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Drink spiking - What to do abroad |
Listen to your body and trust your instincts – If you feel strange, sick or drunk after only a couple of drinks, or even if you have not drunk alcohol, take action, someone could have spiked your drink.
Tell a friend to take you to a safe place, such as your hotel room and ask them to stay with you until the effects of the drug have fully worn off – probably the following morning. However be very sure that you trust the person you are asking to help, no matter how long you have known them.
If you are alone, or with a stranger, get help from the travel company guide or representative, the local police, a hospital or the British Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. If you want to contact the British Embassy outside working hours, most of their offices operate an answer-phone service giving an emergency number.
It is important to get to a safe place. If possible, ask someone to contact a trusted friend.
Never let a stranger take you anywhere.
Try to avoid giving out your personal details, including financial details such as pin numbers, bank and card details, where you are staying or your room number, passport or travel documents . Most hotels have safes, when you go out think about leaving your passport and travel documents locked up.
Consider getting medical attention. Drugs can affect people in different ways, and may react badly with any medication you are taking.
The following advice is given by an organisation called Carloines Rainbow Foundation, a specialist charity dedicated to helping young travellers and backpackers, however the advice is universal. (You can find link to them in our link section)
Useful Tips for All Travellers:
1) Do your research before you go. Find out about the different cultures and laws where you plan to visit. Even America, Australia and other English speaking countries have different ways to the UK. The more prepared you are, the better, it could save you being fined or arrested.
2) Don't save money by purchasing the cheapest insurance or worse, have no insurance. It needs to cover you for full medical attention if anything happens to you. Even a simple visit to a Doctor can cost what seems to be a fortune at the time. Check out the small print especially if you plan to do any unusual sports. Scuba diving, Skydiving and Bungee jumps are popular gap year activities which many people do not realise until too late are not covered by their travel insurance.
3) It is not good idea to take photos of anything which could be taken as being military in most countries. This includes pictures at airports and checkpoints.
4) Try to learn a few simple phrases to speak if the language is different. If you find that hard or do not understand the dialects at least learn to recognise them when written down. Knowing what the sign is for a bus stop, cafe, phone, police, hostel are sensible ideas.
5) Book at least your first night's stay in a new location especially if you plan to arrive after dark. Know where the place is and how far it is from your arrival point and how to get there. Standing around with a map and large rucksack is a give away that you are new in town.
6) Be aware of the differences in diet in the country/ies you plan to visit. While sundried grasshoppers may not be your normal diet be prepared to try new foods. Hygiene in foreign countries particularly third world countries may not be as it is at home so be careful not to offend when offered food even if you do think it looks raw or disgusting. If you do get a "gippy tummy" make sure you drink plenty of clean, ideally bottled water to ensure you don't get dehydrated.
7) Check up months before you leave if you need vaccinations or medication such as malaria tablets for your trip. Leave yourself time to have vaccinations and recover from any side effects before you leave home.
8) Leave copies of all your documents and card details with someone back home. If you lose them or they are stolen it is easier to report if you have all the details to hand. If you can store them on the computer as images they can be sent to you by email, quicker than posting. Lock your passport and travel tickets in a safe if possible.
9) If you plan to work abroad and are not going with an organisation find out if you need a work visa and get it before you leave. Some countries will not let you work while on holiday and do not be tempted by the offer of cash in hand. If caught you could easily be deported or imprisioned.
10) If you take regular medication ensure you have enough for your trip. Also keep a note of what it is just in case you lose it. You may be able to obtain it but do not rely on this.
11) Remember that items such as condoms are often inferior quality especially in places such as Africa and South America.
12) Nothing is worth more than your life. Money, cameras etc can be replaced especially if you have insurance. If challenged do not put up a fight, letting go could save your life.
Special Tips for Female Travellers:
1) Wearing a fake wedding ring can often discourage unwanted male attention.
2) Not all countries appreciate seeing lots of flesh on females. While bikinis and skimpy vest tops are acceptable in most of Europe they are not acceptable in parts of Asia, Africa and many other places. Often women are expected to cover their shoulders and not have their knees on show. Always check before entering any temple or religious building that you are correctly clothed so as not to offend.
3) In places where 'white' skinned women stand out be aware of this and do not roam the streets casually. When you do go out walk confidentally and always know where you are headed. If you want to get a taxi somewhere ask at the hotel or hostel for advice. Try not to go out alone and always remember to stay with your friends. It is safer in a group than alone.
4) Don't announce that you are travelling alone. If you think you are being followed walk confidentally and calmly into a shop, hotel or any other busy place. Wait and see if the person who was following has moved on. You can always ask someone else to look for you and check the person has gone. Often the best people to ask are other women or family groups.
5) Think about your hairstyle. Long hair either loose or tied in a ponytail often attracts attackers. It is easy to grab hold of it and restrain you or drag you to the floor. Short hair could be a benefit for several reasons including ease of washing.
6) If a man asks you out be careful. In some countries just saying yes to an invitation gives the wrong idea. You could find youself at serious risk of sexual assault if this is not the 'norm'in that country. Again knowing the culture of the country before you go helps you be prepared.
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