Health Security of our personal possessions is the next concern. Tourists are vulnerable prey to thieves wherever they travel. Make a copy of your passport, driver’s licence and credit cards (both sides) and keep the paper copies on your person and with a relative at home in case you lose them or they are stolen. Keep your passport separate from your wallet, and keep some currency separate from both of those in case your wallet or purse is gone. Keep your wallet in a front pocket, not your rear pocket, and keep cash separately, preferably in a money belt or other secure location. Purses, laptops, cell phones and tablets should be secured by belts or straps and never left where they can be stolen or forgotten. Backpacks and other secure storage devices are strongly recommended. If staying at a hotel, leave any valuables you can in the hotel or room safe. Illegal scanners are now able to retrieve personal information from your credit cards, driver’s licence and passport, without your even knowing that a thief has done so. Inexpensive commercial protectors are now widely available for your cards and passport and are strongly recommended. Cell phone information is able to be scanned as well, which could result in huge invoices for long distance calls which you didn’t make. Turn off your cell phone in crowded areas, especially airports, train stations and bus terminals. Be aware of your dress code as you travel. Avoid labels on luggage, hats or clothing indicating your country of origin. Try to blend in with the local inhabitants and avoid marking yourself as a tourist by looking at maps in public or other actions that make you stand out. Be cautious about interactions with strangers, especially if they approach you. Try to avoid being bumped in crowded streets, as pickpockets flourish in such environments. Be very cautious about persons approaching you with some proposition, deal or opportunity. Fraud is an ever-present risk wherever you travel. Electronic devices such as laptops, phones and tablets are common prey for thieves as they can fetch high prices. Just as you don’t flash expensive jewellery, don’t expose your devices in public places. Leave them in a purse or pack until in a private locale. Recent mass killings have sparked a keen interest for travellers regarding how to try and avoid such incidents. Obviously, some countries such as France, Turkey, Pakistan, and the U.S. – to name a few – have had such disasters, but no country is free of the threat of terrorists or deranged individuals committing such atrocities. Avoiding areas of conflict and strife is about all that you can do. Most attacks are in sites of mass gatherings inmetropolitan areas. If attending events or gatherings such as sporting events, festivals, religious events or demonstrations, be aware of available exits, overcrowding and the location of medical facilities. Leave immediately if you sense any risk to your health, safety or security. CSANews | FALL 2016 | 41
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