Traveling with Peace of Mind this Summer!
In recent months, five Americans, who were on separate vacations in the Turks and Caicos Islands, were arrested when bullets were discovered in their luggage during routine security checks. While the tourists claimed that the bullets were left in their bags accidentally and had no malicious intent, the local authorities have taken the matter seriously. Turks and Caicos has stringent gun control laws, and the possession of ammunition without proper authorization is a serious offense. This is an important reminder for everyone as we set off to travel this Summer!
Traveling should be an exciting adventure, whether you’re exploring a new city, hiking through a national park, or relaxing on a tropical beach. However, safety should always be a priority. From securing your home while you’re away to staying vigilant on your trip and paying attention to local laws, here are some essential tips to ensure a worry-free journey.
- Avoid Posting in Real-Time on Social Media
DON’T: Posting in real-time on social media not only announces your current location to the world, potentially attracting unwanted attention, but also informs the world that your home is likely empty and a great target for theft. Innocent features like geotagging on Instagram stories can make your location public to people beyond your followers. Similarly, posts in Facebook groups can sometimes be visible to a wider audience than intended.
DO: A general rule of thumb is to wait until you’ve left the destination to start sharing your experiences. An even safer option than posting in real-time is to wait until you get home to post about your travels!
- Research Local Scams
DON’T: Tourist destinations can attract scammers. Looking like a tourist can make you an even larger target for scams. Avoid flashy jewelry and eccentric clothes to minimize attracting attention, and don’t carry items you be devastated to lose. Don’t carry all your cash at once or keep all your money and cards in the same location.
DO: Researching local scams in addition to general travel scams can help you know what to look out for and how to protect yourself from falling victim. A quick Google search combining your destination and the word “scams” can provide valuable insights into common tricks and tactics. Keep your most valuable items like your phone, credit cards, and passport safe. Some people prefer to wear money belts, while others use jackets with inside pockets for easy access and security. Most of all, pay attention to your surroundings. Most petty thefts and scams occur while people are distracted. Remember, if something feels too good to be true, it probably is.
- Understand Local Laws and Regulations
Don’t: Different countries have different laws. Permissible actions at home, like carrying ammunition (as in the cases of the five Americans in Turks and Caicos), certain swear words, or even feeding local wildlife, might be illegal abroad. Always check local regulations before you go. Being unaware of local laws and regulations is not an excuse, and you may subject yourself to local fines, or even jail time if you do not abide by local laws and regulations.
Do: Always check local regulations before you travel. If you travel with medication, ensure it’s allowed in your destination. Some countries have strict rules about what can be brought across their borders. Be sure to carry a printed document including all contact information you may need in case of emergency. This document should include your emergency contacts, the phone number of the embassy in the country you are traveling, medical and insurance information, etc. Having this document with you at all times could be the thing that keeps you safe in a moment of crisis.
So what happened to those Americans arrested in Turks and Caicos?
Two of the five Americans have already received their punishment for their respective offenses:
- Bryan Hagerich received a sentence of a $6,700 fine and no time serviced.
- Tyler Wenrich received a sentence of 3-weeks, which have already been served, and a fine of $9,000
- Ryan Watson, Sharitta Grier, and Michael Lee Evans are all still awaiting their sentences.
Traveling should be an enjoyable and enriching experience. By following these safety tips, you can protect yourself from potential risks and focus on making the most of your journey. Always stay informed, vigilant, and prepared, and you’ll be able to travel with peace of mind. Safe travels!
Posted by on 7 Jun 2024