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JB's Travel Safety Tips

JB's Travel Safety Tips

I had this on one of our web sites. I decided to remove it from a static to an interactive environment, so I've placed it here.

The purpose of this section is to help the unseasoned non-domestic traveller (A person not accustom to traveling outside his/her country) find peace of mind and safety of body while enjoying the exploration of new territory. Why do you need this ? Well can you imagine losing your money, wallet or purse while abroad and being left stranded in unknown turf ? Can you imagine how you would feel ? How will you feel about that new place you visited ? Probably you would not go back there, but remember, crime is everywhere and a lot of the time its the fault of the tourist being too dumbfounded by sight-seeing that he/she forgets that there are those who are 'sight-seeing' their wallet or purse. At the end of this page is a form that you may fill if you wish. By the end of this page you should be aware of the following;

Safety first while traveling abroad.

Understanding the place I am going to be living for awhile.

Tips on countries or States I have been to.

So you want to travel abroad eh? Well, you probably have a bit of Indiana Jones in you because according to the hospitality industry most of the holiday travel of any given country exists within the country. The same is true for the United States even though they lead the world in foreign travel using planes, ships, and the ever popular; automobile. Okay, we will now discuss your future adventure in a land unfamiliar to you since it should be taken as normal to travel within the bounds of ones own land. However, you may wish to apply this to travel of any sort since traveling from Colorado to New York cannot possibly be the same as a holiday in Colorado itself.

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SAFETY FIRST! Safety is paramount in your quest for a new place to visit, after all what's the good if you return home worst off than you left. You need to be conscious of all around you. I am not saying suspicious, but at the same time 'be AWARE'. If something looks like it really should not be then do not pass it off as, "Oh, its probably the way it is in this country… " .Here are some solutions to make the problem of unsafe travel almost non-existent.

Find out, find out, find out about the place you are going to. Use the libraries, news articles, travel tips magazines, local consulates or embassies, and of course the internet. You can never find out too much.

Know the prices and economy of the place you are going before you get there. In this way you will save yourself the embarrassment of being without money to finish your vacation or do the things you wanted to do. Again, call the nearest consulate or embassy of the country you are going to. Its always good to plan for emergencies too… NEVER travel with EXACTLY the amount of money you think you will need. Its far better to have MORE than LESS.

Before you get to your destination, try to arrange for someone you know to meet you, if that is not possible, then beforehand try and get hold of familiar groups you are a part of such as; a religious organization, Lion's Club, tourist board of that country, etc. Make sure that your travel plans are sure and that the route, time, dates and supplies (Documents) are all in order. It never hurt anybody to phone your travel agent to confirm or double check yourself that all is well for your day of departure.

Do not keep large sums of money on you. It's more wise to use travelers checks or a visa card and just keep a few dollars in cash for taxes, tips, taxi, gas, etc. $200 US should be a good amount.

Do not travel with so much that it becomes a worry… "How will I lift this?" or "I hope all my stuff is safe?" or "Darn, we cannot walk around because we have so many suitcases!"

Avoid electronic equipment if possible. Airlines do not reimburse for damaged electronic items if they are placed in your suitcase and they are also one of the great targets of thieves.

In your hotel make sure its safe… lock the doors and windows before going to sleep. There are also special gadgets you can take with you to put on these doors and windows… check your local travel shop for details. Its a good idea to register your name with the embassy or consulate of your country with details of where you will be staying, length of stay, and other details so as to make them 'aware' of your presence in case of an emergency.

On the streets as you shop… be streetwise… DO NOT DO THE FOLLOWING:

Leave your bag on a table while looking at dresses or something… Take out your wallet in the publics' eye and flash a load of cash… Keep your handbag or wallet close to you at your side with your hand over it… Give out information that should not be required of a stranger.

1. Take a piece of leather or heavy cord and cut it about 4' long depending on your needs.

2. If you have a handbag.. Then tie one end (Or you can use a leather clip) to the bag handle and the other end to your wrist or waist or if you are wearing pants with strong loop holes then tie it to the loop. You can get a leather maker to make a fancy one for you. I have seen the kind you can put around your arm or waist under your clothes… but are you going to pull that out every time you have to buy something?

2a. With regards to the wallet… take the same chord or strip of leather and do the same except use a leather clip or staple to place the other end to the wallet… pocket pickers will hate you for it… *(Laugh)*

3. My personal favorite is a leather bag attached to my belt around my waist.. But not everyone wears a belt.

4. If you are wearing a tie… use the inner part of the back of the tie to hide your money

5. If you are really desperate… cut a small hole in your shoe and make a rubber cap using a sharp knife to cover the hole.

6. Of course there is the woman's bra… (We never use those by the way) I just thought I would mention that.

7. Take the inner pieces of your pen out and replace it with your rolled up cash. Of course it cannot be a clear color pen.

You must be thinking… "Wow, if I have to do all this why bother?" Well I must admit… in my experience traveling abroad can be a real hassle at times with delays, unexpected incidents, and theft, but then again as I said before… its an ADVENTURE... And well worth it! *smile*.

Tips Safety Travel JBs

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO (Positive)

Trinidad and Tobago are beautiful islands. There are a lot of things to explore here. There are many cultures all living in one; Hindu, Muslim, African, Syrian, Chinese, Creole, and whites. So many foods and if you like to party well we have that round the clock. Trinidad invented the steel pan, limbo (Dancing under a stick) and carnival. There is a lot of natural flora and fauna. The people are naturally friendly. Things are cheap for those who walk with US dollars and transportation is one one of the cheapest I have seen in the world. We recently had the Miss Universe 1999 competition here.

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO (Negative) Be careful of who you take information from… unfortunately some try to con you out of a few extra dollars that you should not be paying. Do not walk in lonely places at night and follow all the tips given before.

Update 2017: Crime is a major problem, be on your guard. See: Trinidad Crime

ARGENTINA (Positive)

Argentina is a beautiful country. The people are super friendly and there is plenty places to visit in the South: Rio Negro, Neuquen, Chubut. San Carlos de Bariloche in Rio Negro State is one of the most wonderful landscapes in the whole world. The north of the country is fantastic and you should go to "Cataratas del Iguazu" (Iguazu Waterfalls) in the Misiones State and of course Buenos Aires, a beautiful city very similar to the european cities. Thousands of tourists visit these places every year. Argentina has the most delicious dishes and steaks! *smile*

ARGENTINA (Negative)

If you don't know nobody in Argentina, beware when you take taxis. Sometimes, they like to go round and round in the same place and as you don't know where you are, when you arrive to your destination, you have to pay a lot of money… One US dollar is equal to $ 1 (One peso) but don't think that is the same as what would you spend in the United States, you can't spend as much in Argentina. Its an expensive country… so… watch the things that you buy. Be careful when you walk in the streets or in unsafe areas. Try to go to places with plenty people and you will be safe.

NORTH WEST ENGLAND and NORTHERN WALES (Positive)

If you have the taste for history, castles, lore and adventure then this is the place to go! As far as being able to get around its excellent… there are maps for everything! I love this place. The people are always very helpful and friendly. You may have a hard time with the accent at first but you will soon get used to it. You will love fish and chips sold in selected places known as "Chippys".

NORTH WEST ENGLAND and NORTHERN WALES (Negative)

Of course due to the exchange rate of the pound sterling… things tend to be a bit expensive. The time zone is obviously different so you may suffer with jet lag the first and second night. English food is more bland compared to Caribbean Spicy food. Be careful with some of the radioactive beaches… yep… radioactive!

VENEZUELA (Positive)

Things here are cheap! Even for the Trinidad and Tobago dollar. There are many beautiful women and they have a beauty competition every week! There is a lot of scenery with tropical and winter climates. The people are generally friendly. They have an abundant variety of food and culture to keep you entertained. The people are extremely talented and you will be awe struck with some of the crafts and art you will see.

VENEZUELA (Negative)

You really need to be constantly aware of all. The country is a bit unstable at times and you may find yourself trapped in a mob of protesters. You just need to make sure of the political climate before you arrive. Be careful of people misleading you. If you cannot speak the language fluently make sure to find a translator… better safe than sorry. (Update: 2017 - Venezuela is in a crisis situation. Basic necessities such as food and toiletries are hard to come by for most).

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (Positive)

Well you have it all here. Technology, food, great bargains and loads of places to go. Maps and sight seeing are both pretty good. I like to go to the States especially to shop.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (Negative)

Its very easy to spend all your money here so be a bit thrifty. Watch out for each State's tax.. You may pay more for something in one State verses another. Beware of strange looking folks who may take you on a ride that you may never return from. (Update 2017: Right now the climate is not geared towards foreigners).

JB's Travel Safety Tips Reviews Consumer & Travel Family Culture

Some great tips there JB.

Some that I have learned from my many travels.

Keep you cash in many places. Do not keep all your cash in one location. This way if you do happen to lose some they do not clean you out.

If your a man keep you wallet in on of your front pockets. This makes it a little harder for a pickpocket to get to it. Notice I did not say impossible.

If your a woman keep a firm hold of your purse or use a over the shoulder strap that you can use in a cross the body fashion.

Learn some of the language if you can. Just a few words or phrases will get you far.

Tips Safety Travel JBs

Never put this on your suitcase

IT MIGHT seem like a good idea, but there's one thing you should definitely do when you're packing to head overseas. Ref. Source 7q.