| Avoid Isolating Yourself from Others
The same rules on personal safety we go by here at home, you need to follow abroad. It is always better to have people around you. If you are traveling alone, and you want to take a trek, buddy-up with another traveler or take a hired guide. Keep away from dark streets, alleys and the truly bad parts of town.
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 Tell Them Where You're Going
It’s a good idea to keep family and friends back home posted on where you're going to be. Once you arrive at your destination, email them your basic itinerary. It should have names, addresses and phone numbers of where you're at or going to stay and for how long. You should also leave a copy of your passport behind, as well as a list of credit cards and their account numbers in case they are stolen. Should you find yourself in an area of civil unrest (riot/civil war) or natural disaster, let them know as soon as you can that you are safe. If you plan to enter a hostile area, or are about to embark on a lengthy trek, you may want to contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to register your whereabouts.
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Ask For Help
Your personal strength, attentiveness and sound judgment should keep you safe throughout your travels. If someone is violating your space, use your voice. Don't freak-out. Just attract some attention to the situation and the person bothering you will most likely disappear. If you loose something or need assistance, just ask someone for help. Most people are only too happy to help a foreign visitor in need. And if you ever find yourself stranded, places of worship are great sanctuaries.
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Don't Be A Hero
As I said in Section II, violence against tourists is considered rare. That does not mean, however, that challenges to your personal well being, or your partner’s, won’t arise while you are traveling. The main thing to remember in any predicament is to keep a level head and maintain self-confidence. Obviously, if somebody is robbing you at knife or gunpoint (which may I add is highly unlikely), you have little choice but to give the thief what he wants. Remember, he really isn’t getting that much; you can get your travelers checks replaced, and your life is worth more than whatever you have in your possession. But what if the offense is more aggravating than threatening?
[More on this topic in the Full Version of Quit Dreaming & Go!]
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Knowing When to Keep Your Guard Up and When to Relax
As in any country, incidents of crime and rude behavior are more common in larger communities, since cities are where a lot of professional crooks hang out. To balance appropriate defensiveness with the kind of openness required to enjoy your new surroundings may I suggest that while in cities, you keep your guard up and radar on. In more rural areas, it’s okay to let your defenses down a bit and be more trusting. I have found that the best protection against “bad people” is to be aware of what’s going on around me, while maintaining a positive attitude.
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Look Every Way Before Crossing
Crossing the street in virtually any foreign country can be a life risking event. The standard rules of pedestrian/traffic engagement are:
- Look every way before crossing. This includes cars and various other vehicles veering out of traffic lanes, driving on shoulders, sidewalks and on the wrong side of the street.
- Keep a steady, predictable pace while crossing.
- Maintain eye contact with the driver nearest you.
- Don’t loose your nerve.
- Try to cross with a large group for extra visibility, but don’t blindly follow anyone.
- And don't forget to unplug your ear-buds from your iPod.
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Thanks, But No Thanks
Never, ever, accept an open beverage from a stranger. You could end up drugged, robbed, stranded in some unknown place, and possibly having (per urban legend) your organs harvested without permission. Caution should also be exercised when offered a ride or going out with someone (okay, a man) that you've just met. In other words, use your best judgment and you'll most likely be fine.
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Blend In
You will find that dressing like the locals do is not only fun, but it also helps you blend in with the community.
[More on this topic in the Full Version of Quit Dreaming & Go!]
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Watch Out For Animals
No, I don't mean drunken tourists. Be aware of the animals that are around you.
[More on this topic in the Full Version of Quit Dreaming & Go!]
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