As you may know, I like to travel. During the last four years I have spent time in about different four countries, in the last four years. That doesn’t count the countries I’ve traveled to more than once. When I tell my loved ones that I am leaving again, it is totally natural for them to feel a little uneasy. Mostly because we are family and we prefer our loved ones to be nearby to some degree. In my mother and grandma’s case, they loved to be able to hop in a car and get to me in a few hours or less if I need some sort of help. The reality is, I live in a big world, one that is full of things for me to experience, witness, taste, and try. Unfortunately, that means when I travel I’m not all ways a phone call and 3/4 of a tank away. That can be scary for both my mom and grandma and myself. Over the years I have collected some solid rules that I always play by no matter where I am going to help me stay safe and dart any serious troubles that could possibly come my way. Since I had a free minute I figured I would stop by and share a couple of them with all of you!
1) Don’t be naive. Be Smart.
Literally, don’t do anything stupid. It sounds like silly advice, but somethings that are okay/funny to do at home in the privacy of your own neighbor wouldn’t be such a smart idea if you are doing it in a foreign environment (especially if there are language barriers). For example, maybe walking home at night is pretty safe in your home town. I see people in Iowa City walk across the street all the time without thoroughly looking both ways. I call this Pedestrian-Privilege. Generally students get it in their heads, that the light is about to turn RED so I can walk now. Or they know that they have the right-away and vehicles should and will stop for them. This mentality is a horrible thing. I’m sure all of the people in Iowa City who drive within the city frequently can attest to the fact that some students need to pay more attention. This mentality isn’t good in Iowa City, however, it is definitely UNACCEPTABLE in other countries. I am guilty of this as well. Being in China this March set my record straight! I had to cross an 6-8 lane street and I didn’t understand the traffic signals exactly, and I thought to myself naively, “It’s okay to walk they have a red light.” WRONG! I almost got hit. Being in the Dominican Republic, I’ve heard multiple times that pedestrians do not have the right away. So walking into a street assuming that the car will stop or expecting that you might just do such a thing is stupid. Long story short always look both ways, and think smart!
2) Act like your important things are important.
Leaving valuables (like your laptop or passport) on a public table while you run to the restroom at the library or some other quiet public place is okay in my good ol’ Keokuk Iowa, and all though I am not recommending it it is also pretty safe to do so in Iowa City. People including myself, leave their textbooks and technology on a study table while they go take a 30 min walk or study break of some sort all the time. However, losing your cell phone, or having your laptop stolen, or misplacing your passport, could seriously mess up your day and most certainly your entire trip. So if you are aware of how horrible it would be if you lost your one and cell phone, don’t just set it down anywhere. If you are in a city or a highly populated area understand that anything in your back pocket or strapped onto your back is probably an easy target for pick pocketers.
3) This one is for my ladies especially…In the evening be sure to travel in groups.
I’m not saying surround yourself with all of your american student buddies so that you look like and sound like an abnoxious group of tourists. I am saying why not enjoy an experience with friends while at the same time decreasing your chances of being a target for the crimes that occur most frequently after nightfall? As my Doña always says, “Despues 5 de la tarde, nunca nunca nunca sola.”
4) Have a list of emergency numbers written down and saved in your phone.
It also doesn’t hurt to be sure that you have informed someone of your whereabouts.
5) Register with STEP
The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) was formerly known as “Travel Registration” or “Registration with Embassies” and allows people to receive the latest travel updates and information via email.The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service provided by the U.S. Government to U.S. citizens who are traveling to, or living in, a foreign country.STEP allows you to enter information about your upcoming trip abroad so that the Department of State can better assist you in an emergency.STEP also allows Americans residing abroad to get routine information from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
I became aware of this program from the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship.