 
Dear Responsible W.O.R.L.D. Traveler, Just back from London, I’m reminded of how wonderfully cosmopolitan and vibrant Britain’s capital city is.  I loved it many years ago when I lived there, and I love it still. Stroll down the street, and you hear any language you can imagine. Choosing a restaurant for dinner is a delight, with every conceivable cuisine available. And of course, London’s traditional pleasures endure: verdant parks, stately architecture, and first-rate theater. (By the way, the photo is a playful shot I took in my London hotel room with my irresistible Mac Photo Booth. Such a fun program!) Now I’m off to Los Angeles to participate in a small, by-invitation-only conference on marketing. It will be excellent, I am sure, and will also give me the perfect chance to visit my family out in the “Valley.” Then back to D.C. to prepare for my departure for Dakar in late October with Women’s Travels for Peace: Senegal. We (I and my colleague, Ibrahima NDiaye, an expert language trainer from Senegal) will soon be starting our webinar lessons for the group’s travelers: French for Travelers, Basic Wolof, and discussions on Senegalese culture. Lots of exciting activities going on! I have noticed lately, though, that people often ask my thoughts on how to stay “safe” on the road. Perhaps it’s these uneasy times of economic woes and political strain that bring thoughts of safety in travel to mind. The good news is that like so many worrisome topics, travel safety comes down to a few basic precautions, a good dose of common sense, and a positive attitude. This month’s feature article, 8 Tips for Happy, Safe Travel, will ease your concerns and simplify the safety preparation process. Happy Reading! With love and peace, 
Peace Through Travel
8 Tips for Happy, Safe Travel The wise traveler has an open, positive attitude and also takes basic safety precautions.  These 8 travel safety tips, along with a little common sense and the belief that everything will be fine, will set you on the road to a happy adventure. 1. Learn about local culture Crime targets are generally those who stand out. So step one in traveling safely is to blend in. - Read about your destination before you leave. How do people dress? How do they conduct themselves in the street? How do they socialize? When, how and where do they eat?
- Learn some basic cultural do’s and don’ts. Dress like those around you—not like a tourist. White tennis shoes are a dead-giveaway, as are baseball caps and shorts, in most places. Leave them home, and find comfortable alternatives.
- Master some basic language. Simple, important phrases and courtesies will carry you far. The many travel phrase books on the market will help you.
2. Make copies of all your important documents - Leave copies of your passport, reservations, credit cards and driver’s license with family or friends at home. Bring a copy of each with you.
- If you like, make a note of the address and phone number of the local consulate in your destination.
- Have the 800 numbers to call if you need to cancel a credit card.
- You can also sign up with a service that registers all your cards in one place. When I realized my wallet had been deftly plucked from my purse in Milan, I phoned the international 800 number for the American Express Credit Card Registry. With one call I cancelled all my cards. Nice.
3. Have a cell phone that works locally, some cash, and a taxi service number - A cell phone is the most convenient way to communicate. Several international cell phone rental services are available. Just do a web search.
- Buy a local calling card in case you lose your cell phone.
- Have some local currency when you reach your destination, unless you know the airport exchange office will be open when you arrive.
- A quick word about cash: don’t count your money in the street! I’ve actually seen people do this. It’s bad enough that many ATMs are on the sidewalk with no security entrance. Don’t make things worse by collecting your money and then counting it for all to see.
4. Be careful in your hotel room - Don’t announce your room number.
- Don’t stay on the ground or first floor if easily accessible from the street.
- Try not to stay near the elevator or stairs; those rooms are more often targeted by burglars.
- Don’t leave valuables out in your room; use the room or hotel safe.
- DO use the “Do Not Disturb” sign when you go out.
5. Let others know where you’ll be - Tell people at home where you expect to be.
- Let the hotel or a local friend or colleague know where you’re going and when you plan to be back.
6. Know where you are - Maps and guidebooks are your best friends. You’ll often find a good map in the arrival airport, along with local safety tips.
- Better yet, bring both with you. Large bookstores, on- and off-line, have troves of travel information. The consulate of the country you’re visiting can also be helpful.
- Know where the questionable neighborhoods are. Every city has them, and it’s your job to know where not to go. Ask at your hotel if you’re not sure.
- Know how to access transportation at all hours. Have the number for a reliable, official taxi service. An airport information desk, your hotel, or even the country’s consulate at home can advise you on this.
7. Be smart about the company you keep. - Don’t give out your personal information, such as your hotel name or itinerary, to someone you just met in a bar.
- Keep an eye on your drink.
- Stay near groups of people.
- And be very careful if you’re thinking about a sexual encounter.
- If you feel someone is following you, approach a small group of people, tell them you think you’re being followed and ask to walk with them for a bit. Most people will be happy to help you. Or duck into a shop and call a taxi.
8. Don’t be flashy - Jewelry, camera, camcorder, phone, PDA: keep your valuables hidden.
- Don’t carry a new Prada purse; carry a used purse, preferably with a long strap you can wear across your chest.
- Don’t keep everything in one place. Put your cell phone in your pocket, camera in your bag, etc.
- If you like to use a money belt or fanny pack, then do. To me a fanny pack shouts “Tourist!”. But if you’re comfortable with one, great.
- When putting your backpack or purse down anywhere, wrap a strap around your leg. No one will grab your bag, and you won’t leave it behind.
These simple steps will take care of your safety planning, freeing you to relax and enjoy this travel experience you’ve been planning and looking forward to. | Do you want to use this article in your E-zine or website? You can, as long as it remains complete and unaltered, including the contact information below, and you send me a link or copy at lrivero@peacethroughtravel.net. Thanks! Linda Rivero, President of Peace Through Travel LLC, publishes Responsible W.O.R.L.D. Traveler, a FREE monthly e-zine on culturally authentic travel that protects our world and all who live in it. You'll find tips on responsible travel, information on language-learning for travel, and updates on Women's Travels for Peace and peaceful travel adventures. Linda is at lrivero@peacethroughtravel.net. |  
Save $500 on Women’s Volunteer Travel! World Tourism Day is September 27. In honor of this occasion, Peace Through Travel is offering you a savings of $500 on Women’s Travels for Peace: Senegal from November 7-15! Only 2 spots remain! If you're looking for a travel experience that really changes and improves women’s lives… If you're ready to enrich your own life through laughter and learning with vibrant West African women… If you love traveling with women who are as passionate as you are about making the world a better place for women and children… If you’re intrigued by exploring the magical, tropical Casamance region of southern Senegal… Then Women’s Travels for Peace: Senegal is the travel adventure you’ve been looking for! Don’t miss out on the two remaining spots—or on a $500 savings! Email Us or call us today at 703.835.9378! This offer is good through October 16.  
A Trip to the Zoo Just as smiles and music are universal, animals are, too. Did you ever wonder what human characteristics animals symbolize in other cultures? The variety of meanings attributed to your friendly goat, monkey or cat is as broad as the cultures themselves. Take a look: A Cat in Portugal is an attractive woman, but in the US is a nasty, vindictive one. A Donkey in Russia is someone stubbornly stupid, in the US is just plain stupid (jackass), and in Greece is a bad-mannered person. A Goat in Catalonia is someone who’s crazy, in France an incompetent, and in Greece an ugly woman. (Ouch.) A Horse in Turkey is a strong, tall woman, in German a fat woman (mare), and in English a sexually powerful male. A Monkey in the US is playful and cute, in Germany dumb or raging (ape), and in the Ukraine an ugly old woman! A Pig in the Netherlands has bad table manners, in Russia is perverted or decadent, and in Yiddish is greedy or evil. A Rat in the US is treacherous but in the Ukraine, greedy. A Dog in Cataluña is lazy, in Turkey can be a fascist (!), and in English is an un attractive woman. Go figure! Peace and Love, |
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