23 Apr Staying Safe While Traveling Abroad (Part I)
I’m a safety nut. I always hold the handrail while walking down stairs and I avoid risky activities: sky-diving, bungee jumping…I don’t even do downhill skiing! But I’ll happily travel to lots of far-flung destinations and to off-the-beaten path neighborhoods. Here are all my tips for traveling the world with an eye to safety. I have traveled in Haiti, Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Peru, South Africa, and Thailand, but these tips apply to just about any developing country in Latin America, Africa, and Asia.
Buckle up, avoid motos, and wear a helmet
The CDC states that motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for Americans traveling abroad, with two-wheelers (such as motorcycles and mopeds) being extra-high risk. I always make sure to buckle up when riding in any car or bus and I avoid motos altogether. Keep in mind that many accidents that would be non-fatal in the US due to excellent emergency care can be fatal in places where there are no quick ambulances and great hospitals. Bicycles are dangerous too, and I consider wearing a quality bike helmet a must, even if it’s not very clean, and even if it means I’m the the only person on our bike tour who has opted for one.
Swimming 101
Drowning is another leading cause of death for Americans overseas, and swimming while intoxicated and/or alone are the prime reasons. I’ll never forget going on a snorkeling excursion where the boat offered passengers margaritas – before we went snorkeling! How is that even legal?! In addition to only swimming sober, I always make sure to ask knowledgeable locals about the water conditions, and I never go swimming anywhere without a capable swimming buddy or a guide.
Adventure with Caution
It’s tempting to try new things on vacation – and even I like to partake in trekking and the occasional zip-lining. However, I simply avoid more extreme sports such as rock-climbing or scuba diving. If you choose to do any adventuring, make sure that you have done the all of the proper training and that you have an experienced guide with high quality equipment. As I mentioned with motor vehicle accidents, remember that emergency rescue equipment and medical care in other countries may not be equivalent to what is available at home, so there is a greater risk of mortality.
Don’t Stay Out Too Late
Although it is not the most common cause of harm overseas, people’s greatest fear is often being a victim of violence or crime. It is wise to be cautious. In many countries transportation from the airport is a common place for tourists to get filched, so make sure to reserve a driver in advance, or hire a licensed taxi (you can ask airport authorities to help you determine this). Additionally, a majority of crimes happen under the cover of night, so it’s often worth it to get to bed early while traveling abroad – I figure I can enjoy late nights out in my city back home! In addition, when traveling it is prudent to drink modestly, dress modestly, avoid jewelry or behavior that will attract undue attention.
Enjoying this blog? There’s more! Click here to read Part 2.
Also, now that you have a plan for staying safe while you travel, how about a plan for how to spend your time? I believe the most rewarding activities are those that allow you give back. Click the button below to learn about wonderful nonprofits around the world where you can volunteer for a day!
Buckle up, avoid motos, and wear a helmet
The CDC states that motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for Americans traveling abroad, with two-wheelers (such as motorcycles and mopeds) being extra-high risk. I always make sure to buckle up when riding in any car or bus and I avoid motos altogether. Keep in mind that many accidents that would be non-fatal in the US due to excellent emergency care can be fatal in places where there are no quick ambulances and great hospitals. Bicycles are dangerous too, and I consider wearing a quality bike helmet a must, even if it’s not very clean, and even if it means I’m the the only person on our bike tour who has opted for one.
Swimming 101
Drowning is another leading cause of death for Americans overseas, and swimming while intoxicated and/or alone are the prime reasons. I’ll never forget going on a snorkeling excursion where the boat offered passengers margaritas – before we went snorkeling! How is that even legal?! In addition to only swimming sober, I always make sure to ask knowledgeable locals about the water conditions, and I never go swimming anywhere without a capable swimming buddy or a guide.
Adventure with Caution
It’s tempting to try new things on vacation – and even I like to partake in trekking and the occasional zip-lining. However, I simply avoid more extreme sports such as rock-climbing or scuba diving. If you choose to do any adventuring, make sure that you have done the all of the proper training and that you have an experienced guide with high quality equipment. As I mentioned with motor vehicle accidents, remember that emergency rescue equipment and medical care in other countries may not be equivalent to what is available at home, so there is a greater risk of mortality.
Don’t Stay Out Too Late
Although it is not the most common cause of harm overseas, people’s greatest fear is often being a victim of violence or crime. It is wise to be cautious. In many countries transportation from the airport is a common place for tourists to get filched, so make sure to reserve a driver in advance, or hire a licensed taxi (you can ask airport authorities to help you determine this). Additionally, a majority of crimes happen under the cover of night, so it’s often worth it to get to bed early while traveling abroad – I figure I can enjoy late nights out in my city back home! In addition, when traveling it is prudent to drink modestly, dress modestly, avoid jewelry or behavior that will attract undue attention.
Enjoying this blog? There’s more! Click here to read Part 2.
Also, now that you have a plan for staying safe while you travel, how about a plan for how to spend your time? I believe the most rewarding activities are those that allow you give back. Click the button below to learn about wonderful nonprofits around the world where you can volunteer for a day!
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