How to Travel Safely In a Foreign Land

Hey! Excited with the idea of going to vacation in a foreign land? Well then here are a few things you will need to take care of while you are there.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Get to know the country you are visiting:
   
   It is so easy to learn about where you are going. Use the internet to obtain as much information as you can.
   
   o Local customs
   o Local dress code (especially if you are a woman)
   o Address and phone number of your embassy

2. Three copies of all documents
   
   This will help you safe guard yourself against loss of documents. Place them separately and securely. You can even send yourself an attachment on the email. It will be your safety vault online.
   
   Get in touch with your embassy once you are there
   
   This will let them know that you have come. In case of an emergency they will be able to help you.

3. Don't advertise that you are a tourist
   
   Look conspicuous. Avoid wearing very new looking apparels and also do not carry brand new luggage. Don't wear jewelry and avoid carrying totes with your travel agents insignia. In case you want to carry electronic stuff with you, be careful and carry it with you in an old looking backpack.

4. Avoid tap water
   
   It is better to drink bottled water when abroad. Do check the seal before you buy water though

5. Avoid sexual encounters
   
   It is better to avoid sexual encounters as you may be exposed to STDs like AIDS or syphilis. If you do want to indulge be sure to use protection.

6. Don't speak about yourself
   
   No one needs to know where you are staying and your other personal details. Don't divulge such information to strangers.

7. Secure your room
   
   Use a rubber wedge to block the door to your room. If not then stand a chair against the door knob so that it cannot be opened easily.

8. Be polite
   
   As far as possible don't attract attention to yourself by your behavior. You never know who might target you as a potential victim.

9. Carry stashed cash
   
   Carry extra cash stashed in your shoes or other such places to avoid emergencies. Keep your credit cards separate from your id cards.

10. Face the traffic when you walk
    
    This will help you be safe from bag snatchers.

11. Be extra careful on public transportation
    
    Avoid empty buses and trains. Travel where there are people around. In buses take a seat near the driver and when in trains take the middle compartments which are not empty.

12. Don't hitchhike
    
    Avoid getting into the car with strangers. It is potentially dangerous. You shouldn't trust any one.