Car Hire Travel Guides
Travel Overseas Safely
You're looking forward to your overseas adventure, spending time fantasizing about the wonderful things you'll see: perhaps the Taj Mahal, the pyramids, Saint Peter's Basilica or Buckingham Palace. But, if things go wrong, your dream of a lifetime can turn into your worst nightmare. Here are six things you can do to prevent or to mitigate misery.
1. Memorize the local emergency numbers. Because American movies and television shows are popular around the world, even many non American children believe that they should dial 9-1-1 in case of an emergency. However, in many countries, 9-1-1 is not the right number. In some countries it's 1-1-2; in others it's 9-9-9. If you're in an emergency, you don't want to waste precious time researching the emergency number. Take a moment and look it up before you go.
Note: Many countries' telephone services will forward 1-1-2 and 9-1-1 to their local emergency numbers. Still, it's better to know the local numbers.
2. Look up your embassy and consulate addresses. If something terrible happens, such as your money and passport being stolen, or if you get in trouble with the police, you may need help from your country's local representatives. And, as many people on the streets will never have had the occasion to go to your consulate, they won't be able to help you.
Note: If you don't know, the police will able to direct you, but that may mean an extra trip when you're at your most frazzled.
3. Bring your own medicine. You should travel with enough prescription medicine for your trip, and packed in such a way that it can't go astray. If the medication is something that you can't live without, then you may also want to bring a prescription in case you need it refilled.
Also, don't assume that whatever is over-the-counter in your country is over-the-counter in the country that you're visiting. For example, Excedrin, despite being manufactured by Novartis, a Swiss company, is not available in Switzerland.
Note: Each country has its own medicine for colds, motion sickness, headaches, diarrhea and constipation - but when you're sick you may feel less adventurous. However, if you do find yourself with a minor ailment but without any comfort drugs, check with your hotel or a local pharmacy. For major problems you will want to go to a doctor or a hospital.
4. Study signs carefully. Even though there are attempts at standardization, and many will have pictures to go with the words, some may be unfamiliar and require more attention to prevent you from being involved in an accident. You know that in London they drive on the left, but it takes practice to look the other way before crossing the street. You may not realize that in Munich a section of many sidewalks is reserved for the bicyclists. They can appear very suddenly, they drive wickedly fast - and they have right of way.
5. Check the door of your hotel room. Most hotel room doors - like those in the US - have information posted about how to get out in case of a fire or some other emergency. Always take a moment to study the escape route. If no escape route is posted, figure one out yourself. Remember: elevators should never be used, because the electricity may be out and because elevator shafts can act like chimneys.
6. Be cautious in airports and train stations. These centers of transportation are full of tourists - and occasionally they have thieves waiting to rob the tourists. Be wary of people who come up to you to offer you advice or a ride for a fee. Instead go to information kiosks and certified taxi dispatchers.
Taking a few minutes before and during your trip to ready yourself for what might go wrong can keep a holiday from becoming a catastrophe. Be prepared, and then have fun!
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