Travel safety isn’t rocket science. In fact, when most people get into trouble or get hurt overseas it seems to be because they were doing something silly rather than any inherent danger. But some taboos are worse than others. Here are our 7 deadly sins of travel safety.
Wearing Too Much Bling – We’ve all seen them. They pull out their iPod to listen to some tunes while tapping away on their laptop which is downloading some great shots from their Nikon D1X. The funny thing is that they seem to be oblivious to the fact that they are flaunting more wealth than many of the folks in the third world make in two years. Taking this stuff is no problem, but be a little bit sensible. Make it a bit ugly with some gaffa tape. Try not to take it out in full view of anyone who cares to look in your direction. In short, be a little discreet. Personal security is about making yourself less of a target than the next guy.
Not Wearing a Seatbelt – If you’re going to die in a foreign country, then it will probably be when your head gets smashed against the metal of a car over and over again. Sorry for the graphic, but it amazes me that westerners travelling in the third world seem to want to ‘go native’ when it comes to cars and taxis. Not wearing a seatbelt when you’re in the third world is dumb. Even if you survive the car accident, you will then have to contend with a third world hospital. People who wear seatbelts often walk away from car accidents that claim the lives of people who weren’t wearing one.
Not Wearing A Helmet – Same as the seatbelt thing, but even dumber. The chance of dying on a motorbike in the third world is about 20 times that of dying in a car for the amount of hours exposed to that form of transport. And foreigners just love hiring motorbikes.
Not Doing Your Research – I’d probably put this up among the biggest safety factors, but it is a general comment. Where are the dangerous areas of the city you are going to? What are the main dangers? Crime? Health? What is your plan for when you get injured? What is the number of your embassy? These are all common sense things you need to know about a place, preferably before you land there. Do a bit of reading. Ask people on travel forums. Know what you’re doing!
Wandering Alone at Night – If you’re going to get robbed, then you’re giving yourself the maximum chance of that happening when you’re alone at night. I’m not saying don’t do it, but at least research where the bad areas are a try to avoid them. If a local advises you that it’s a bad idea, then take their advice.
Not Taking a Basic First Aid Kit – A few bandages, plasters and disinfectant will make your life a lot more bearable if something goes wrong. You can buy basic first aid kits at most chemists or you can make up one for yourself even cheaper.
Keeping People in the Dark – A big part of safety anywhere is simply letting people know where you are. Does your family know what city you’re in? Do people you know in the city know which bar you’re drinking at tonight? It’s no big deal, but mention to people where you’re going and when you plan to be back. At least if you get into trouble, somebody might think to send the cavalry in after you!
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taxi drivers in the third world laugh at me when i wear a seatbelt but with traffic accidents so high in many third world countries (esp at night) you’d be crazy not to wear one.
Great list of tips. I just stumbled upon your website and have been looking around – it’s great! Really informative and written in a way that makes me want to keep reading. I’ve not really done any traveling in the developing world but I definitely want to. I’m currently in Australia, and although I’m enjoying myself, it feels too much like home. It’s too easy.