International travel can be very exciting. But it can also be dangerous if you don’t educate yourself about where you are going. Check out this article and photo gallery in the Chicago Tribune.

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>http://webclipart.about.com

I use to write brochures for cruise lines, including safety travel tips. Sometimes the passengers did not listen – especially when it came to their expensive jewelry and how they carried their cash and passports. But you are smarter!

Here are some common sense tips.

  1. Check the US Department of State website for country-specific travel warnings. Don’t ignore warnings! Obviously if you are traveling to a war zone, you’ll be taking chances with your life.
  2. Surf the web for recent news about your destination. Each country has its own official website.
  3. Don’t travel alone if possible – especially if you are unsure about the safety of your destination.
  4. Don’t travel overseas if you do not have adequate funds to make your way safely around.
  5. Tell family members at home exactly where you are going and how they can contact you if need be.
  6. Check in with a family member or friend every couple of days either by phone or via email.
  7. Don’t book hotels without knowing if they are in safe areas or not. Use trusted guidebooks before to make choices. Or better yet, get recommendations from travel agents or friends who have already visited.
  8. Bring US Embassy info with you for your destination in case of an emergency.
  9. Travel lightly. Heavy luggage is a burden and makes you more of a target for thieves and other criminals.
  10. Don’t make yourself stand out by dressing like a tourist – especially a wealthy one. It is better to blend in.
  11. Don’t draw attention to yourself by being flashy, loud or offensive in any way.
  12. Leave all your jewelry at home.
  13. Don’t carry a lot of cash.
  14. Use traveler’s checks.
  15. Don’t bring credit cards you don’t need.
  16. Use a money belt rather than a bag of sorts to carry your passport, credit cards and cash.
  17. Don’t leave valuables in your hotel room.
  18. Be discreet about your travel plans and hotel stays with seemingly friendly strangers you meet along the way.
  19. Educate yourself about the best and safest way to get to and from your hotel and the airport as well as other sites before you go.
  20. Think hitchhiking is safe in other places? Think again. Don’t do it. EVER.
  21. Be selective about your nighttime entertainment. Ask the hotel staff about recommendations.
  22. Women should not go out alone at night.
  23. Don’t use ATMs at night.
  24. If you don’t feel completely safe, do not fumble outside with a map or guidebook or do anything else that makes it obvious you are a tourist. It is better to go inside a business and ask for directions.
  25. If new warnings are issued while you are overseas, do all you can to safely leave the area or hunker down there until it is safe to travel.
  26. If you feel unsafe for any reason, follow your instincts.

Many people get into trouble because they just make bad choices.

Don’t be one of those people.

Make good choices, okay?

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