Journey for life – safety tips for travelers

Setting out on your own to explore the world may bring butterflies to your stomach but the pros far outweigh the cons. Travel for most, is usually addictive and an exceedingly fulfilling experience. You are, however, bound to deal with unsavory instances on your journeys. Nonetheless, with a little caution and commonsense it is possible to thwart the negatives to a large degree. Here is how-

• The three essentials for any traveler are passport, credit/ debit cards and money ( in that order). The rest are more or less dispensable. Consider getting an inner pocket stitched on to your pants so that your passport and cards are always safe.

• Do not carry excessive amounts of money. Spread your money around. Like they say, don’t put all your eggs in one basket, similarly do not stash all your money in the same place. Divide your money in parts… carry some in your backpack rolled up in an underwear, some in a money belt, some in your wallet. Have some smaller denomination cash handy for everyday expenditure on cabs, food, souvenir shopping etc. That way if any one item is stolen, you are still left with the rest of your money.

• Set a credit limit on your cards. Have your bank number within reach, in case of theft or loss of credit/debit cards.

• Familiarize yourself with the customs and etiquette of the country you are visiting. Avoid the ire of locals. For instance while patting children on the head is a gesture of affection in most countries, it is a no-no in many Buddhist predominant countries as the soul is believed to reside in the highest point of the body, i.e. the head.

• Try and travel with paraphernalia that you can readily discard, if necessary. You then have the double satisfaction of not only not losing anything valuable but also in case of theft, of the thief being left with castoffs. Stash away expensive equipment such as cameras and smart phones. If you really must carry expensive gear invest in a sturdy padlock or pacsafe.

• In countries that require modest clothing, ensure you are dressed appropriately if only to not draw unwanted attention. To cite an example, in many Indian cities, it may be completely safe in to wear that little black dress for a high end party but not out on the streets.

• Go with gut instinct. If you can sense danger, there is probably something irregular going on out there. Remove yourself to safety as soon as possible.

• Keep with you your embassy number at all times. Set it on speed dial on your phone. The telephone number for the police, medical assistance etc. are different in different countries. Put them on your phone too.

• Do not resist attack. At the same time be aware of the word ‘help’ in the local language. If not in physical danger, make a scene, create a ruckus at times when threatened. That said, do use common sense. Be aware of your surroundings. Most people are approachable and will help but at the same time avoid calling attention to yourself unless you need help such as in the above situation.

• For flight over fight, wear sensible shoes at all times in surroundings you are not familiar with. It makes it easier to take to your heels when in danger.

• Be aware of local scams. Many gullible tourists often fall prey to touts in almost all parts of the world. Avoid being taken in, by familiarizing yourself with scams well ahead of time. Deal firmly with confident tricksters and do not be either fazed by smooth talk or feel tempted to give in. If it is too good to be true, it probably is too good to be true.

• You don’t have to wear rags but dressing down will make you less of a target for thieves and touts. Confidence is key. Read up beforehand. Be a traveler not a tourist. Try to blend in with the local population as much as you can to avoid advertising yourself as a helpless tourist.

• Visit your doctor and get all necessary vaccinations before you set out. Be up to date with your travel and medical insurance to defray unexpected emergencies. Carry all necessary medicines such as malaria tablets, water purification tablets, medicines for high altitude sickness etc. to avoid falling severely ill.

• While waiting at public places, it is best to find a locker and dump your stuff in it. Alternately pay attention to your surroundings and keep a careful eye on your bags.