Across the world news has spread that the former Miss Venezuela, model and actress Monica Spear and her ex-husband were shot by robbers after their car broke down near Puerto Cabello, Venezuela, Monday.
Though traveling to foreign countries has certain known and accepted risks, here's a few extra tips to stay safe and aware while abroad.
1. Tell other people where you're going
If you're traveling with your family or in a group, always let someone know where you're planning to go and when (ballpark) they should expect your return. Having at least one other person aware of your whereabouts is always a good plan.
Additionally, if you're in another country, it's a good idea to give some friends or family members back home your travel itinerary, just so they can be on the up and up in case your return flight doesn't actually return with you.
2. Troll for travel advice
The Internet and travel sites like this one are great and wonderful tools to learn all about what areas of Barcelona are known for pick pocketing, if parking your rental car overnight on the street in Rio is a good idea, or if Iran is really someplace you want to be visiting right now. Trust and listen to your fellow travelers.
3. Hide your valuables
OK, so maybe a fanny pack isn't your idea of sexy, but don't traipse about town waving your cash or traveler's checks around. Impressing the hot local girls is cool and all, but when you wake up with a smile and no wallet, don't say there was no warning. It's also a good idea to separate your money; unless you're in Vegas, no one wants to lose it all at one time. Additionally, if your hotel or hostel comes with a room safe or a locker, use it.
And leave that one-of-a-kind, priceless piece of whatever at home. If you can't replace it, don't bring it with you.
4. Get vaccinated
Eager to visit Vietnam and dine on the local delicacies? Of course, but best be sure you've seen a doc pre-trip and are protected against whatever diseases/germs/parasites, etc that especially Western immune systems are not used to.
5. Never leave your bags or belongings unattended
This is a massive Captain Obvious statement, but it still bears repeating. Have a hand or handle on your stuff at all times. If you're in transit, whether on a plane or train and want to take a nap, it's a good idea to sit on the strap of your bag or to wrap it around your wrist or ankle.
6. Make copies of all your travel documents
Whether you photocopy or scan copies of your passport, visas, or travel insurance documents, always be sure you have extra documentation of these ultra important travel necessities on your person or at least apart from your baggage when you're in transit.
7. Give it up
Sadly, Monica and her ex-hubby Thomas Henry Berry might still be alive if they'd gone by this last rule and given their car and valuables up to robbers, instead of refusing and barricading themselves inside a locked car. Always give thieves, robbers, or muggers your wallet, purse, jewelry, car, etc. Most always they'll take the items and run and leave you with your life, which is worth far more than what you'll lose.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
