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One of the main trends that have emerged in the 21st century is the popularity of traveling. The price of airline tickets have not lowered at all. However, there was a time when this kind of travel was introduced as prestige as this article says. People did not care that much to go to other places and countries because it seems that their surroundings are enough. Only the rich can have these kinds of experiences. Now though, there has been an increase in tourists in many places around the world. There are some good implications for this as it is a sign of a growing industry, but others are not.
On the other hand, this does not stop people from going into other places. More specifically, a lot of them would want to get out of their own country. Last 2018, it is estimated that more than 40 million Americans went to other countries. That is just for one year!
Aside from a few dips in some years (like the economic crash of 2008), it has been increasing. There are a lot of benefits to going overseas, like learning new cultures and having some rest and recreation. However, it is also important to take care of yourself. Read more about the crash and how it affected aviation here: https://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/pr/2008-09-03-01/.
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Travel More, Worry Less
Even though exploring other countries is nice, there is some sort of risk in doing so. There is always some risk involved in any kind of activity, but traveling can be another story. For one, the unfamiliarity of culture can be fascinating yet can be a subject of a faux pas. It can also turn dangerous if you are not careful where you are going. Some travelers found themselves lost in the cities. Others were never found.
Due to these instances, it is important to keep yourself safe when you are traveling. Even if you are going to a relatively safe community, you might never know for sure. It is better to prepare for a disaster than to face it all together. We are not trying to; dissuade anybody from traveling as it is a luxury and an experience you would not want to miss. However, it is still important to protect yourself by means necessary. You need to prepare these means before traveling to any place. Some websites like the Traveling Reviewers can also help you out.
Some Tips Before Going Overseas
1. Arm Yourself with Information
This is possibly the best course of action before going abroad. You need to familiarize yourself with the culture, traditions, and rules of the place. Remember: you would not be exempted from these just because you are a foreigner. There have been a lot of people who were arrested or even deported because they have violated the law. The law is hard but it is the law, and no one is exempted just because of ignorance. This can also keep you safe, as there are some areas that you need to avoid in any country around the world.
2. Plan Out Your Itinerary
Another thing that you can do is to make plans before you even decide to go. Impromptu travels are great as the unknown can both be interesting and fun. You do not want to end up like in this article at Cosmopolitan: https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/reports/a12030772/illegal-activity-behaviour-that-could-get-you-arrested-foreign-country/. However, this can lead to unexpected circumstances that you might not be prepared for. If you have an itinerary, you would know where to go and what to expect. It also helps you familiarize the locations as well, and estimate the amount of time you would be staying there. This saves your time and can help you explore other places as well.
It can be a great opportunity to go to locations which are not touristy ones and yet can still be enjoyable. Once you have an itinerary, you would have a rough idea of where to go and what to do there. Getting lost in the unfamiliar ground is not something you want to experience. It would also give you the chance to know the climate and conditions of the place before starting to plan your vacation.
3. Bring Both Cash and Card
This can be a lifesaver once you go to a foreign land. Having the local currency is great since you can transact easily. Even though most countries (specifically developed ones) do tend to use cashless means like credit cards and applications. Having both a tourist can help you prepare and lessen the risk of losing one of them. Using the local currency would also be easier for the local businesses as well since they do not have to convert currencies.
On the other hand, having a card is easier since you would not need to worry about loose change and paper bills. However, you need to remember that not all locations have card readers so having some would be a great idea. Check with your bank as well if it can be used in international transactions. Here’s how to prepare your card for international buying.
4. Secure Your Valuables
This might seem like common sense, there are some items that you do not need while walking around the city or hiking. For example, you can always leave your designer watches and accessories at home. If you plan to bring them, make sure that they are not the flashiest as this can attract the attention of burglars. Wear them in places that are already secured like restaurants and malls. You do not need to wear them if you are just simply walking around the city. Also, secure your documents as well as your passports and airline tickets. If you are going to leave them in the hotel, make sure that it is locked. Otherwise, bring them with you.
5. Go with a Group
There is safety in numbers and it is never truer when going abroad. There is an appeal with going to other places alone, but it is not the safest. It may sound romantic to just disappear and find adventure, but you would end up worrying other people in your life. It would be best if you are going with another person whom you trust and enjoy their company. Not just for safety, but having a companion also makes the journey far more fun. If you enjoy being with a bigger group, then even better. Know more people and enjoy what the world can offer safely.
