| Many people think of Latin America as a dangerous | | | | a minimum amount of cash and one credit card with |
| place, but the truth is, if you keep a few common | | | | you, along with a copy of your passport. |
| sense tips in mind, it’s easy to safely travel in Latin | | | | In crowded setting – such as when using public |
| America. The following are a few things you should | | | | transportation – be wary of pick-pockets and keep |
| remember: | | | | a secure hold on any purses or bags you’re |
| Learn as much as you can about the area where you'll | | | | carrying. |
| be traveling before your visit. Be sure to look into the | | | | Don’t use your cell phone while out in the public. It |
| crime statistics for the area, and read up on different | | | | will distract you, and provide a temptation for thieves. If |
| elements of the local law enforcement process. Learn | | | | you do need to make a call, try to do it inside your |
| what the local culture is like, and respect local customs | | | | hotel whenever possible. |
| and laws. | | | | There is strength in numbers, so try to travel with a |
| Know where the local U.S. embassy is located, and | | | | group. If you aren't traveling with a group, try to join |
| have the address and phone number with you at all | | | | tour groups for sightseeing. |
| times. | | | | To avoid problems with parasites, avoid raw and |
| Leave a copy of your travel information and itinerary | | | | undercooked foods, tap water, ice, and unpasteurized |
| with a trusted friend or family member back home. | | | | milk or cheeses. When in doubt, it’s better to pass |
| Once you arrive, if you need information about the city | | | | on something than risk becoming ill. Never accept |
| and which areas are unsafe, ask the concierge at | | | | drinks or food from strangers, unless you can verify |
| your hotel, other hotel staff members, or other people | | | | that any original seals haven’t been tampered with. |
| who are of the same gender and general age as you. | | | | Wash your hands frequently to avoid illness. |
| Make copies of your passport and any credit cards | | | | Antibacterial hand sanitizer or antiseptic wipes can |
| you’ll be taking with you. Have the info on hand in | | | | come in handy when there aren’t any washroom |
| case you need to contact your bank or the card's | | | | facilities readily available. |
| issuer to cancel the account. | | | | Talk to your health insurance provider before you |
| Don't stand out. Dress like the natives – you want | | | | leave. You’ll need to know what kind of coverage |
| to observe the local culture, not make yourself the | | | | you have in another country to find out whether or not |
| center of attention. | | | | you need to purchase special travel insurance. Find out |
| In a similar fashion, you may not want to proclaim that | | | | what you need to do and where you can receive |
| you’re an American, by wearing a flag t-shirt, for | | | | care if you need it. Also, find out if your insurance will |
| example. Political and economic cultures vary and not | | | | cover the cost of transporting you back to the United |
| everyone loves Americans. | | | | States, should you need it. |
| Wear your sunscreen. Nothing screams tourist like a | | | | As much as you want to relax on your vacation, try to |
| blazing sunburn. | | | | remember that you’re in a different country with |
| Obviously, valuable jewelry and electronics should be | | | | very different customs. Maintain your awareness at all |
| left at home where they will be safe. | | | | times. |
| Never walk around with large amounts of cash. Keep | | | | |