It would be good to have an incident-free and safe trip while you are traveling abroad. However, you may face unexpected difficulties, crime and violence in a foreign country. Many of your problems can be solved through the consular officers. However, some issues might put you in really deep trouble. If you want to avoid any serious difficulties, you must take some precautions. Let us discuss these in detail.
Precautions
Be cautious and use common sense in places where you can be easily victimized. Train stations, crowded subways, elevators, market places, tourist sites, crime-ridden neighborhoods and festivals are some such areas. Never try to use short cuts, poorly lit streets and narrow alleys. It is not sensible at all to travel alone at night.
It is always better to maintain a low profile and avoid loud conversations in public places. You have to be very careful with strangers. It is not advisable to discuss your travel plans with them. Also, avoid people who are trying to sell you stuff that is dead cheap.
In addition, you will find lots of pickpockets while traveling abroad. These pickpockets will normally have associates who generally will ask you for directions, jostle you, point out some fallen items or spilt stuff on your clothes, or try to distract you in any other manner. Beware of these types of incidents. There are also drive-by purse-snatchers that you should be careful of. It is better to wear a shoulder strap bag across your chest.
Hotel Safety
It is better to keep your door always locked. If you have to meet visitors, meet them in the lobby. When you go out do not leave valuable items and cash in the hotel room. If you have a lot of money and valuables, store them in the hotel safe. Inform the front desk executives if you are going out in the night and expect to return late. Be aware of the fire safety instructions of the hotel. Always know the location of the fire exits and the relating distance from your room. In case of a fire and heavy smoke, you can get out comparatively easily if you know the direction and the distance.
Handling Money
It is better to avoid carrying large sums of cash. Better, carry travelers checks and change them only when the need arises. Do not sign the checks in front of others while you are changing them. Change only with the authorized agents and never in the black markets. Also, do not show large amounts of cash when you are paying for any bill.
Ensure that your credit card gets back to you after making your payments. In case your cash or belongings are stolen, report the theft to the local police station immediately. Get a copy of the receipt that will help you claim your travel insurance. If you lose your travelers checks, report to the nearby agent of the issuing company. If you lose your credit cards, report to your card issuing company. Report your lost airline tickets to your travel agent. If you lose your passport, report the loss to your consulate or embassy immediately.
Apart from the above stated tips, you should also be very careful about your health. Keep your medical record with you always while traveling abroad. If you have health problems or any other medical issues, try to locate local hospitals before you start with your journey. That way, you would be able to get there fast if you are in a medical trouble.