Tra vel Safety

Travel Safety

Accidents are one of the most common causes of death and injury while traveling. Cultural norms differ world side, and assumptions about “right of way” can be disastrous.

After an accident, blood transfusions abroad, may lead to infections (Hepatitis A, B, HIV, and Chaga's disease) as blood products are not always screened.

Women Travelers

Women traveling solo may encounter harassment and discrimination. It is important to know the rules of the culture you are visiting before you arrive.

Dressing inappropriate to the locals, may lead to unwanted attention or hassles. Some women find it easier to travel with a male companion or wearing a mock wedding band to deter suitors. Women staying in hotels may wish to stay on the 2 nd floor or higher to deter access from the streets.

When receiving unexpected deliveries or room service, it is advised to phone the front desk before opening the door. When leaving your room, leave the “do not disturb” sign on the door, and leave the television on. Women may also want to carry their own condoms and medication for birth control, yeast infection or urinary tract infections.

If planning an extended trip, they may also wish to see their doctor for a PAP test and physical before traveling, and possibly to discuss the morning after pill.

Mini Buses

Mini buses are frequently involved in accidents. It is advised to avoid travel by night, mountainous travel, and trips during the winter. Rooftop luggage is valuable to thieves. Try to choose your taxi rather than them choose you. Don't take unmarked cabs. The fare should be agreed on before you get in (check with airline personnel about what a fair price would be). You can have a doorman help you negotiate a fare in advance. Keep your luggages in the back seat, not the trunk. Don't offer unnecessary information about your trip. Avoid driving yourself if jet lagged, unfamiliar with local language, road signs, or in bad weather.

High-risk countries for road accidents are Spain, Portugal, and Italy. Driving a bigger care, wearing seat belts, and reducing speed significantly, reduces accidents.

Boat Safety

Don't take out over crowded boats, or boat during rough weather like monsoon or hurricane season. On larger ships, pay attention to safety instructions and lifeboat positions.

Prepare for seasickness, sunburns, glare, and chapped lips. Pirates are still present off the coasts of Malacca and Thailand, and the Philippines and Southern China, so be wary.

Business Travelers

Business travelers should be wary of scam artists at airports, and banks. Be very careful of new friends offering you trips. Kidnapping of affluent travelers is a very big problem in some countries.

Surviving War Zone

If traveling soon, contact recent travelers who have more updated information. Avoid politics or challenging the beliefs of people. Do not go to meetings in public. Be careful about accepting invitations to social activities. Travel under the permission of the controlling party.

Check in with the local embassy, Red Cross, United Nations, or aid workers. Dress conservatively and try to avoid obvious American brand-name clothes or expensive jewelry or cameras. Learn to say “thank you”, “please” and “excuse me” locally. Flying between cities may be safer than traveling by ground (bus, car, or train).

Land Mines

Never travel before 0900-1000

Most fresh mines are laid during the night. Try to follow heavy trucks at least 200 yards behind.

Never walk first (take point). Keep a distance of 60-100 feet away to avoid shrapnel. If someone is pierced, apply a tourniquet to stop blood loss.

If a mine goes off, do not run. Stay where you are and walk backwards in your own tracks

Mines around the world:

Different countries mine differently. Northwestern Somalia place mines in potholes, while Rwanda, Burundi, and Zaire, place them in off road tracks of vehicles, avoiding potholes. If you find a mine, do not touch it, but mark it for later removal. Put a sign up with “Skull and Crossbones” with English or local words for “mines” on it.

Common places to find mines in Afghanistan include