Better Than Sorry . . .

Anywhere you roam, you should take a few standard precautions. Always keep duplicates of important documents --- passport, credit card numbers, serial numbers of traveler's checks and travel insurance information in a separate place from the original. A photocopy of your passport can save you days if you lose the original; a few extra passport sized photos can speed the replacement process.

Beyond the standard precautions and anticipated emergencies, there is the chaos that is the "real world." While you travel the "real world" keeps right on doing business around you --- highways close, rain falls, flights are canceled.

How do you handle the "real world" when the "real world" hands you disaster?

Earthquakes in Turkey, car-jacking in Florida, disease outbreaks in India ---- where in the world can you travel safely? Just about anywhere.

Most budget travelers venture out into the world without the sheltering umbrella of a tour guide telling them when to get on the bus --- be your own tour guide. Learn as much as you can about the possible pitfalls of your chosen road both before you leave home and at Internet cafés along the way. A few web sties can tell you everything you need to know about anywhere you want to go.

http://www.cdc.gov/travel/ will link you to the USA's Center for Disease Control. You'll find current information on epidemics, disease out-breaks and areas of the world where you need special immunizations. You can also e-mail CDC with specific questions.

http://travel.state.gov/ is the site of the USA's state department travel information. You will find travel advisories based on everything from crime to political unrest. Recent news reports in the US have pointed out that State Department Advisories are not always 100% correct. If you are alone in an unfamiliar area where you suspect the possibility of kidnapping, rape, robbery, or other violence, check with locals regarding the safety of a route. Erring on the side of caution is advisable --- ask several people in various venues --- hotel safe, other travelers, or law enforcement if a particular journey is likely to lead you into danger. As an extra caution always insure that you ask people with no economic investment in your journey. A driver who may be in league with robbers is not a reliable source of information. Going on your guts is not a bad plan either --- if some thing feels uncomfortable, it is probably best to turn tail and run.

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