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Archived
Weekly Features
News Cruise |
 Michael
Bennett is the former Senior Producer of the Travel Channels
west coast operations and is currently a travel writer for Savoy
and Black Enterprise Magazine. Michael is the host of Globetrotting
on BET's BET on Jazz Network. For travel question write to Michaelbman2002@netzero.com |
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Safety Overseas
Before I get started, I would like to thank Hal Eisner and the
contributors for some terrific articles in the wake of those
cowardly acts of terrorism committed against our fellow citizens.
Your valuable insight has been second to none.
Another benefit to HalEisner.com is the chance to communicate
with fellow journalists and renew old acquaintances. A dear
friend of mine, with whom I had lost contact three years ago,
found me through [his website] HalEisner.com. We reminisced
for a few minutes about our days at KCOP and vowed to stay in
touch.
Then she popped the question, no not that question. She’s planning
an October trip to Europe and wanted to know if it was safe
to fly, and would she be safe once she arrived?
If we can take anything positive from the horrific acts of September
11, 2001, air travel is probably the safest it’s ever been.
International air travel has, for the most part, always been
safer than domestic flights. Having said that, most, if not
all nations have stepped up their already tight security on
flights to and from the United States.
I urged my dear friend to take the trip, but prepare for the
unexpected. First and foremost, when traveling overseas you
and you alone are responsible for your safety. Your initial
reaction when the unexpected happens could mean life or death.
To make those quick decisions, you’ll need information about
your destination. Here’s a quick list of what you’ll need.
The location and local phone number of the US Embassy
The
location and phone number of the Canadian, British and Australian
Embassies (I’ll explain in a moment)
The latest information on any unrest in your host country, especially
as it pertains to attacks on Americans.
Have your travel agents phone number and any local contacts
they can provide at your destination
Learn as much as possible about the country you plan to visit.
ÿ Learn the language
Read the US State Department Travel Advisories and Warnings
There is a huge difference between State Department warnings
and the less restrictive advisory. If an advisory is issued,
read it carefully and include it as part of your overall fact
gathering about your destination. An advisory could be about
anything from a health scare to minor forms of political unrest.
Advisories’ do not prohibit you from travel they’re meant to
keep you informed. The more serious travel warning is usually
associated with imminent danger to Americans with a high probability
of attacks on U.S. interests.
In most cases the U.S. Embassy in those countries will be closed
and unable to help should the need arise. All travel to the
Middle East should be avoided for the foreseeable future. The
United States has many good friends in the Middle East, but
fanatics have been know to rear their ugly heads in the safest
of countries in that part of the world. Ok, so now you’ve arrived
at your destination. What precautions should you take to insure
your safety?
Do
not show your U.S. passport unless an airport, airline or customs
official demands to see it. Your identity is yours and yours
alone.
Become familiar with your surroundings and pay attention
If you’re fortunate enough to have a local guide, have them
point out safety zones where you can hide in the event the unforeseen
happens ÿ If you plan on going to a highly traveled tourist
attraction find escape. routes in case something happens. Terrorists
look for places like these to plant bombs or plan other nefarious
acts of terrorism.
If you’re with a large crowd try to separate yourself a little
to make it harder to be a target.
By all means stop acting like arrogant Americans. I don’t mean
that as a condemnation of our way of life, but no country on
the planet enjoys the freedoms and consumer resources at our
disposal. One sure fire way to insult the people of foreign
lands is to flaunt our comparative wealth. Unless you’re going
to Monaco or some equally ritzy destination, leave the expensive
jewelry, furs and other high-priced items at home.
How you dress is also very important. Don’t advertise yourself
as an American. Don’t wear clothing plastered with American
flags, or wear distasteful t-shirts with logos advertising drugs,
sex or violence. Respect the customs of the locals and dress
conservatively.
When it comes to handling money, have smaller bills of local
currency readily available and hide the rest of your money.
When you tip the locals, you aren’t pulling out big wads of
money that could make you a target for crime later. What should
you do if violence breaks out? ÿ Get away from the violence
as quickly as possible.
Try to blend in with the locals
Earlier I mentioned Canadian, British and Australian Embassies.
If violence does occur often times the U.S. Embassy comes under
attack. These other embassies will help protect you
Avoid your hotel if it’s a known haven for American tourists
Remember your safety is your responsibility. Do not depend on
local officials to protect you, especially if you’re headed
to countries with less than stable governments. Understand the
country you’re in and exercise some degree of common sense.
That common sense could be your best friend. |
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