by Lori Appling
1. If you're traveling to an unfamiliar country, it's a good idea to contact the American Embassy for information about safety. They can tell you what crimes U.S. citizens need to be wary of and what precautions you should take. You'll find a listing of U.S. Embassies and Consulates at http://usembassy.state.gov .
2. Do a little research about clothing customs and pack accordingly. In Turkey, for instance, in many places it's considered provocative for a woman to show her knees. The website http://www.internationalbenefits.com talks about making the most of international travel, including dressing appropriately.
3. Don't wear flashy jewelry or expensive watches. Arrange to keep your valuables and passport in a hotel safe. If you need to carry them with you, a money belt or pouch worn under your clothes is the most secure way.
4. Don't travel with cash. Instead, consider traveler's checks and credit cards.
5. Make a photocopy of your passport and take it with you. If you have the misfortune of losing your passport or it gets stolen, this will make it easier for the American Embassy to arrange a replacement. Consider leaving an additional copy with a friend at home. Extra passport photos are helpful, too.
6. Ask the American Embassy or the country's tourist bureau about laws that are different from those in the U.S. In Singapore, for instance, you can be fined instantly for smoking in public buildings, littering, jaywalking, spitting, feeding birds in public places, chewing gum on the local transport system, and failing to flush public lavatories.
7. Check with the tourist board or your local phone company for instructions on how to call home. AT&T and MCI have toll-free numbers that reach a U.S. operator. You can then use a credit card or phone card to make a call.
8. Keep your prescriptions in their original bottles. Drug laws are very serious in many countries. The original containers, along with copies of your prescriptions, will help you avoid problems. Be especially mindful of prescriptions that contain narcotics. In that case, a letter from your doctor is a good idea, too.
9. If you are traveling alone, make sure a friend back home has your itinerary and knows where you will be and when.
10. Use your street smarts. Keep to well-lit places at night, and be aware of the people around you.
