There’s something very exciting about being in the unfamiliar territory of another country. There can also be something very wary about it. Unlike your own hometown where you know the safe places to be at and the safest hours, when in a different country, you can easily put yourself in a compromising position for your safety and others who might be traveling with you.
However, there are plenty of things you can do to remain safe, and it’s just a matter of doing them. Have a look.
Travel Advisory:
Everyone can safely assume there’s no country on Earth that is completely safe, but travel advisories will help you to know what’s happening. For example, some countries in Europe are prone to terrorist attacks, while some countries in Latin America have a high crime rate, but are lower in terrorism.
To fight local crime, Columbia, for instance, issued citizen security programs that prioritize safety and encourage reforms of the judicial system. These measures have proven successful, and Columbia is relatively safe now than what it used to be, where violence has fallen by 15% since the 1990s. More statistics show an 18% drop in homicide and an 11% decline in an assault. This is great news for those wishing to travel to Colombia. It doesn’t get you completely off the hook since through a travel advisory, you ‘ll know the best times to visit a country or which area to stay clear of.
Travel Only with Necessities:
When it comes to packing, there’s no need to bring along certain documents or valuables. For instance, keep jewelry to a minimal. You may want to bring a rechargeable heated blanket though. There’s also probably no need for your social security number, and if you’re not planning to drive abroad, there would be no need for your driving license either. You need to consider identity theft, so the less informative documents you have about you, the safer you’ll be from someone snatching your identity.
Keep Records of Important Documents:
It can get very messy if you lose an important document, like your passport. It’s better if you have photocopies of all your important papers. You need to have the information on any document so that if it’s lost or stolen, it’s quicker to replace.
Move-in Groups:
If you’re already with friends, stick with them. If you’re a solo traveler, try to mingle in with other tourists perhaps. At the very least, if you’re alone, don’t give out info about where you’re staying or where you’re going to people you don’t know.
Keep a Low Profile:
Drawing attention to yourself makes you more vulnerable. Don’t take out a big roll of bills in public, and always ask for directions from public places, like stores rather than individuals on a street.
On vacation, half the fun is talking to new people. It’s not about not getting to know people, it’s about not sharing more information than needed. Taking precautions won’t exactly be the most fun part of your trip. But it’s important so that you can come back safe and tell your friends what were the most exciting parts of your vacation.
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