How to Travel Safely in 12 Steps
Traveling alone as a senior woman can put you at risk for theft and crime, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t venture away from your Rhode Island home. Take the vacation abroad you always dreamed of for your retirement, and get yourself out there with these 12 travel safety tips in mind:
1. Know the destination’s cultural regulations – many countries have specific regulations for women with regards to clothing and behavior. It may seem like a double standard, but to avoid conflict, try to respect and abide by these guidelines
2. Check for travel warnings – the US State Department Consular Information provides up to date information about safety issues and any other travel warnings about where you intend to travel
3. Make sure travel documentation is up to date – make sure that you have the right visas for where you’re traveling and that your passport is valid. Make sure you get a passport 3-4 months before you travel so you don’t run into any problems
4. Leave information at home – make sure a friend or family member has your full itinerary, including contact information for places you’re staying, as well as a copy of your plane ticket, and even a copy of your passport
5. Leave valuables at home – leave extra credit cards and jewelry and valuables at homes, costume jewelry included as it could be mistaken for the real thing
6. Have health insurance – make sure you have travel insurance that covers potential medical costs while you’re away, including evacuation
7. Take enough medication and make sure it’s labeled – for prescription medications, have enough for the duration of your trip and then some in case of delays. Make sure your medications are in their original prescription bottles with labels as some countries might give you trouble due to trafficking laws
8. Remain aware – be aware of those around you and use common sense if you feel someone is acting suspiciously. Go into a store or contact your hotel if you feel uncomfortable
9. Look confident – look and act like you know where you’re going, keep your head held high, and you won’t look like such an easy target
10. Ask for directions – know where you’re going and how to get there before you leave your hotel. Ask the concierge for directions to avoid unsafe areas and keep your confidence up
11. Choose a safe hotel – a central hotel with security and public transportation like taxis nearby is a safer bet
12. Dress conservatively – dress conservatively wherever you’re going and keep jewelry and makeup minimal so you don’t look like a good target
Via: About.com
Image: www.jupiterimages.com
Home Instead Senior Care in Rhode Island provides non medical home care services for seniors and the elderly who choose to live at home instead. Please call us for more information on our in-home care services at 401-667-2923.
