TRAVEL SAFETYPosted by Jacob Koos on November 28th, 2015
Spend some time familiarizing yourself with the place you’re going. There are many excellent free maps available on the Internet and as apps for your mobile devices. Several offer “street level” views which you can use to find landmarks. Consider using more than one app and comparing their route information and choose the one that seems best for you. Knowing where you’re staying; where you intend to visit; and how best to get there will address many if not most of your travel safety needs. Make your initial forays during the daylight hours. Especially if you are taking advantage of house swapping for your vacation it’s easier to note landmarks and other things that will orient you during the day. As you become more familiar with the area, nighttime navigation is much easier. If you are going out at night also consider taking a taxi. There’s little better for safety than having direct door to door service. Store your valuables ins a secure location. Many hotels have in room safes. If not, ask at the front desk for a hotel safe box and take advantage of any security protocols they have to ensure your safety. If you are staying in a luxury exchange home, ask your host about a secure place to store your valuables. Men, when you travel (or really, any time) be certain to carry your wallet in your front pocket. Pickpockets are much more likely to be successful if it’s in your back pocket or coat pockets. Ladies, always keep a firm hand on your purse, literally. a shoulder bag carried toward the front of you is better than a handbag or clutch. Always keep your bag completely closed. It’s not as convenient but it’s much safer. Also, as we said, keep a firm hand on the strap where it meets the bag. This is perhaps done best by keeping your hand at the base of the front of the shoulder strap where it meets the body of the purse. It is a strong grip point and it makes you much more aware of someone touching the bag, even if you accidentally leave it open. We are much more aware of people invading our personal space from the front. Try to minimize the amount of cash visible in your wallet. Carry extra cash in separate pockets or, for the ladies, in unlikely places such as behind compact mirrors, tucked into makeup bags, etc. Also be circumspect when taking your money out. Count it out close to your body with the wallet opening toward you rather than straight up. It’s contents are much less visible that way.
Stay in public areas. Do not succumb to the temptation to take short cuts. If you’re tired, take a taxi or sit and rest on a bench in a public area. Another strategy is to nip into a cafe or restaurant for a refreshing beverage. You don’t have to keep to tourist areas per se but do keep to mainstream areas frequented by locals. Beware of anyone you meet who seems overly eager to show you the ‘real’ sights’ or some out of the way place. It’s better to ask the advice of your home swap host family or other reputable sources for suggestions about and directions to peculiar places to visit.
Let’s revisit the subject of mobile device apps for a minute. Did you know that there are now free apps you can download which offer translation services? While it’s best to try and learn key phrases like, “Where’s the subway?” or, “Is there a hospital nearby?” you can augment your knowledge of the local language by using these apps. Some translate phrases for you and replay them to locals.
Others translate anything written into your language so that you can better understand road signs, warning signs, posters, and a host of other printed objects. Consider loading one of these apps to your mobile device before traveling. Imagine how useful it would be to be able to communicate your need for directions or emergency services if you needed them. A friend of mine did this for him Mum who was traveling abroad. She found it very useful even though she had a considerable knowledge of the local language. After all, languages are dynamic. What we learned in our youth may not be the same idiom as is used today. Back to more non-digital practicalities. When using an ATM, shield the keypad with your body when entering your PIN. It’s even a good idea to shield the side of the keypad with your hand, wallet, or other physical barrier especially when the ATM is in an open area or next to a window. We once heard of a team of pickpockets where one thief spied on the keypad to get the PIN and another ‘bumper’ stole the wallet. They were very effective at emptying bank accounts until they were caught by the local authorities. Along the same lines, consider buying a magnetic shield case for your credit cards. Modern wireless technology allows thieves to ‘scan’ your card data and use it. Also, refrain from transaction any financial business on your phone or mobile device. Cloning them to gain access to your accounts is quite easy these days. Lastly, be aware of your surroundings. Note landmarks, notice who’s around you. Approach everyone with a friendly but confident countenance. People seeking to take advantage of others look for targets of opportunity who seem unsure and out of their element. If you exude an attitude of friendliness but also one which communicates that you have a clearly defined “personal space” you are much less likely to be the target of tricksters, confidence men, and pickpockets.
Have a happy and safe trip ! Thank you to International Vacation Home Exchange and the writing team which is MA Scott Photo credits: Tourists with luggage – sites.mediaplanet.com Pick pocket 0 the carefreetraveler.com Smartphone app – thisbigcity.net Departure sign – yoyodesign.com Hand shielding keypad – how to geek.com Like it? Share it! More by this author |
Travel is exciting, stimulating and romantic. We’re off to new destinations or revisiting old favorites. So how do we stay safe while immersing ourselves in our adventures? Whether you’re staying in hotels or a or exclusive summer homes, here are a few simple tips you can use to make your vacation (and your everyday life) safer.
