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In this next set of tips, let’s take a look at traveling since I’m sure your summer vacation is just around the corner and for most a planned trip ahead. Traveling is generally a pretty safe adventure for the average adventure seeker. However we are in tough economic times these days and many countries and their ‘bad guys’ are feeling the pinch. So let me share with you some prudent precautions for a safe and happy vacation or business trip.

TRAVELING AWAY FROM HOME

Your guard is most apt to be down when you are away from home, whether on business or a vacation. Either you are preoccupied with important details related to your trip or you are thoroughly wrapped up in enjoying yourself. This is why you should learn as much as possible about where you are going and how you are getting there. Find out as much as you can about the country, the town and area you will be visiting.

Become familiar with any important landmarks, facilities or conveniences, which you might need in an emergency. This holds true even for those areas you think you know well. Do a simple Google map search and have a look at the lay of the land! In a foreign country, be aware that their criminals can spot foreigners by their appearance and behaviour. Try to look like you belong and this comes from that assertive confidence in yourself I harp on about. Dress accordingly and do not act as if you are bewildered and in awe of everything you see.

Find out what type of police system they have in the country and the laws of the land. Many foreign visitors find themselves thinking that the police and justice systems are the same as home. Trust me in most cases this is just not true and I am not talking third world countries here either. It is also very important to find out about the cultural traditions and taboos that are important to the locals.

For example North Americans find European cultural ideas much different than their own. This is true for the Europeans when they visit North America. In Thailand it is still considered a big no-no to touch the top of a person’s head, especially children, and in some parts of Africa crossing a man’s shadow is considered a huge taboo. If you look out of place the criminals will take full advantage every chance they get. If you are an easy target at home you will be even more of a target in a foreign land. I can help you to overcome that with some training. The street-smart skills we have already talked about still apply in these foreign lands.

A few safety concepts, which can be of great importance, are learning some basic use of the language and customs (try to avoid being the stereotypical ugly tourist). Also, when you have settled into your hotel, get the security staff to brief you on the area and areas you should avoid. You may even get them to arrange for a specific taxi service if you need to be reliably transported to and from meetings. They can also advise on tourist and travel companies you should avoid using.

Never give them a full breakdown of your itinerary; only as much as is needed to get the answers and services you require. Remember safety and security first is still your responsibility so learn to observe what is going on around you. Important; guard your passport in some foreign countries this is more important than your money. For example your passport can fetch a lot of money in the right circles and replacing it can be difficult. In some countries hotels still want to take your passport as a security deposit because it is a Government control measure.

Find out beforehand by asking their local embassy or consulate before you leave. Last but not least get a cell phone. If you’re worried about the charges, in most countries you can buy a prepaid chip and this link is a very smart idea. Ensure you have programmed it for your hotel, business contacts and your embassy on speed dial for emergencies.

So to review here is a check list of to-dos:

Try to find out about the risky areas and stay away from them.
You will probably be carrying more money than you normally would, so take extra care in not exposing it and secure it. Travelers Checks in many countries can be hard to use so disperse your cash in more than one pocket so you do not flash around large amounts.
Keep your credit cards safe. It’s a good idea to separate your credit cards and not have them all in your wallet in case it’s stolen. Ensure you credit card has a chip because older cards are easier for the thief to use ( not to mention many establishments in Europe will not accept the old ‘swipe cards’)
You may also have more valuables with you than usual, in your car and in your hotel room. Take extra precautions. Use all the safety measures the hotel has to offer, but first check them out. Leave nothing of value in your car and all non-essential items should be in the trunk, so they’re out of the criminal’s sight.
Having an extra set of ID and some extra money and a credit card hidden on your person is a good idea. If you lose everything, you will not be at a total loss.
It’s a good idea to travel with a portable door lock and a door alarm. Use them along with the hotel door locks; a little extra security is good, you never know who has a key to that room. These types of safety devices are available at many locksmith shops, luggage stores and through the Internet.
When in the room always put on the ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign.
Never open the door without first identifying the person. If it’s a hotel staff member, call the front desk to confirm.
If you are having a business meeting, it’s best to meet the client in the hotel lobby first and confirm ID’s. If you are satisfied, you can then proceed to your room.
Women on business trips should never conduct it with male clients in their hotel room. Males should abide by the same rule when it comes to women clients. Most hotels today have some sort of business room you can make use of.
Do not get a street level room or one adjoining a flat neighbouring roof. Generally the 5th floor or higher and in the back is safer.
Never leave any information about yourself in your room. For business travelers, this is very important. Hotel staff has been known to gather intelligence on your business affairs and sell it. This is also a good way to set yourself up for attack and/or abduction if you are high profile enough. Remember – in some foreign countries, being a foreigner is enough; tourists have been killed for just their watch.

Rental Cars

Make sure you are aware of the driving regulations for foreign drivers in that country. Try to have some understanding of the basic rules of the road. In some countries, these rules can be quite liberal and a heart rendering experience for the non-adventurous driver.Never rent a car that has any decals or advertising on it that states it is a rental car. You set yourself up as a target right away. Always camouflage a rental car so it says local driver.
If you are having problems with the car, exchange it ASAP.
If you feel you have been followed in this car at any time exchange it as well.
If you are in a country that only rents cars with drivers, check with the hotel for good companies. This in itself is not bad; a car with an experienced honest driver is a good safety step. They know the area and the driving habits of their own country. Plus, they generally make sure the car is in good working order. If at any time this driver makes you feel unsafe exchange him. Most of these drivers take great pride in their service and if you are there on repeat business they may become a valued contact because they generally know everything about the area.
Always fill your gas tank at the start of each day. Never let the gas gauge go below one-quarter tank full before getting more gas. In some countries you may wish to carry extra gas in the trunk for emergencies.
Make sure you find out the correct procedures and laws for motor vehicle accidents. This includes when you hire a car and driver. You don’t want to find out the hard way that you are responsible as well. Find out if the insurance they try to sell you is good and make sure you fully understand the details of the policy; you don’t need surprises here either.
Remember that in some countries driving in town can be dangerous but in others the nice friendly countryside is even more so. Find out from the locals if it is bandit country.
Make sure all your trips are well planned. Let the hotel know your approximate time of return and the general area you are visiting. Ensure you know what type of emergency services is available to you and how to contact them

thanks for reading stay safe on your travels!

W.H. Wolfe / Bill Wolfe CD – whwolfe.com

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