How To Keep Safe When Traveling
With the increasing incidence of vehicle-related crashes, do remember a few pointers. Places with hazardous road constructions, bad vehicle maintenance, unskilled/inebriated drivers and lack of care to pedestrians and cyclists, increase the risk of being involved in a vehicle-related crash.
To ensure safety,
* Choose a vehicle with safety belts and make sure you use them. Check vehicles to see whether brakes, headlights etc are okay.
* Use a safety helmet whenever riding on a bicycle or motorcycle.
Avoid taking on drivers impaired under the influence of alcohol and drunk co-passengers whenever possible. Sitting in the back seat minimizes the risk of death in case of an accident.
* Pack car safety seats for kids.
Generally, avoid petting stray dogs and cats in unknown areas while traveling. They might be rabies-infested for all you know. Also, let wild animals be- do not invite attack from them by unnecessarily approaching or teasing them. Do not attempt to tamper with venomous creatures like snakes.
On a holiday, do not swim in pools without chlorinated water. Contaminated water may give you unpleasant eye, ear, skin and intestinal infections, even encephalitis, and ruin the trip for you.
Be sensitive to local cultural codes relating to ethics and dressing, to avoid incurring local displeasure and even arrest. Esp. in the case of women, sexual availability is often measured by the kind of clothes they wear. Dress appropriately to avoid unpleasant attention. Also, do not offend religious ethics, e.g. always enter a mosque barefoot and cover your head. Certain Buddhist temples of South East Asia may require you to wear long trousers and long-sleeved shirts as a mark of respect.
To avoid being easy target for pickpockets, thugs and other criminals, avoid hitchhiking. Do not display your valuables or jewelry. Do not carry clutch purses or handbags that can be easily filched. Consider secret pockets or belt linings to hide cash or travelers’ cheques. Avoid too crowded compartments, as well as deserted ones in trains and buses. Both make you vulnerable.
Pregnant women should avoid countries where malaria is present, and avoid food poisoning by not indulging in roadside food and seafood. Always wash your hands with an antiseptic soap before eating. Avoid activities that may harm your baby, such as hot saunas and scuba diving. If you are a lactating mom, remember that many countries frown upon breastfeeding in public.
As far as general health goes, if you are on medication that is not easily available, carry it. Some women prefer to carry their tampons and pads, as they might be difficult to find in unknown areas. Same goes for other contraceptive devices like condoms. Avoid dental surgery, tattooing or body piercing in strange places — these may infect you with blood-borne diseases. Carry your own medicine kit, and ensure that your drinking water is hygienic. Drink lots of water to reduce the possibilities of urinary tract infections.