TravelSkills: Staying safe while abroad [Infographic]

Relaxed, fun-loving selfie takers should remain wary of cell phone snatchers on summer trips (Photo: Whitey Blustein)

Travelers are popular targets for thieves because they carry large amounts of money and expensive electronics, and tend not to keep their guard up when relaxing or exploring a fun new place. They are more vulnerable in physical and social spaces that are not their own. And the probability of a visitor reporting a crime and sticking around to testify is very low.

Peak summer travel season is here. With low transoceanic airfares and a strong U.S. dollar, more Americans than ever have summer plans abroad. Does that include you? Or someone you love? Then it’s time to spend a few minutes to consider the new risks of international travel, and familiarize yourself with the customs, and potential dangers, of where you are going.

Don’t let these warnings scare you away from seeing the world… remember, you are likely as much at risk in your home town as you are in another country.

This morning Mike’s Gear Reviews sent us a helpful infographic that should help get you started in preparing for international trips. It’s packed full of helpful TravelSkills, such as:

>Check country specific information and alerts at the US State Department’s website for travelers travel.state.gov. I also like the reports from the CIA World Factbook, the U.K. Home Office Travel Abroad site (which also offers specific country advice) and Australian Foreign Affairs Office SmarterTraveller site.

>You might get harassed by locals in Middle Eastern countries if you are perceived as not being conservative and sensitive to Islamic culture.

>It’s not on Mike’s list, but never leave your mobile phone, tablet or laptop exposed on an outdoor cafe table in Europe. I’ve seen so many of them snatched, sometimes violently.

>In Central and South America criminals may use drugs to temporarily incapacitate victims, so don’t leave food or drink unattended.

>In Asia, you might be scammed into having tea with a “friendly” local, and then be left with an exorbitant tab. (I’ve heard of this one before… typically the friendly local says that he or she would like to practice English with you.)

>If confronted by criminals in Africa, always clearly display your hands and don’t make sudden moves that could be interpreted as resistance.

>Emergency phone numbers vary around the world. While we dial 911 in the U.S. and Canada, in Europe it’s 112, in Australia, 000. In Mexico, it’s 060. Know the number before you go!

What safety tips would you offer international travelers this summer? Please leave them in the comments.