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Travel
the World... |
Independent advice for |
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traveling the world |
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Photo by Francesca Del Gobbo
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Red Eye
By Jeff Booth
The way Americans travel is changing these days. It's stopping, for some. For many others, travel simply comes with some new rules and awareness. It is only up to you, as an individual, to judge your comfort level with travel. But it might be one of the most important times to see the world, and to learn how the rest of the world sees Americans.
Travel is always about learning, pushing some boundaries within yourself. With the war in Iraq, and the fear of terrorism, we're redefining "comfort level", but it's critical to realize that safety is something we have a certain amount of control over by deciding where we go, whom to interact with, how to carry ourselves, and more. A few useful tips for the cautious traveler:
1. Be in contact with your friends and relatives more frequently.
2. Check in with local U.S. embassies every time you enter a new country, and if you're heading to a possibly sensitive area.
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3. If you're with a study, volunteer or any organized program abroad, make sure they have an emergency plan, and have directors available and easy to contact 24/7.
4. Don't be an ass. You are, every time you leave your country, an ambassador to the rest of the world, unintentional or not. You will be judged as an individual, and as a foreigner. Don't perpetuate the worst stereotypes of loud, obnoxious Americans who draw attention to themselves.
5. Don't give you opinion on delicate situations unless asked, and even then, be very culturally and politically sensitive. If you bring something up, be ready to deal with the consequences.
Do whatever it takes to make you feel comfortable, but remember, you're far more likely to face a pickpocket than a terrorist. You're more likely to break an ankle hiking than be the target of a riot. We've just had a staff member come back from India, and two more staff members are off to Japan and South Africa in May. We're not stopping traveling because we believe in it. The world is a wonderfully large place, and is more welcoming to open, honest travelers than you may expect.
Hope to see you on the road,
Jeff
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