3. Short answer: NO.
If you google this issue (dangers while travelling), it is generally found to be equally as likely to die or get into some sort of trouble at home as it is while you are traveling. Big stories such as plane crashes or terrorist attacks hyper-saturate the news. This makes them seem much more prevalent then they actually are. However, just like at home, there are common sense precautions you can take to prevent injury, accident or illness. Here are some tips to stay safe and avoid (the infinitely more possible) petty crime/ theft.
- Read up on local hygiene problems. Check to see if tap water is safe to drink and if raw foods, such as fruits and vegetables, should be avoided.
- Get all recommended vaccines/ preparatory medications.
- Use locks on your luggage and don't leave valuables in your room without a safe.
- Use a moneybelt to keep your valuables out of sight and out of easily accessible pockets.
- Have a dummy wallet with some low denomination currency in it (ideally US dollars). If you are robbed or pickpocketed you can easily part with this wallet.
- Keep your money in different spots on your person: some extra emergency cash in your sock will help you get home if you are the victim of theft.
- Keep copies of your passport and go to your local embassy if your passport is stolen.
- If something makes you uncomfortable, don't do it! Seems simple but if the taxi driver makes you feel nervous or the safety recommendations for the zipline don't make sense to you, better safe than sorry. While everyone may not follow this advice, just use common sense. And just because the locals are doing it, doesn't mean you necessarily should.
- Get travel insurance!
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