Travel Tips

Tips to avoid pickpockets:

• Don't use exterior pockets for valuables (i.e. passport, credit cards, money, camera, etc.)
• Do keep small change or invaluable objects in exterior pockets (tissues, hand sanitizer, maps, etc.)
  • small change is great to keep in outside pockets for small donations or, in a bad situation, to throw the money and run--> it ensures you keep most of your money and valuables, even if you do lose some
• Do keep your passport, credit cards, or other valuables in a pouch (or pocket) that can hang around your neck or around your waist. Make sure to wear it under your clothes! 
• When at markets or crowded areas, try to avoid pulling all of your cash out at once (it is fairly easy to steal a wallet in a crowd and you are more likely to be targeted if you are seen with a lot of money). Instead, tuck your cash in different pockets, but keep most of it inside your passport pouch and transfer it to other pockets when you are in a safe space. 
• Avoid zippered socks and low pockets because they make easy targets for kids to steal!

Tips for area safety:

• Use common sense wherever you are. If you wouldn't do it at home, don't do it here.
• Get local advice for where to go and heed warnings about where not to go.
• If you see a lot of locals, you can consider the area fairly safe (i.e. don't go in the water if no one else is swimming; there may be hidden dangers you don't see, but the locals will know about and avoid)
• Always consider your surroundings and if you feel unsafe, leave the area

Tips to be a good traveller:

• Try to learn a few phrases in whatever is the local language; everyone appreciates the effort, even if you can't continue the conversation 
• Always consider the culture and remember that it is you who needs to match their customs, not the other way around (if they say not to use your left hand to eat or exchange money because it is 'unclean' then even if you are left handed, you need to respect that and try not to use your left hand)
• Respect sacred sites, wear appropriate clothing, and listen to the locals
• Above all, remember that things happen. Your luggage may get lost, your taxi driver may be late, you might miss the train, the sites you most wanted to see may be under renovation or have no tickets left, and your hotel may have no air conditioning or amenities, but that NEVER means your trip is ruined. Sometimes, the best adventures are found once everything goes wrong; you just have to keep a good attitude and your eyes open!

If you have any specific travel questions, feel free to leave a comment below!