A trip that started off right via a careful review of cheap traveloptions, such as cheapairplane tickets, discount hotel rooms, and cheap vacation packages,could end up disastrously if you naively allow others to take advantage of yourkindness.
Viewers laughed when Renee Zellweger in the movie Edge ofReason landed in a Thai prison after unknowingly transporting a new travelcompanions cocaine filled souvenir.
This will not be a laughing matter if it happens toyou. In August a 91 year old manreturning to Australia from India was arrested on serious drug importingchargers after he agreed to help his new travel friends by agreeing to carrymany bars of soap in his luggage. Thesoap proved to be cocaine.
Apparently this man had been tricked by a group he metonline before taking his trip and had arranged to travel with them.
International tourists can be vulnerable and often aretargeted by scam artists. The followingare ways of avoiding being placed at risk when traveling, according to ShannonMcMahon:
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Becareful when deciding on traveling companions. Traveling often results in people doing things that they normally wouldnot do including pairing up with unlikely companions. Avoid befriending people before meeting themin person and set boundaries with anyone before traveling. Drug offenses can result in the death penaltyin some countries.
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Avoidadventures that can end up being felonious. Knowing where to draw the line means avoidingcertain souvenirs that could end up costing far more than what you paid initially.
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Packinglight, whether that means a small suitcase or no checked luggage, can behelpful in explaining why you are unable to help acquaintances transportanything they cannot fit in their bags. Considerbuying a small lock to ensure that no one can get into your bag when you arenot around.
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Trustyour gut and if something feels off, err on the side of caution. If you have reason to question someonesmotives, do not casually dispel your suspicions. Be willing to raise questions to avoidbecoming a target. If a local asks you,a tourist, for directions, something well might be off.
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