JustSomeGuy
16th September 2006, 23:59
My Travel advice... For anywhere not just Philippines.
Thought I would just give a few words of advice, from a few years of travelling to some more interesting places and being generally paranoid :-)
These are the rules that I travel by, A lot of this also goes for London :-)
No real order of importance:
1. Don't carry a laptop bag, aka a "mug me bag" even if it's not got a laptop in, someone else doesn't know that until after they have broken your nose and taken the bag. a cheap bag and large padded envelope does just as well.
2. In some places your wallet can contain a month or a years salary to some people. Don't wave it around. Keep money folded in different ways in different pockets. So if you need a 1, 20 or 500 you know where it is by feel and just take out the bit you need. My "muggers" wallet contains old Greek money and out of date credit cards the real money is in my pockets.
3. Buy a cheap "travelling" mobile, again a super doper 200-500 pound phone is a little tempting. A old phone with a new battery can last longer than most new phones.
4. Buy a cheap watch, same reason. cheaper the better, you can always change it before the meeting ;-)
5. Taxi's can be cheap but not always safe, taking a phone photo of the driver or making a note of the plate BEFORE you get in (ask permission if you want) and sending it "somewhere" or just pretending to may make someone think twice. the taxi may take off or not want you too, just get a different taxi.
6. Somewhere safe in daylight can be very dangerous at night. know when the sun sets and keep an eye on it.
7. two or three streets away from a safe place can be very bad at any time of day.... (Notting hill in London anyone?)
8. If you see the same person walk past twice in a few minutes. be aware they may be checking to see if you are paying attention and can identify them later. Make eye contact, it may stop a third and more costly encounter.
9. if the worst happens and someone sticks a gun/knife in your face look down NOT AT THEM. and give them anything they want. In a lot of countries if you recognise them they risk a death sentence and may not want to take that risk.
10. be friendly with hotel security, not too friendly but ask about the area and where you should avoid. be nice to them they are not paid much almost anywhere in the world. Smile and say hello it may make a big difference..(I've been told before that I should change hotel as the one that employed him is having a few "issues" turns out it was at the edge of a nasty area and guests were being targeted by muggers)
11. Get any jabs before you travel. some travel insurance isn't valid if you get something nasty if you haven't had them. A little pinch, a few quid and a few hours won't kill you.... typhoid, rabies, hep b might and it's not going to do the tourist industry much good either..
12. Go with your gut. if you don't feel safe you probably aren't. don't ignore it.
oh.. most important... ENJOY YOURSELF :-)
Most trips, to even dangerous areas are uneventful.
What you think of these?
Dave,
Thought I would just give a few words of advice, from a few years of travelling to some more interesting places and being generally paranoid :-)
These are the rules that I travel by, A lot of this also goes for London :-)
No real order of importance:
1. Don't carry a laptop bag, aka a "mug me bag" even if it's not got a laptop in, someone else doesn't know that until after they have broken your nose and taken the bag. a cheap bag and large padded envelope does just as well.
2. In some places your wallet can contain a month or a years salary to some people. Don't wave it around. Keep money folded in different ways in different pockets. So if you need a 1, 20 or 500 you know where it is by feel and just take out the bit you need. My "muggers" wallet contains old Greek money and out of date credit cards the real money is in my pockets.
3. Buy a cheap "travelling" mobile, again a super doper 200-500 pound phone is a little tempting. A old phone with a new battery can last longer than most new phones.
4. Buy a cheap watch, same reason. cheaper the better, you can always change it before the meeting ;-)
5. Taxi's can be cheap but not always safe, taking a phone photo of the driver or making a note of the plate BEFORE you get in (ask permission if you want) and sending it "somewhere" or just pretending to may make someone think twice. the taxi may take off or not want you too, just get a different taxi.
6. Somewhere safe in daylight can be very dangerous at night. know when the sun sets and keep an eye on it.
7. two or three streets away from a safe place can be very bad at any time of day.... (Notting hill in London anyone?)
8. If you see the same person walk past twice in a few minutes. be aware they may be checking to see if you are paying attention and can identify them later. Make eye contact, it may stop a third and more costly encounter.
9. if the worst happens and someone sticks a gun/knife in your face look down NOT AT THEM. and give them anything they want. In a lot of countries if you recognise them they risk a death sentence and may not want to take that risk.
10. be friendly with hotel security, not too friendly but ask about the area and where you should avoid. be nice to them they are not paid much almost anywhere in the world. Smile and say hello it may make a big difference..(I've been told before that I should change hotel as the one that employed him is having a few "issues" turns out it was at the edge of a nasty area and guests were being targeted by muggers)
11. Get any jabs before you travel. some travel insurance isn't valid if you get something nasty if you haven't had them. A little pinch, a few quid and a few hours won't kill you.... typhoid, rabies, hep b might and it's not going to do the tourist industry much good either..
12. Go with your gut. if you don't feel safe you probably aren't. don't ignore it.
oh.. most important... ENJOY YOURSELF :-)
Most trips, to even dangerous areas are uneventful.
What you think of these?
Dave,