Tips to Stay Safe During a Visit Overseas

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With the holiday season fast approaching, you must be planning to visit your family settled abroad or enjoying a vacation overseas or even going on an official trip. Make awareness, safety and information on local laws a part of your planning for a tension-free trip overseas.Check and recheck the papersTake some time out to fill the emergency information page of your passport and ensure that your family or friends have a photocopy of your passport data page and visa. Scan your travel documents and also carry photocopies.Insurance coverageIt would be advisable to check with your insurance company if your policy is applicable in foreign locations too.Health checkVisit your doctor to know more about health precautions and getting relevant vaccinations or immunisations for the places you are planning to visit.Travelling with babiesSafety and comfort should be your prime concern while travelling with babies. From medication to diapers to clothing, take extra care to ensure everything is in its place in the baby's travel bag. Don't leave anything for the last minute.General precautionsAvoid wearing flamboyant clothing, flashing jewellery or carrying large amount of cash as it would attract the attention of miscreants. Instead of carrying cash, rely on traveller's cheques, Euro cheques or international credit cards.Take care of expensive phones, cameras or laptops as they could get damaged or lost. Strictly avoid accepting eatables or beverages from over-friendly or suspicious looking strangers or leaving unattended luggage in public areas.Cyber cafe cautionSome cyber cafes might have software that track your keyboard strokes such as usernames, passwords and credit card details. So, be careful about the Internet cafe you visit and make sure you erase the data on history list of the websites once you are done.Local customs and languageRespect local customs and don't disregard or ridicule traditions or dress codes. If a religious place does not allow photographs, then switch off your smart phone off or keep your camera in a safe place.It would also help you if you learn a few key words or phrases in the local language. This would help you in talking to the local people.Be with your groupTravel in a group. Avoid travelling alone especially after sunset. Keep emergency numbers handy like police, ambulance, fire and the nearest embassy.Inside hotelDon't leave your valuables or cash lying openly. Keep your cupboard and suitcase keys with you all the time. Don't volunteer to carry any package or parcel for someone whom you have met only recently.Drugs or substance abuseStrictly avoid use, purchase or carrying of prohibited drugs or substances in a foreign country. The consequences could be imprisonment or deportment. Don't carry any parcel or packets for others and never leave your luggage unattended. Avoid driving if you are drunk. If you have to, then drink alcohol in moderation.