TRAVEL 101: 10 Precautionary Suggestions For Your Next Vacation
Posted: Thursday, June 24, 2010
by Maryann Ga
Traveling is bound to be interesting and the liberating emotion it brings is priceless, particularly if the spot that you choose is far away from your comfort zone. However, there are times you fail to remember that there are unexpected difficulties that might arise in the course of your vacation. It is a dismal thing that tourists who get fascinated with the natural beauty of a foreign land catch the attention of people who take advantage of their lack of knowledge in a country.
Here are some of the things that you have to observe because you may be the next target of these perpetuators who prey on every tourist's innocence:
Keep your identity safe in your head- Meeting new people in a new place is interesting and stimulating but immediately trusting them your identity is a different thing. Giving out private information to strangers is a big no-no, especially that identity theft and scam issues are proliferating across the globe. Kidnapping and human trafficking are also two of the worst things that scare a lot of vacationers. Having said that, proper handling of your personal details like your full name, hotel address, and even travel plans armed with sufficient research of the place will keep you safe from spiteful encounters that you would pray not to come upon when traveling.
Maintain A LOW PROFILE: Try to mix in with the crowd and don't show them that you're a first-time tourist in their land. Most criminals can spot fast a ripe target in a huge ocean so be careful. Try to research before you leave your place on the standard of living of the location. It's wise not to carry pricy jewelry that will only hook the lustful eyes of the perpetuators. Take only enough money when going around the town and wear suitable clothes okay by the locals.
Watch for scams on the street- Especially in third world countries where low income levels are high. Always be on the watch. Never flash your money and avoid extended talks with strangers. The more you get involved in a discussion while on the streets, the greater the possibilities are of you being subjected to petty street crime. If long talks can't be shunned, try to find a caf or restaurant where you and your guest can converse.
When travelling with children, make sure all have sufficient identification and ways on how to find you in case you get separated- This happens to a lot of couples traveling with a large number of kids. A quick and simple way to make sure you and your kids are never lost forever is to rent a cellular phone for each during the duration of your travel. This can provide you a continuous contact with each of your children. You can also try to record your child's name and your hotel number on a card that you can give to each of your children. Include in the card a close friend's or relative's contact details.
Comply with THE LAW: Once you decide on your travel location, be sure to research on the place and its laws. It might be a bit tedious at first but it might come in handy. All countries have laws built to control the people and even travellers are bound to these rules once you come to their territory. However, tourists also have their rights to practice. Remember that you have the right to call for your own lawyer, remain in silence, and deny an officer's request if he cannot present the correct identifications.
BE Mindful WHILE RIDING PUBLIC TRANSPORT: Some countries in the world offer rides that can only be seen in their area like the personal rickshaw in China or the Tuktok, a three-wheeled vehicle in Thailand powered by a motor. Whether it's just the local train or bus, these public transport makes your vacation complete, but be aware still when you're on the ride. Secure your valuables at all times. Pick-pocketing is very widespread in local public transport so keep a watchful eye.
KNOW SELF-DEFENSE: It's not considered violence when you're defending yourself from someone who has intentions to hurt you, it's called SELF-DEFENSE. You don't need to be a black-belt Karate master to look after yourself from mischievous individuals who try to take your bag. Just make sure you have the right protection devices, such as stun-gun or pepper spray, and the adequate knowledge on how to use it. In case you don't have those defensive items, I suggest you take a flashlight at night and an umbrella during day time. Apparently, a perpetrator sees these items as a sign that the person is careful of his or her surroundings and would rather opt for another prey to victimize.
KEEP EMERGENCY HOTLINE NUMBERS: Be informed of the emergency numbers in the area. Write down the local police hotline numbers, hospitals, and clinics in your mobile phone or a piece of paper, and carry it when going around the location. If in case you find it hard to seek, hotels and other accommodations provide directories or phone directory assistance to their guests. Take advantage of these services, you'll never know when you'll need them.
Find a trusted friend- Meeting people should be fun. And no, this item does not in any way contradict the first item. In the first item, it is stated that you Do not give out any vital details regarding yourself unless you know the person.' On this note, it's always ok to try and get to know someone you can really trust to show you around the neighborhood- take you to the places where you can buy inexpensive items or immerse with the locals. The fundamental thing is try to get to know him first and make sure you have plenty of information about him before you start giving out information about yourself. Perhaps, a friend of yours or an acquaintance can help you with this. There are always things going on in an area that is kept taboo. Having someone to trust to take you around is always a good thing.
Secure your important items- Take time to have your travel documents and identifications photocopied before flying. Keep these documents safe and sound, just in case an untoward incident occurs, like robbery wherein eve the necessary travel files were taken. Arming yourselves with copies of these treasured records will save you from further complications.
These precautionary actions may be useful to make you watchful, yet, never forget to enjoy your travel spree. Some experiences only happen once and make sure that you make the most out of every wonderful event that comes along your way. No one really knows what will happen next, nonetheless, you can always keep yourself a little safer by becoming extra-careful because vacations are always extra-enjoyable without unneeded disruptions.
This Article has been viewed 301 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
No comments yet.We want your comments! If you can read this, you don't have javascript enabled, so you can't use this comment system. Please enable javascript.