Whether it's conducting business, sightseeing, shoppingor simple wandering, you can do all of that without the worry of howthe 'others' feel!
There are, however, a few precautions you maywant to observe while travelling out of the country. Let's focus aroundthe classic destinations of the United Kingdom, the United States ofAmerica and South East Asia. Get your basics right Forstarters, take care to choose that one small bag/ side sling that willcarry your passport, traveller’s cheques, travel documents. Avoidtypically backpacker gear or stuff that would make you stand out as atourist to avoid touts and other forms of local harrassment. Ensurethat your passport is valid for at least five years and has at least 12blank pages before you proceed to make any visa applications. Theapplications may not be processed if both the above do not comply. Onceyou have received your visa/s, take two sets of photocopies of yourpassport and ticket. Keep one at home and travel with the other in yourhandbag. This will come in handy in case of theft or loss of theoriginal. Take out a travel insurance especially if you are headed West as this will safeguard you. Ifyou are headed to the USA, luggage is restricted in terms of size,ensure that your airline provides you with the accurate information. Keepthe weather in mind when packing your toiletries, clothing andfootwear. Popular far-eastern destinations boast of a weather that isquite like that of Mumbai, although some countries like Singapore mayhave unexpected rainshowers throughout the year. Hong Kong on the otherhand is colder in the evenings, especially in the months of October toMarch. Different cities and states in the UK and USA would vary, so dobe well informed of the same when planning your travel. Accordingly,it would therefore do good to carry an overcoat, a wrap or cardigan,both for day and night wear, gloves and appropriate footwear likeboots, body lotions, lip balms, etc. Avoid revealing clothes andtake care to dress with caution in Kuala Lumpur as it is predominantlyIslamic. While the western countries are more accommodating, be carefulso as to avoid unnecessary attention when you are alone. It isadvisable for the men to wear a sports jacket or a blazer especially inthe evenings as you never know where you may want to land up for adrink. Medical treatments and medication outside Indiais expensive. It would do good to carry the basics (anti-allergens,vitamins, etc.) with you as well as any special ones prescribed by yourdoctor if you suffer from or are prone to any environmental or foodallergies. Be sensible and carry your mobile instrument. Removethe Indian SIM card and once at your destination, find the mosteconomical mobile phone service and use it. Calls, especially, out ofthe USA are very expensive but locally available calling cards comemuch cheaper. Carry a diary of important telephone number, boththat of home ground and that of the travel destination - travel agent,doctor, family for emergency, Indian Embassy or Consulate, hotel, carrental service and local doctor. These pieces of information can beresearched prior to travel or may be obtained from the concierge deskat your hotel. Choose your accomodation wisely Forthe women especially, choose a decent accommodation that is locatednear civil habitation and has a well-lit approach. Opt for theall-women's floor that hotels are promoting for safety. Walk throughthe lobby level and your floor and make a mental note of the emergencyexits. While the men too can choose to take such precautions,they may perhaps choose accommodations closest to commuting points -bus stations, underground or the subway. When travelling alone, one isbound to strike up conversation with people around, but do make surethat you do not provide any information that may in any way jeopardiseyour safety either at the destination or on home ground. Safety First Do not give away details of your accommodation, credit cards or the fact that you are travelling alone. Whenin doubt or finding your way around, ask the local police who you willalways find at traffic lights and main streets. Avoid walking throughby lanes especially after dark. Respect cultural differences TheAmericans are a more gregarious lot so being a little effusive andcasual with them works but the English are rather reserved so ask forexactly what you want and be on your way. The people in theSouth East Asian regions also tend to be reserved and have a tendencyto be soft spoken. Seek your information with the same demeanour as anyother may offend them. Another difference is that the people inthe South East Asian regions do not point their fingers to indicatedirections as it is considered rude, they use their fist with thethumbs folded over on the top. So watch that finger! While theEnglish tend to be noisy around pubs and nightclubs, restaurant visitsfor meals are a much quieter affair, far from what you may see in theUSA or South East Asia. So adopt the best suited demeanour when eatingout. Most service staff in the mid-range restaurants in the USexpect to be tipped even if service charges are levied but will provideyou with the service to deserve that! The same may not necessarily betrue of the South East Asian regions or the UK. So at the time ofplacing your order, look out for the levies. Bon Voyage! 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