How to Stay Safe While Traveling In Africa
Travelers who are planning to visit Africa should first make the distinction as to exactly where they're going. South Africa is one of many countries within the continent of Africa, so always make this distinction when making your travel plans.
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How to Stay Safe While Traveling In Africa
Graham McKenzie is the content syndication coordinator for a leading South African Flight comparison & Booking portal, to book a flight, simply visit our website at: http://www.saflights.co.za.co.za
Travelers who are planning to visit Africa should first make the distinction as to exactly where they’re going. South Africa is one of many countries within the continent of Africa, so always make this distinction when making your travel plans. Traveling can be a risky adventure and it’s important to be prepared for any situation. Women alone or in pairs, solo travelers and anyone unfamiliar with their travel destination should carefully research for advice on what to expect and how to stay safe during their trip.
1. Traveling Alone is Not Recommended
Although the idea of taking off to a new and exciting destination sounds like a great adventure, it can also turn into a disaster. When you’re visiting another country, you can be caught by surprise by events you didn’t expect. Every city has places which even the locals avoid and traveling in rural areas still can expose you to dishonest tour guides or merchants. Being a solo traveler makes you more vulnerable to being cheated or harmed.
2. Group Travel Safety Tips
Traveling with a group has advantages, especially if you’re with a guided tour. It is the job of your group leader to give advice regarding areas of the city to avoid. If they fail in this task, it’s your responsibility to ask. You are the only one who will answer for your actions, so make it a point to be informed. Law enforcement in a foreign country does not provide any special favors to foreign visitors simply because they didn’t realize the risks of their decisions.
- If splitting off from the main group, which is not advised, always include at least one other person from the group to go with you.
- Carry identification with you which indicates your group name, your hotel, your nationality, etc. Keep this information in multiple places such as in your travel bag and somewhere on yourself.
- Let your group companions or leader know your plans, to include your destination and anticipated return time. The smart travelers arrange to call the group leader when reaching their destination to let them know they arrived safely, then again when heading back to meet the group.
- Be smart about carrying any expensive items in plain sight. A camera around your neck or a purse that’s not secured closely to your body is a sure signal that you’re a tourist, and thieves look for just such signals.
- It’s never wise to carry sizeable amounts of cash, even if you’re not traveling. Be careful with the cash you do have on you, never counting it in a public place or displaying a large bundle in public. The safest place for extra cash is in the hotel safe, or your group vehicle may have a locked compartment for this use. If that’s not an option, then at least break up your money into smaller amounts and place them randomly in a pocket, inside a jacket and some in the wallet. One of the worst things to wear when traveling is a waist pack, often referred to as a fanny pack. They are a red flag to any thief as they are likely to contain a treasure trove of money, credit cards, identification, passports, etc. The convenience of these carrying packs is not worth the extreme risk to your possessions and your person.
- Keep alert and aware of your environment and what is going on around you. Watch the people who you come into contact with and notice if anyone in particular appears to be following you or your group. It’s easy to get caught up in the new sights and sounds all around but that can be to your peril.
- Don’t let yourself become so frightened of being robbed or attacked that you forget to enjoy the many friendly people you will meet. They are more numerous than the bad guys. Use good judgment and always stay aware and you will have a wonderful and safe travel experience.
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