Travel Safety Awareness
Pre-Planning and Selecting Safe Destinations
In today's interconnected world, the allure of exploring diverse cultures and landscapes is undeniable. However, the freedom to roam the globe comes with the imperative of travel safety awareness. As you embark on your journey, from the cosmopolitan capitals of Europe to the vibrant, yet sometimes less developed corners of the world, understanding how to navigate various risks becomes crucial. This guide aims to equip you with the knowledge and strategies to ensure a safe and enriching travel experience.
As you travel, you need to pay much more attention to security, and you need to increase your travel safety awareness. Danger can be found worldwide, but the nature of those dangers can vary dramatically from country to country, region to region and even city to city.
There are basic steps you should take no matter where you travel. These include finding out if you need to drink bottled water, avoid ice and salads, and how safe the local water is for cooking. However, you also need to look at country-specific security issues.
Many government websites contain important travel safety information. A good resource is the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) which provides up-to-date information and advice on travel risks in order to help people make decisions on where they want to travel.
In addition to useful suggestions, the FCDO has produced a guide covering 226 countries and territories. It also provides travellers with alerts and advisories regarding any situation that could pose a threat to the safety of British citizens. If an alert is posted, you would be wise to take it seriously. The FCDO is a government run body and is therefore political in nature. Diplomacy is a very gentle art, so they have to remain mindful of the economic and political impacts of posting alerts because it could adversely affect the tourist industry and, therefore, the economy of the country concerned. At times, the FCDO may delay or water down an alert in order to avoid diplomatic or political tensions. In the past these delays have led to tragedy, so it is always helpful to check the USA State Department’s Traveller Advisory website and compare the reports.
If you are a British citizen, bear in mind that Brexit has imposed significant restrictions on travelling into Europe, and you should verify the entry requirements for each country you plan to visit. When travelling through France, a member of the Schengen area, ensure your passport was issued within the last 10 years and remains valid for 3 months beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen area. It's essential to have your passport stamped upon entering or exiting the Schengen zone.
Be ready to present proof of accommodation, travel insurance, a return/onward ticket, and evidence of sufficient funds for your stay. The requirements might vary depending on your accommodation type. You might need to provide a hotel reservation confirmation or an ‘attestation d’accueil’ for private stays, alongside proof of sufficient daily funds.
UK citizens are permitted to visit Schengen countries, including France, for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa for purposes such as tourism, visiting family or friends, attending business meetings, or engaging in short-term studies.
Follow the regulations set by the French Directorate General of Customs and Excise and adhere to EU restrictions on importing meat, milk, and their derivative products.
If you are travelling for business purposes, consider consulting the Global Country Risk Map, a resource provided by Coface, known for its expertise in credit insurance, risk management, and global economic analysis. Updated quarterly, this map offers a unique overview of Coface's risk assessments across 163 countries. The assessment focuses on the average credit risk of companies within a country, incorporating macroeconomic, financial, and political data.
Every country in the world is unique so it is always a good idea to check out the local laws and customs, local rates of crime, level of terror cell activity, medical information, political stability and natural disasters. When it comes to safety, remember, there is no such thing as having too much information.
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Avoid Politically Unstable Regions
Europe is still considered a politically stable area, but in many parts of the world, this is not the case. In Europe, we have a democratic system in place to transfer power, but in other regions, leaders remain in place until they either die or are overthrown. Sometimes you just cannot predict a revolution or a war, but doing some good research will give you a useful overview of the government in the region. If you are travelling to an area with a history of unstable political situations, in particular, those with a history of the violent overthrow of past regimes, be sure to put an emergency evacuation plan in place before you travel, and review it during your stay.
Country-Specific Travel Warnings
As discussed earlier, the FCO will not issue travel alerts lightly; if they issue one, there is always considerable cause, so always check before you start organising your travel. At present, travelling to Venezuela would be ill-advised unless absolutely necessary. The Venezuelan state has clearly identified a threat; bombings have taken place and are likely to recur. Likely targets have been named. If your travel is unavoidable, i.e., you need to go there for work or another compelling reason, you should follow the recommended precautions.
Local Laws and Customs
Always check the local laws and customs before you arrive in a country. Actions that are commonplace in the United Kingdom may cause unintentional offence elsewhere, and in some cases, this could be so extreme that you could end up being arrested. In many countries, particularly in the Middle East and South Asia, the “thumbs up” gesture, which is generally considered a sign of approval or positivity in the United Kingdom and other Western cultures, can be seen as offensive or vulgar. Similarly, the "OK" hand gesture, where the thumb and index finger meet to form a circle, is interpreted as positive in many parts of the world but can be considered offensive in countries like Brazil, Turkey, and Russia. So think twice, or you could find yourself in a confrontation with someone who believes they have been insulted. Not only will you be frowned upon, but you could also end up being assaulted.
Remember to establish The Baseline
Local Criminal Activity
Although we tend to focus on the risk of terrorism, in reality, most British nationals overseas have a greater risk of being the victim of a crime. In fact, in some countries, there is a whole industry devoted to victimising Western tourists. In poorer countries, it is well known that Western tourists are likely to have cash and valuables, and this makes them a high-value target. The same is true for expat communities. For people in the poorest countries, the cash in your wallet is worth several months of salary, and so is that expensive watch or jewellery.
Locals know where to go to stay safe, and not being familiar with an area marks you out as a tourist and makes you an easy target.
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Emergency Medical Care
To find out the condition of the medical infrastructure of a country, how well their doctors are trained, and how well supplied and staffed their hospitals are, is vital information that is all supplied by The National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC), also known as TravelHealthPro.
It is a good idea to learn about where the hospitals are located and the level of medical care on offer. Availability of medications – both over the counter and prescribed may be limited. In some countries, you can only find a pharmacy in a major city. If you have prior knowledge, you can prepare a kit of appropriate medications and take them with you.
Make sure you have an idea of the type and prevalence of diseases in the area. Research gives you the chance to have the appropriate vaccinations before you leave, protecting you from diseases such as malaria, hepatitis, cholera, and rabies.
Natural Disasters and Climate Change
Before you travel, it is wise to research the history of your destination and collect information on past natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, floods, severe storms, extreme high temperatures, and wildfires. Such research arms you with knowledge, enabling informed decision-making about travel safety.
Regrettably, climate change is a subject that many security professionals still neglect in their risk assessments. However, as demonstrated by the deadly wildfires in Greece and Spain, along with the severe heatwaves in Italy, France, Spain, and, surprisingly, the UK, it is becoming an increasingly relevant factor.
Understanding potential hazards allows you to plan in advance and take necessary precautions to mitigate the impact of disasters.
You might wonder, “How can I escape from a tsunami?” The straightforward answer is that direct escape is difficult. Escaping a natural disaster like a tsunami may seem daunting, but knowledge is power. If you are holidaying near the Indian Ocean and an earthquake occurs, be aware that tsunamis could follow. After an earthquake, immediately move to higher ground. Another sign of an incoming large wave is the significant retraction of water from the shore. If you observe this, run quickly to higher ground. Even in the absence of a warning alarm, act swiftly, prioritizing safety over hesitation.
If you are visiting areas prone to severe storms and flooding, or camping in such locations, stay informed through news updates and local authority announcements. Always seek shelter and have an escape plan. For instance, if you are holidaying on a small island and a wildfire unexpectedly encroaches on your accommodation, having a boat on standby for evacuation is essential.
In areas prone to heatwaves, confirm that your accommodation has working air conditioning, stay updated with weather alerts, avoid venturing out during peak heat hours, apply ample sun protection, and consistently hydrate.
Weather is a significant consideration, and timing is of the essence. Choosing seasons with milder weather conditions reduces your risk of exposure to natural disasters. Furthermore, do not hesitate to cancel your plans if necessary. Regrettably, last year, numerous enthusiastic UK travellers flew to Greece for a well deserved holiday during one of the largest wildfires in Europe. Despite extensive news coverage of the devastation and the unmanageable nature of the fires, UK authorities and travel agencies failed to implement preventative measures, endangering many. As mentioned, authorities can falter, making it imperative for you to plan ahead and take initiative.
Do not allow yourself to be controlled by The Ostrich Effect, nor be deceived by The Optimism Bias and The Recency Bias, as discussed in previous articles.
In conclusion, travel safety awareness is not just about preparing for the potential dangers, but also about embracing the enriching experiences that safe and mindful travel can offer. By meticulously planning, staying informed, and adhering to safety precautions, you can navigate the complexities of global travel with confidence. Whether you are trekking through the Andes, exploring the ancient ruins of Rome, or conducting business in emerging markets, the principles of travel safety remain the same. Equip yourself with the knowledge, embrace the diversity of our world with respect, and your journeys will not only be safe but infinitely rewarding. Let this guide be the first step in your journey towards becoming a more savvy, prepared, and responsible traveller. Safe travels.