Extracted and adapted from STRATFOR's ebook "How to travel safely"
1. Attention to surroundings
A traveler can learn a tremendous amount about a location and its customs by paying attention to the surrounding environment. Travelers should make a conscious effort to study their environment in an effort to determine what is normal — and what is not. If something feels wrong, even subconsciously, it probably is.
2. Be aware of local laws
Ignorance of the law is never a defense, nor is the idea that “everyone else is doing it.” It is the traveler’s responsibility to know the law and culture of a travel destination.
3. Don't let your guard down
When abroad, it is common for travelers to want to take part in local entertainment. Such activities can lower the traveler’s guard, especially if alcohol is involved. Add to this a prevalent feeling among travelers that they are allowed to behave in ways normally unacceptable in their home countries, and it can be a volatile mix. While some tourist locations allow some leniency regarding public drunkenness or disorderly conduct, it is a mistake for travelers to think they can act without consequences.
Bars and casinos, especially those that facilitate prostitution or drug trafficking, can present several threats. Travelers could find themselves in the middle of an illegal transaction or armed confrontation between gangs. Furthermore, a traveler who is convinced to engage in a sexual liaison may find that their companion has accomplices lying in wait to commit a robbery — or worse.
Street vendors or other locals may also be looking to make a victim out of an unwitting visitor by offering to escort the foreigner someplace to look at merchandise or to meet local artisans. These scenarios sometimes end in a bad part of town where accomplices are waiting to commit robbery or cause bodily harm.
4. Dress modestly
To keep a low profile, visitors should dress modestly, especially in a conservative or religious country. They should also know local customs before dressing in native clothing; certain colors and patterns have special, subtle meanings in native cultures. Missing these meanings could be offensive to these cultures — and dangerous for the traveler. Also, wearing a jersey or other clothing representing the wrong sports team, such as a soccer club, in the wrong location can lead to violence.
5. Videotaping and photographing can be sensitive actions
The desire to videotape or photograph travel memories also can lead to problems for travelers who are unaware of local laws and customs. In many countries, it is forbidden to photograph military installations or government buildings. Security forces also can take offense when being photographed, and in some parts of the world may respond by confiscating film, breaking cameras or worse. In many countries, photographing civilians, especially children, can be considered offensive behavior. This is especially true for locals taking part in religious rituals. They may react negatively, perhaps even aggressively, to even being asked to be photographed by an outsider.
1. Attention to surroundings
A traveler can learn a tremendous amount about a location and its customs by paying attention to the surrounding environment. Travelers should make a conscious effort to study their environment in an effort to determine what is normal — and what is not. If something feels wrong, even subconsciously, it probably is.
2. Be aware of local laws
Ignorance of the law is never a defense, nor is the idea that “everyone else is doing it.” It is the traveler’s responsibility to know the law and culture of a travel destination.
3. Don't let your guard down
When abroad, it is common for travelers to want to take part in local entertainment. Such activities can lower the traveler’s guard, especially if alcohol is involved. Add to this a prevalent feeling among travelers that they are allowed to behave in ways normally unacceptable in their home countries, and it can be a volatile mix. While some tourist locations allow some leniency regarding public drunkenness or disorderly conduct, it is a mistake for travelers to think they can act without consequences.
Bars and casinos, especially those that facilitate prostitution or drug trafficking, can present several threats. Travelers could find themselves in the middle of an illegal transaction or armed confrontation between gangs. Furthermore, a traveler who is convinced to engage in a sexual liaison may find that their companion has accomplices lying in wait to commit a robbery — or worse.
Street vendors or other locals may also be looking to make a victim out of an unwitting visitor by offering to escort the foreigner someplace to look at merchandise or to meet local artisans. These scenarios sometimes end in a bad part of town where accomplices are waiting to commit robbery or cause bodily harm.
4. Dress modestly
To keep a low profile, visitors should dress modestly, especially in a conservative or religious country. They should also know local customs before dressing in native clothing; certain colors and patterns have special, subtle meanings in native cultures. Missing these meanings could be offensive to these cultures — and dangerous for the traveler. Also, wearing a jersey or other clothing representing the wrong sports team, such as a soccer club, in the wrong location can lead to violence.
5. Videotaping and photographing can be sensitive actions
The desire to videotape or photograph travel memories also can lead to problems for travelers who are unaware of local laws and customs. In many countries, it is forbidden to photograph military installations or government buildings. Security forces also can take offense when being photographed, and in some parts of the world may respond by confiscating film, breaking cameras or worse. In many countries, photographing civilians, especially children, can be considered offensive behavior. This is especially true for locals taking part in religious rituals. They may react negatively, perhaps even aggressively, to even being asked to be photographed by an outsider.
