People travel for many reasons: for work, for fun, for education. Traveling is also one of the best ways to learn about cultures and history. But there certainly are places in the world which some tend to avoid and call simply dangerous. However, even though deemed “unsafe” to travel to, there are countries and regions that don’t necessarily have to be completely crossed off your list. Being aware of what you’re getting yourself into is the key.
For example, doing your research will help you prepare for what might be waiting ahead and give you some perspective. Planning your route is also a great idea, as it not only provides you an estimate of what’s ahead but also leaves a trail of information about your trip when you go for it. Getting travel insurance, backing up your travel documents, carrying a travel medical kit is another great idea that adds personal safety.
Read on to find more about what you can implement to keep yourself as safe as possible while traveling in or through a dangerous country.
Research
You wouldn’t jump right into a car you have never driven before, so why would you jump straight into traveling to a far-off country? Research is essential, so if possible, visit some local websites instead of just reading about your destination from the perspective of only the most popular news agencies.
Find information about the chosen destination’s culture, traditions, customs, religion, transportation system, and even the local foods. Knowing what’s ahead will help you prepare for it. You should even consider getting familiar with the local scams – being sensible and respectful never hurts.
While you’re researching, you might want to check some travel insurance offers as well. They can be purchased online and can be availed at most travel agencies. If possible, try to buy insurance that covers medical expenses and personal liability. If you already have life insurance, make sure to double-check what’s included in the coverage.
You can browse this life insurance guide, but it also pays off to read through the fine print before purchasing any type of insurance policy, as some may not cover certain things, such as pre-existing medical conditions.
Getting Around
Keep in mind that your itinerary should be flexible. You might need to cut your trip shorter or even cancel it if the situation calls for it. Don’t forget to keep an eye on local news and weather reports. Sometimes, natural disasters could occur even in the most unexpected time and place. Your travel plans should also be flexible to avoid misunderstandings with locals.
If you decide to take a car for your travels, keep in mind that the local laws are different from what you’re used to, so do your homework before going on a drive. Depending on the destination, you may want to avoid driving in remote areas, especially at night – the road conditions could be bad, and the police could stop you for seemingly no reason.
Staying Safe When Out and About
You shouldn’t give out personal information like your address, phone number, last name, etc., without thinking about the consequences of your actions. For example, giving out your phone number might make it easier for someone to track you down later. It’s also smart to never leave your drink unattended or accept drinks from strangers. And, of course, don’t accept rides from people you just met.
Never buy counterfeit products as they could be dangerous and illegal. And if you do purchase something from a street vendor, make sure it comes from a legitimate business and not from some shady shop. Also, remember to keep your stuff close to yourself, minimize the number of valuable items and devices you are taking with you, and make sure they’re kept secure in an anti-theft backpack. Of course, this is not limited to big cities only – anywhere in the world, someone could try to rob you without you even noticing it.
Safety Kit
There are some things that you should prepare before starting your journey. They’re going to act as your safety pack that will include items necessary for every international traveler. Here’s what it should have:
A mobile phone that allows you to communicate with people near and far. It can be convenient in case of an emergency or if you need to contact someone quickly. A phone with dual SIM card slots (so you can use two different mobile phones simultaneously) is also an option. You can subscribe to a pre-paid mobile network service provider for short visits and significantly reduce the cost of making calls and sending text messages abroad.
A travel medical kit can save your life or at the very least help you deal with common health issues while traveling abroad. An excellent first aid kit should have bandages, gauze pads, antiseptics/antibiotics, antihistamines, pain killers, tweezers, scissors, etc. You can purchase a travel first aid kit from many pharmacies and convenience stores before leaving for your destination.
You should also have backup copies of your travel documents such as passports, visas, insurance, and tickets stored in different places such as home, office, or a hotel safe deposit box, etc. You can also scan and send them to yourself via email or upload them on cloud storage sites. This way, they will be readily available if something goes wrong.
Final Note
Traveling to dangerous places does not necessarily have to be completely unsafe. With the proper planning and precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling into trouble abroad. As they say in Latin, “Si vis pacem, para bellum” – if you want peace, prepare for war. And while this might sound a bit overstated, there is no such thing as being overprepared for traveling to a dangerous place.
So, if you want to travel safely, prepare yourself by arming yourself with knowledge about what you’re getting yourself into.
The post What You Need to Know About Traveling to Dangerous Places appeared first on Travel Experta - Travel, Lifestyle, Freedom.
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By: Marina Villatoro
Title: What You Need to Know About Traveling to Dangerous Places
Sourced From: feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheTravelExperta/~3/bsvvGFNM27Q/
Published Date: Tue, 02 Nov 2021 18:24:16 +0000
