How pleasant it is to travel under other skies, to explore unusual and picturesque places on the planet! Nevertheless, caution and precaution are required whenever you wish to travel abroad. Know the situation of the country you want to go to: neighbourhoods, life forms, access formalities... Point on the essential information to collect.
The political situation
Remember to find out as much as possible about the socio-political environment of the country.
- Does it face perpetual unrest or war?
- What about the crime rate?
- Do the inhabitants welcome foreigners properly?
These questions are of prime importance, especially if you are planning to move to a Third World or Asian country. For example, Thailand is a coveted tourist destination, with its floating markets, elephant reserves, streets full of temples and handicrafts. That said, theft and muggings have become commonplace in this country. It is strongly recommended that you do not carry any valuables and that you store your money in a travel pouch. This advice is also for travellers to Tanzania zanzibar or South Africa.
Identity papers
It is a good idea to carry your personal documents with you: passport, plane ticket, identity card, credit card... If your holiday hotel has a digital safe, it is best to store your original passport in it and only take the copy with you.
Another thing: write down your bank details somewhere, on your iPad or smartphone. This would save you financial embarrassment, in case you accidentally get rid of it, for example if you are the victim of a pickpocket.
Local customs and habits
Take care to respect the customs and traditions of the inhabitants. In Luang Prabang, the ancient royal city of Laos, it is indecent to wear light or overly garish clothes. In Madagascar, visiting the sacred hills inflames all tourists, but pork meat is forbidden or else it will arouse the wrath of the spirits.
Respect of the instructions
In addition to local customs, be sure to follow the tour guide's instructions on what to do and what not to do. The usefulness of these instructions is obvious for safari lovers who practice taking pictures of the lords of the African savannah. For neglecting to close the windows of their jeeps and driving off the marked trails, some tourists have been bitten to death by the lions.