Avoiding Crime on Vacation ~ Travel and Leisure

It's sad, but I've noticed that American travelers tend to avoid visiting certain parts of the world because of irrational, fear-based reasons. They've heard anecdotes about crime or negative conditions in certain countries or destinations, and these things have a way of getting around and coloring how we perceive these distant locales. Admittedly, there are a handful of places in the world that North Americans should steadfastly avoid, but such places are usually not even served by major airlines, so it's not as if you'll find brochures for them at your travel agent's office.

But if you do your preparation, keep your head about you, and use a healthy level of caution, you'll be surprised by how much of the world is perfectly safe for travelers. In most cases, you'll even find the locals to be overwhelmingly friendly to tourists, and you'll feel silly for having ever had fear-based misgivings about going.

Even in the safest overseas destinations-think Tokyo or Paris-some measure of preparation and caution is needed. The same general rules apply everywhere. Be smart, and keep these ideas in mind.

Prepare, Prepare, Prepare

If you're going to a part of the world where you've never been, it's a good idea to obsessively read up on that country's customs, history, and politics for at least few weeks prior to your trip. Read travel books, memoirs, and novels from that place. See movies, if possible, and watch documentaries relating to that country. Read all of the legitimate information that you can find on the internet. I always find that it's amazing how no amount of research can truly prepare me for the feeling of actually being in a place. But I'm always thankful for the things that I do know thanks to my preparation.

Know the Practical Things

Also, don't forget the more practical forms of preparation. Make lists of the sights you want to see, and start making itineraries for daily outings. Look at maps, and research transportation options. And don't forget this important point: It only takes an hour or less a day over a few weeks to learn the basics of a foreign language. If you're going somewhere like Paris, you may see comments in travel guides about how most Parisians speak English and that it's not a big deal if you can't order meals or ask for directions in French. Don't believe it. Learn as much of the language as you can. It will earn appreciation and respect from the locals, and it will deepen your experience.

Take Protective Measures

Most travel destinations are basically safe, so it pains me to have to say this. But yes, there are a number of precautions you should take when traveling in any foreign country.

Photocopy all of your important documents, including your credit cards, ID, airline tickets, and passport, and give them to a trusted friend back home. This way, if something happens to your wallet or purse, you'll have easy access to all your personal information.
If there's anything you don't need on a day's outing, leave it at the hotel (preferably in the safe) or wherever you're staying. It might sound crazy, but when I go for outings in unfamiliar places, I like to take just some cash, my hotel key, and nothing else. And of course, I only take as much cash as I think I'm going to need.
Forgive me, as it's hard to say this without sounding condescending, but don't look like a tourist. Wear comfortable clothes, but also try to blend in. Remember that the locals will be going about their everyday business, so at least look respectable enough to mingle with them. Do you have casual Fridays at your work? That's in the ballpark.
Stay sober. There's not much to say on this point. If you get drunk, you'll be a perfect target for scams, theft, or worse. Plus, if you sometimes have trouble holding your liquor, you might end up contributing to a negative perception of your country. So, especially if you're from the U.S., we'll all appreciate it if you behave with decorum.