Safety Tips When Traveling Internationally
Sol, Madrid, España. Photo by Ryan Harrison.
Safety Tips When Traveling Internationally
A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to travel to the Dominican Republic on a FAM Trip. This trip in particular was in light of recent incidents at the beginning of the summer that occurred among the All-Inclusive Resorts on the island. And in an attempt to #ReviveTheDR, they wanted us to see for ourselves the precautions, updates & safety measures they have taken since those incidents, hoping to restore the public view of this popular vacation spot.
Now in general when traveling, safety is of the utmost concern. It is even more important when traveling internationally, especially to Third-World Countries. Wherever you may travel to, it is important to have a certain level of awareness of your surroundings and know where your valuables are. You have to understand that these unfortunate events could happen anywhere in the world. I say these things not to scare you or prohibit you from traveling, but so that you are properly informed on these concepts and know what to keep an eye and an ear out for.
Drinkable water? Many countries outside of the US have different bacteria in the tap/faucet water that we are no accustomed to. In many tropical destinations, such as Mexico & many Caribbean islands (Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Bahamas, Aruba, etc.) and other countries within South America, Africa & Asia, this is the case. Always double check to make sure prior to drinking the water. Many resorts in the Caribbean have easily-accessible bottled water and water that you are able to drink.
Be aware of pick-pocketers! While this can happen within the US, I have noticed it to be more prevalent at an international level, especially in major-hub cities where there is a lot of foot traffic and in crowded areas along the streets of downtown or prime touristy locations. I actually have first-hand experience with the matter, as friends of mine during trips have had their wallet, phones, & other personal items stolen without even knowing it happened until later. My advice is to invest in a satchel/purse that wraps around your chest and is strapped tight enough where you can feel any sudden movement. The pouch is best placed on your sternum or rib-cage almost below your arm so that you can feel it as well.
Know where your Embassy is. In case anything goes wrong during your stay in another country, this would be your first point of contact. Always look up the address & GPS location & put in your phone the number of your country’s Embassy so that you are well-prepared if you may ever need their services.
Take trusted transportation & Pre-book your Transfers. Many times when traveling to All-Inclusive Resorts, prior to the trip you can set up transfers to and from the airport. This is the safest and usually the most cost-efficient way to do so! If traveling internationally and you are unsure how to reach your final destination, do not be afraid to ask a transportation representative at the airport for assistance. Quick side story… while studying abroad I visited Amsterdam one weekend. My friend and I had no clue how to get to our Airbnb. So, we asked a representative at the airport. She told us specifically to pass the first group of taxis with bright orange jackets and head to the second tier of taxis. The reason being, the first group of taxis targeted tourists for rides, but then jacked up the price of the ride when you arrived at your destination - something we may have fallen victim to without that knowledge. Keep in mind if you ever go to Amsterdam!
Get to know your surroundings prior to departure. Having a little knowledge of your destination prior to your trip does not hurt - what the streets look like (GPS view), where the nearest metro may be, the nearest supermarket or grocery store. If walking is your primary form of transportation, having a good idea where the main streets (or ones that will be highly populated) are located is very important to keep in mind.
Always keep an eye on your drink! With a focus on clubs/lounges and on/off All-Inclusive Resorts (but can also be the case anywhere), always keep your drinks very close to you and watch when the bartenders pour them. Different potential incidents can occur internationally when it comes to alcohol consumption, so my advice is to drink something that you usually drink back home; be on the safe side instead of trying new concoctions.