When you’re on vacation, the last thing you want to worry about is your safety, so it’s wise to be prepared -
- Contact the embassy. Before you book a trip, call the American embassy in the country you’ll be visiting and ask for the Regional Security Officer (RSO). You can get the number by contacting the State Department at 888-407-4747
The RSO should be able to answer questions about disease outbreaks, high crime areas, weather issues, where to get the best exchange rates and problems American travelers have had.
- Don’t dress like an American. Letting others know that you’re an American may lead the crooks to assume that you’re a wealthy tourist worth robbing or, even worse, worth kidnapping for a ransom.
Keep all watches and jewelry at home. If you must bring jewelry or other valuables, make sure they’re insured. Also, avoid using expensive luggage. Keep cameras hidden when not in use. (more…)