Is It Safe?

I equate the dangers of travelling with the dangers inherent in an active, adventurous and curious lifestyle. Safety depends on how you portray and protect yourself and where in the world you are.

For the most part, the world is a safe place, though there are common misconceptions about the dangers of being in a foreign place. Realize though, that there aren't terrible ugly ogres lurking in every shadow and not every one is out to get you. In your new environment, you are still yourself and in some degree of control over your environment. You are in control of your actions and the precautions you take to protect yourself. In many cases, you need only keep the same awareness about you that you do while in your own home country. It may actually be the case that you are safer while away than you are in your own native city.

Some societies, however, may have higher rates of crime than you are accustomed to in your own hometown. To add to that, crime often affects the tourist more so than it affects locals if the tourist is visibly a foreigner. In general, the tourist is rich in comparison to local people and local people know this. Whether or not you flaunt or show your wealth, you are a target. The typical traveller is less so simply because they tend not to show obvious signs of wealth; this helps. There are many precautions the traveller (and tourist!) should take to avoid risk to their own safety and possessions. Those who have lived for a time in a city are likely at an advantage, probably having some street smarts already. Whether you have or haven't, take some time before your departure to practice up on you skills. Precautionary measures are discussed in Safety, Scams and Precautions.

There are other factors that could affect the safety of the traveller in a foreign land. Some cultures hold different expectations of, and treat and regard differently people of certain gender, age and race. People falling in these categories may be at higher risk in some destinations simply for how they look or for not meeting cultural expectations based on who they are. Further, political unrest may cause a person to be at risk simply because of where they come from, what their religion is or how they look. Civil unrest may affect all people, foreigners and locals alike. Educate yourself on the situations reported in your destination. If there is trouble, talk to the local embassy about your concerns, and consider postponing your trip or choosing another destination. Keep up to date on travel advisories to your destination and parts thereof until it is time for you to return home. Things change and you may need to consider changing your plans before you leave or while enroute. The latest travel advisories are available at the Canadian government's Consular Affairs section of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade web site at www.voyage.gc.ca. Follow the links to Country Travel Reports and to your specific destination countries for information. The department also has a 24-hour, toll-free number with regularly updated information from around the world. You can speak to an official at 1-800-267-6788, call 1-800-575-2500 to have information faxed to you, or receive weekly e-mails by signing up on-line at www.voyage.gc.ca (follow the Country Travel Reports link and then the Travel Bulletin link). In the States, the U.S. State Department has an information hotline at (202) 647-5225

Another safety consideration lies in the risks you take from day to day. With opportunity and free time on hand, many travellers participate in extreme types of sport. These sports not only carry their inherent risks, but even more so as outfits in developing countries may not operate under the same standards they would be subjected to back home - some activities may actually be completely unregulated. There are also some outfits and individuals who operate with false licenses or no licences at all, simply to get a cut of the tourists' valuable cash. As well, participants may not be physically fit or experienced enough to optimize their safety while trying out certain activities. Use your judgement when getting involved in an activity.

Similar risks exist in methods of transportation in foreign countries. Safety standards may be low or poorly regulated, vehicles poorly maintained or dilapidated, and drivers may be a little more reckless then you are use too. Accident rates are simply higher in developing countries then they are back home. If you land yourself in the hands of medical care, technology is not likely leading edge and the treatment will likely not be the best available, or even comparable to what would be available back home.

This overview of the risks of travel can be overwhelming, but need to be viewed realistically. After all, they are only risks, not givens. As well, the precautions you can take to lower the risks and avoid dangerous situations need to be appreciated. Overall, remember that your person is safer than the camera and wallet you carry with you. Too bad we can't leave these items at home.

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