How to Travel Safely to Unfamiliar Countries/What to Learn Before Exploring Unfamiliar Countries

It’s very important to be aware of and respect the local customs of the country you’re visiting. Not doing so can lead to minor embarrassments or major incidents which could place your safety at risk. If you’re unfamiliar with a country you’re visiting, take the time to research local customs and how tourists are expected to behave. Unfamiliar, in this context, simply means a country you don’t know much about.

To ensure you have a safe trip, research these questions before visiting an unfamiliar country:

Is it safe for a woman to walk alone in the area?
If you’re of a minority group, is it safe for someone like you in the country?
Is it safe to drink the water without boiling it?
Is it safe to use public transportation? How do locals move around?

Understanding an Unfamiliar Country

Questions to explore:

Is the country a democracy?
How does the country treat foreigners?
Are there any ongoing conflicts (e.g. wars, political unrest)?
What are the local customs?
Is there reliable internet access?

And a Bonus Question:

Are credit cards or contactless payments commonly used?

While this question doesn’t directly address safety concerns, it does speak to the country’s economic development. I would find it difficult to visit a place without credit card or contactless payments as I use my travel credit card for all purchases abroad since they don’t charge for currency conversion fees. It’s less expensive and easier than getting cash each time you visit a new location. Not only is it easier but since the pandemic, a lot of places I’ve visited do not accept cash.

OK, Two More Bonus Tips:

Keep your hands close to your body and don’t accept anything handed to you which wasn’t requested. Some scammers will hand you a rose, then proceed to ask you for payment. Some will attach a bracelet to your wrist, then, you guessed it, ask you for payment.
Wear your bag across your body or use a backpack. Don’t rest your bag on just one shoulder as this makes it easier for any would-be thief to pull it off your body.

Travel, have fun, and stay safe out there!

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