Travel Security

The first place a volunteer should seek security information is from the organization they will be working for. The organization will have the latest knowledge of any security issues at the program location. Heed their advice and follow their instructions. They are on the ground at the program site and have both a current and historical knowledge of security issues.

The volunteer also can take some basic security precautions to protect their personal security. The volunteer should be particularly aware when traveling and sightseeing. Following are some suggestions which may be helpful.

ALWAYS BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS

sense about what is going on around them. There are also times when even an experienced traveler can let down their guard. One night I was on a "red-eye" flight from Los Angeles to Guatemala City. I knew the bus system in "Guate" as I had been a Peace Corps Volunteer in that country. I decided to take a municipal bus to the city center. I did not get a lot of sleep on the plane and was tired. I was standing while on the bus because I had my suitcase with me when two men came up and bumped me. In my tired condition I had forgotten to remove my wallet from my back pocket—a violation of a basic security tenet I had learned in the Peace Corps. You know the rest. The two men got away with my wallet and its contents. I did not lose much money but I did have a credit card, my driver's license, and a telephone credit card in the wallet. I spent the rest of the day making calls to cancel my credit card and telephone credit card. For two months after the incident I kept getting billed for purchases and calls made from El Salvador to the U.S. Fortunately, I did not have to pay due to the policies of the companies involved. But the loss of time and the mental anguish caused by my lapse of awareness made me vow to find a more secure way to carry my valuable documents.

ALWAYS ACT AS IF YOU KNOW WHERE YOU ARE GOING

travel to my site from a bus station noted for criminal activity. It was located in a busy and frenetic marketplace. Until I learned the roads in and out of the area I got lost a couple of times. Even though I was very anxious on the inside, I walked as if I knew where I was going. I eventually stopped in stores where just the proprietors were present and asked for directions. Fortunately they were friendly and helpful. Eventually I got to know the area and I never did have a problem passing through on the way to my site. I believe the demonstration of self-confidence during my early traveling at the station deterred anyone bent on a criminal act.

Be very careful when approached by strangers trying to sell you something, offering to help guide you, or even asking for help. Usually the approach is sincere, but there are times when the approach can have criminal intent. I know of a traveler who was approached by a woman carrying a baby and who asked for help. While the woman was keeping the traveler busy her accomplices stole the traveler's wallet and passport.

KEEP YOUR IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS I.E., PASSPORT, CREDIT CARDS, IDENTIFICATION CARDS, ETC IN A SECURE PLACE

Also be careful where you put your money. After my encounter with the pickpockets I began carrying my passport and cards in a pouch on my belt and inside my trousers. Security pouches and belts are available in travel stores. They are worth the cost.

BE CAREFUL HOW YOU CARRY PURSES, BAGS AND BACKPACKS

I always carry my bag or pack in front of me when I walk in strange areas. This way I can protect it. Many travelers have their purses pulled off their arms or their backpacks slit open with a knife when they don’t have full control of their belongings.

NEVER CARRY OR SHOW LARGE AMOUNTS OF MONEY. ALSO, DON'T WEAR OR CARRY VALUABLE JEWELRY

Valuable personal items are best left in a secure place at home.

DON'T KNOWINGLY VENTURE INTO UNLIGHTED AREAS AT NIGHT

AVOID LARGE PUBLIC DEMONSTRATIONS

People often have enflamed passions at demonstrations and sometimes there can be violence.

Awareness is the key to personal security whether at home or abroad. Taking some sensible and basic precautions can make your travel experience secure. Since I had the problem on the bus in Guatemala I have traveled in many post-conflict and developing countries and, for that matter, areas in my own country where it required my being alert and I have not had another problem with personal security. I believe I can contribute my positive experience to basic situational awareness.

There is some excellent security advice available at the following websites:

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