On occasions, my husband takes overnight business trips. To prevent loneliness, he often invites me to go along with him. Whenever I discover what city we will be visiting, I immediately start researching it. For instance, I map out landmarks we’ve never seen, restaurants with good reviews, entertainment options, and hotels that look appealing. By the time we get in the car, board the plane, or get on the train, every minute of our trip is already planned out. If your spouse travels frequently for work, consider mixing business with pleasure from time to time. On this blog, you will discover how to make the most of an upcoming business trip.
Business and Pleasure
8 Ways To Stay Safe While Traveling Abroad
Delores Tucker
Whether you plan on sightseeing in Paris or relaxing on a beach in Thailand, traveling to a foreign country can be quite exciting. Seeing new sights and being around different types of people can be a life changing experience. However, it is important to be cautious when you visit countries with cultures different than your own. Here are eight ways to stay safe while traveling abroad:
Research the Laws
The laws in the country you are traveling to may be different than what you are used to, so it is vital to research them thoroughly. For example, if you are visiting Singapore, you should not chew gum. According to BBC News, the country banned gum chewing in 1992 to promote cleanliness and good behavior. Lee Kuan Yew, the country's former prime minister, implemented the law because he saw people throw gum on the ground and stick it on subway doors. Since the ban, the country has been a lot cleaner.
Choose a National Hotel Chain
Staying at a hostel may be cheaper, but it is safer to pick a national hotel chain. Bigger hotel chains usually have good safety records, so you will have a more pleasant trip.
Purchase Travel Health Insurance
Although it is not nice to think about, it is possible to get sick or injured while you are traveling abroad. If you have to go to the hospital to get treated, your health coverage at home will likely not cover the costs. That is why it is important to purchase travel health insurance before you leave for your trip. Travel insurance will help pay for medical costs abroad and ensure that you receive the proper care you deserve.
Get a Money Belt
It is especially important to be careful with your money when you are traveling aboard. A money belt is a great device to hold your cash and credit cards. If you put the money belt around your waist, your money will be less accessible to thieves.
Learn Some of the Language
If the country you are traveling to has a different language, it would be very beneficial to learn some basic phrases. If you find yourself in a bit of a pickle, knowing some of the language can definitely help you out. For example, if you can't find your way back to your hotel, you could ask a taxi driver or local resident for assistance.
Call Your Credit Card Company Beforehand
If you plan on using your credit card during your trip, it is important to let the credit card company know a few days beforehand. If the credit card company sees charges in a foreign country and doesn't know you are traveling abroad, they may cancel the credit card. Making a quick phone call will help you avoid a lot of hassle on your trip.
Do not Give Money to Beggars
If you are visiting a developing country, you will most likely see many beggars on the street. However, you should avoid giving them money. If you still want to help out the poor people in the country you are visiting, donate to a local charity.
Make Copies of Important Documents
Even if you are very cautious, it is still possible to misplace important documents, such as your passport, while traveling abroad. It is a wise idea to make copies of these documents and email them to yourself before you leave.
If you follow these helpful tips, you can have a safe and enjoyable international trip. Also, be sure to tell your family members exactly where you are going in case anything should happen.
If you're not sure you're ready to travel internationally yet, there are lots of beautiful resorts in the U.S. Check out a resort like Sands Resorts in South Carolina, for example.
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