted, do not resist. Give up your belongings.

In general, foreign travel can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it is important to take the right safety precautions, such as making sure your home is taken care of and ensuring your security abroad.

General advice to travellers