This is the third part of a three part series on International Travel. Our first two posts can be found here and here.
With the Olympic Games going on in Russia, safety when travelling in a foreign country has been discussed quite a bit lately. How can an American stay safe while they are outside their comfort zone and seeing the world? It is important to remember that public safety in other countries tends to be different than in the US. Basic rules of avoiding dark alleys, not walking alone at night and not seeming like a tourist target are all still applicable, but moving past this, what are some other ways to be sure that you have a wonderful and safe trip?
Dressing for Safety
Dressing conservatively is one of the most important ways to stay safe when you are travelling internationally. Blending in with the locals and avoiding looking like a tourist will help to protect against crime and terrorism. Tourists are often favorite targets for thieves and they will easily identify someone consulting a map or with a camera around their neck as a prime target. Avoiding overly revealing, brightly colored or exotic clothing will help to keep a low profile. Many foreign countries have different traditions when it comes to the way people dress and act in public, especially women. If a women is wearing shorts or a tank top in some places, it attracts a lot of unwanted attention.
In Sochi, Americans are being advised to avoid team clothing and not wearing anything that would identify them as an American citizen helps to keep them from becoming a target. Terrorists like to target Americans because this makes a bigger statement for their cause, especially on a world stage like the Olympic Games.
Be Flexible
Keeping your plans flexible when travelling in a volatile region helps to allow you to avoid problems; always have a plan for civil unrest and a way to flee to a city or country that may be safer. Be ready to change plane reservations or travel plans if there becomes a problem with the country that you are in. Countries that commonly have political instability or civil unrest are where this becomes very important.
When you are traveling, someone may ask you in conversation which hotel or hostel you are staying at. While this may seem like an easy conversation piece, it is best to avoid this type of discussion because it can make you a target for robbery or worse. Being vague or describing a different hotel can protect your valuables as well as your life.
Let the government know where you are going to be travelling by contacting the consulate or embassy of the country you plan to be in. This is especially important if you must travel to an area where there has been some unrest. By letting the government know that you are going to be there, if there is an incident such as a political uprising that happens while you are visiting, they may be able to help you to escape safely.
To stay safe when travelling, just remember to be aware of your surroundings at all times and avoid situations where you could be taken advantage of.
