Have a Safe Trip in a Foreign Country: Tips to Follow

Are you a soon to be graduate from high school or college? Are you planning a trip to a foreign country this summer? There are a few things you need to keep in mind in order to be safe from criminals and offending the locals.

Before you ever step foot on that airplane, read up on the laws of the country you are planning to visit. Laws differ from country to country. Not to say you are going to do anything on purpose but some countries go as far a certain hand jesters are against the law.

Read up on the types of meals and beverages the country partakes in. If you find out there is something that just doesn't sound appetizing to you but it's served often, you might reconsider that town or city. Water is another issue; find out where the water supply comes from for the cities you plan of touring. If the water is of good quality, then your okay but if you are not sure, don't drink it. Remember, when ordering drinks ask for no ice and only drink soda out of the cans, no fountain drinks.

The more research you can do the healthier and safer you will be.

Below are some very good suggestions to follow when in another country.

1. Find out the addresses and phone numbers of your country's military bases and embassy. This needs to be done before you ever leave your own country. If something would happen to happen to you, these are the people that can help you.

2. This is the best rule of thumb and should go without saying. Be Polite and have good Manners. This goes a long way no matter what country your are in. Locals will respond back just as polite.

3. You defiantly don't want to draw attention to yourself, so dress like the locals and don't wear flashy jewelry.

4. If you are planning on staying in a particular city for something, you want to stagger your routine. Criminals often stake out their victims for several days or weeks. Tourists are the number one victims. Don't leave or come back to your hotel everyday at the same time and don't take the same route every day.

5. There are plenty of people out there that will try to steel your wallet/purse. You need to keep your money in a safe place like a money belt under your clothes or an ankle belt that is worn under your socks.

The most common technique for pickpockets are to have children gather around you asking for handouts or children trying to get into your face to distract you. Be leery of someone coming up to you with a newspaper and or map asking for directions. This is 99% of the time a distraction for their buddy to pick your money.

6. Always travel in groups of at least 2 or more and stay with your group when checking out the local attractions. Don't go out by yourself. Criminals are less likely to approach you when you are in a group of people.

7. It is know bodies business where you are going, staying, going next, or doing. Never give out information about what your groups schedule is, so keep personal information a secret.

8. Keep you money, ID, passport or anything of value on different parts of your body. Never put everything in your wallet. What if your wallet was stolen, you have no way of proving who you are, so you are just sunk.

9. Never let anyone convince you to follow him or her somewhere you don't want to go like, poorly lit streets and alleyways. This also pertains to taxi drivers. If it seems they are taking you farther than you think or know you should be going, get out at the first opportunity.

10. You have to know the local customs. This is where your research will come in handy. Some gestures that you may be accustomed to might be frowned upon in other countries. The meanings of some gestures have the opposite meaning in different countries.

11. Have a mugger's wallet on your body where most people carry their wallets. A mugger's wallet in an inexpensive wallet that you put just a small amount of real cash in but the credit cards and ID are fake. If you happen to be mugged, give this wallet to the mugger, better yet, toss it at the mugger, then mugger will go after the wallet and you can run.

12. Never, ever give your passport to anyone. Some hotels in certain countries have laws that require you to give them your passport to hold. Get a certified copy of your passport before you leave your home country. This can be substituted for the real thing.

13. Always trust your gut feelings. If something doesn't feel right, leave. It's better to over-react than to find yourself in trouble.