Tips For Travelling Abroad

Do

• Remain what you are – friendly, courteous, polite and dignified
• Travel in small groups – three to five persons with both genders present.
• Bring a book to read when using public transportation – you will not be the only person reading and it is an easy way to fit in.
• Make a photo copy of your passport and credit card numbers and keep them separate from your passport and credit cards – give a copy to your family.
• Bring your prescription drugs with you in their original containers – don’t pack them in your check in luggage. Also bring additional contacts/glasses or your corrective lens prescription with you.
• If you require medicine containing habit-forming substances carry a doctor’s certificate attesting to this fact.
• Notify a foreign contact of any medical issues including food allergies.
• Carry some identification – a tag, bracelet, or card – if you have a medical condition that might require emergency care.
• Understand completely what your health insurance covers and does not cover while you are traveling. Chances are that you will have to pay for services and get reimbursed when you return home unless you have purchased HTH Worldwide Insurance Services, and obtain treatment from an HTH approved physician.
• Dial 101, 100, 108 for fire, police, and medical emergencies.
• For serious problems take a cab or ambulance and ask for the nearest hospital.
• Only take the credit card(s) you need – you will not need all those other cards that you generally carry in the States.
• Mark all your bags inside and out with your name and address – both home address and your foreign address.
• Bring two passport size photos and a photocopy of birth certificate and/or baptismal certificate, just in case you lose your passport.
• Make a photo copy of your flight tickets – keep separate.
• Keep a wallet-sized card with you that includes Emergency Phone Numbers, U. S. Embassy Phone Numbers and other contact information in the U.S. and the countries in which you will be traveling. Leave copies of the card with a contact in the U.S. and abroad.
• If you see an unattended package, move away from it and call the police.
• Avoid protest groups’ activities and potential volatile situations.
• Keep abreast of local and international news that might tell you of potential civil unrest.
• Know as much as possible about each country you plan to visit, including it’s history, religion, geography and government.
• Report any suspicious person in and around your residence to the Local Police Department.
• Check the S Embassy web pages for travel advisories.
• Ask permission before photographing strangers who you find “interesting”.
• Use common sense.
• For private health care call (Physician’s name, phone number & address)
• For dental problems call (Dentist’s name, phone number & address).

Don’t

• Do not wear any clothing with the “Fighting Irish” logo or “Fighting Irish” in print.
• Do not become the “ugly American stereotype” – loud and or boorish
• Generous Pick out those characteristics that you would like to be remembered by, and avoid the others.
• Avoid attracting attention to you – that is, avoid traveling alone or in a large group of a dozen or more.
• Do not expect eye contact on the streets in certain countries – indeed, in some locations this may result in “unexpected or unwanted” invitations.
• Do not stand and/or plan to gather on the steps of your residence.
• Never, ever leave your residence unlocked.
• Do not draw attention to yourself when you are returning to your residence late at night.
• Do not pack your essential documents or medicines in checked baggage – luggage gets lost.
• Never carry large amounts of cash.
• Do not bring expensive jewelry with you.
• Most places are safe in most countries, BUT don’t wander down dark alleys or into areas that are known to be high risk. Avoid restaurants and entertainment places where Americans are known to congregate.
• Also avoid baggage tags that would clearly identify you as an American.
• Do not impair your judgment with excessive consumption of alcohol.
• Women are sometimes targets of harassment – don’t become a target. If possible travel with some men
• Dress conservatively
• Do not agree to meet strangers in non-public places
• Don’t let your “natural friendliness” be mistaken for flirtations.
• Do not lose your passport, it will not be the end of the world, but it may seem like it is.
• Do not joke about bombs or about smuggled items – airport authorities will not find that funny nor will you.

Courtesy:
http://riskmanagement.nd.edu/international-travel/international-travel/safety/do-and-don-t-do-while-travelling/