A couple things you should never do when traveling abroad.
After traveling the world for 50 years I've learned how to avoid a lot of fatal mistakes. Here's a couple very important things you should never do.
1. I learned this the hard way. I was discussing my upcoming trip to Bangkok with a good friend who offered me some advise. "Bob, you can save a ton of money by not using the the transportation companies at the airport. Just walk across from the airport and take a tuk tuk, one of those three wheeled taxis. They cost a tenth of what the hotels and tour operators charge"
I thought that sounded good and I could save $50 so I took his advise. My plane landed about midnight so I was a bit tired. I was dressed well and had an aluminum Halliburton suitcase and briefcase so I could easily manage to carry it across the street to where I spotted a row of the tuk tuks waiting. I picked one and loaded my suitcase in the back but kept my briefcase with me. "Oriental Hotel?" I asked.The young man nodded yes and off we went.
About half an hour later the driver pulled into a dark alley, stopped and took off running. Two men with masks stepped up on each side of the Tuk Tuk. One grabbed my suitcase and took off the other tried to grab my briefcase. We struggled for a couple minutes and I managed to free the briefcase. The guy then pulled a knife. I jumped out of the back seat and into the front using my briefcase as a shield. Fortunately the engine was still running so I stepped on the gas and headed for the street. I drove all the way to the Oriental Hotel before I realized I was bleeding from a slash on my neck.
Here's what you need to know. I any big city the crooks know you are usually loaded with money and cameras and things of value when you first land in their city. You might as well have a neon sign saying, "Come and get me". You are not only vulnerable, you are a high priority target. Take my advise, use a well known travel advisor that specializes in the destination you are visiting. They will arrange your transportation with the right company, and often get you a special rate, far less and far safer than the airport authorities offer. Travel advisors often get free transportation provided by the hotels offered to them for their service.
2. You've probably heard about deals you get from money changers in the black market. Forget it! You will usually get ripped off, and are often targeted by the money changer for a split of the money the robber gets from you. My advise, go to the local bank and exchange what you need for the next couple days. If you want to use an ATM, don't use one unless its inside the bank. Don't carry too much cash around. If you happen to purchase an item of high value, arrange ahead of time for the merchant to come to your hotel and use the hotel manager to oversee the transaction. Again, use your travel advisor. If in doubt, don't do it.
Watch this blog for more.
Bob Mc Millen, CEO, Travelwizard.com. Renowned Virtuoso Travel Advisors
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