Safety Information
Air Travel
- Verify terminal location and number prior to arriving at the airport.
- Pack prescription medications and valuables in your carry-on bag.
- Take glasses preferably over contact lenses, which may dry out on the plane.
- Pay attention to the pre-flight safety demonstrations.
Motor Coach
Remain seated. Most accidents happen when passengers are standing in the aisle.
Know how to use emergency window exits.
Street Safety
Keep your wallet in a zippered pocket on the inside of your jacket or coat.
Be careful! In cities, being a pedestrian can be much more dangerous than in your hometown. Always use the crosswalk, always wait for the green light or the walk sign and always LOOK if all cars are stopped.
"While travelling abroad, a pedestrian who assumes drivers will stop for him is not someone who should be loose on the streets …" New York Times
Hotel Safety
Never leave valuables in your room. Keep them in the hotel safe!
Keep the door locked and chained when you are in your room. Do not open to strangers. Do not give out your room number to strangers. Never climb out of windows, over balconies, etc..Read the emergency instructions in case of fire alarm.
Getting Lost
Pay close attention to your tour guide when you are leaving the bus.
Keep the name, address and phone number of your hotel on you.
Travel with a partner at all times. Don't stray from the group on your own.
Do not accept a ride from a stranger.
Do not panic.
Keep your passport on you at all times
It must be signed. Keep it close to you and hide it in your clothes. Do not lend, write on or tear pages of your passport. Make a copy of your passport avec keep it in another safe place.
Do not put important documents in your pockets
No passports, no money, no credit cards. Everything should be in a hidden belt.
If you carry a purse
Keep it close to you on the opposite side of the street, or better, in diagonal around your neck. Be sure it has zippers and clasps.
Blend in with the local people
Observe their behaviour and imitate them. If local people look at others in the eye and do not say hello, do the same thing. If they do not laugh loudly, you should not either. Do as they would.
Always be vigilant and observe your environment
Follow your instincts. If you find yourself in a place you do not feel is safe, change your itinerary. If the person next to you in the bus on on the subway distrubs you, change seats or get out at the next station.
Do not bring jewelry or valuables
You will have to travel a lot, this can multiply the chances of loosing or forgeting your belongings.
Do not bring big amounts of money
If you travel abroad, we suggest you do not bring big quantities of money. Buy travel checks. Do not forget to take note of the check numbers and put them in a different place then your checks. You can use a debit card, but there will be charges for each transaction and exchange rates may not be in your favor.