Risky Business; Traveling in Unsafe Countries

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In March 2005, four hours from my home, protesters in Kyrgyzstan stormed the White House, rioted in the streets and looted local businesses. For those who were visiting Bishkek during those tumultuous days, the rioting was exciting, frightening and a lesson in the fragility of a corrupt government. Some folks camped out in their hotel rooms, while others took their children to the square to watch a revolution in progress. For everyone, it was a week they'll never forget.

For most of us, political concerns are far from our thoughts as we map out our travel routes. However, in some parts of the world, you may want to consider the kinds of risks you could encounter. Should you find yourself in the midst of chaos (or seek it out) here are a few things to think about.

Do Your Research

A safe traveler is a prepared traveler. Before you head off on your daring adventures, know what you’re getting yourself into and read up on the current political situations in the regions you'll be visiting. A great resource is the Department of State's travel web page at www.travel.state.gov. You can read the latest travel advisories and learn methods and techniques that will help keep you safe—such as staying awake and alert while using public transportation, using peepholes in hotel rooms, etc. Most safety is common sense but staying aware of your surroundings always reduces the risk of being the victim of an assault or attack.

That said, don’t rely on travel advisories alone. Rob Sangster, author of “Traveler's Tool Kit: How to Travel Absolutely Anywhere,” has traveled to over 100 countries. He notes that while he reads State Department advisories, “they never control my decisions. I think they’re timid and sometimes politically influenced. But when they raise a red flag, I do more research. I avoid destinations where violence seems random and is relatively frequent or is targeted at travelers. In those situations travelers cannot protect themselves.”

Beyond researching your intended destination, you may also want to do some further reading on survival techniques in hostile environments. For example, if you found yourself stuck in the middle of a street riot, would you know how to extricate yourself and make it to safety? A highly recommended book on this subject is Jim Grover's “Street Smarts, Firearms and Personal Security,” published by Paladin Press. In addition, check out Travelers’ Tales "Safety and Security for Women Who Travel" by Sheila Swan and Peter Laufer as well as "The Personal Safety Travel Manual: Security for Business People Traveling Overseas" by Christopher P.P. Barnes. While the personal safety travel manual is marketed toward the business traveler, the safety tips are applicable to all travelers.

In addition to beefing up on personal safety skills, learn as much as you can about the culture before you leave. Pick up a few words in the local language—"Help!" is always a good one to know—and try to learn about local customs. For example, altering your style of dress can help you better blend with your surroundings and make you less of a target.

Consider the Risks of Physical Violence

There was never a doubt for George Jurynec, a Ukrainian-American, on whether he would make it to Kiev when opposition protestors, draped in their now famous orange, took over Independence Square. Angered with the direction of the Ukrainian government, he saw an opportunity to return to his parents’ homeland and make a statement against corruption. "I wanted to be part of the demonstration, to support it in part, and to experience it and draw my own conclusions as to what it meant."

Your personal safety should always be a priority when traveling in politically instable regions of the world. For George, the threat of physical violence didn't seem imminent—and no such violence broke out—although there were several tense days when no one knew for certain how the demonstrations would end. If you choose to travel to a region explicitly because of protests or an upheaval, you need to seriously consider what kinds of risks you'll face. George advises other travelers that, "if you support [the cause] then you should seriously consider going to lend your support." But if you're going just for the show, "you should decide whether any potential risk is worth the experience."

Yet most travelers find themselves caught in an upheaval not by choice. Rob Sangster has encountered his share of political coups and riots during his travels. He found himself in La Paz, Bolivia when the army ousted their president, in Bangkok during a massive demonstration, in Madagascar as street-tension escalated and in Chile when a serious demonstration against Pinochet erupted in a plaza through which he was walking.

Rob avoided catastrophe be being prudent and using common sense. He notes that while in La Paz, “I stayed in my hotel, away from the windows, and lined up extra food and water from the cook. The shooting was over quickly and the president was exiled to a village deep in the jungle.” In both Bangkok and Madagascar, Rob traveled to other regions of the country, away from the upheaval. In Chile, faced with an immediate dangerous situation, Rob quickly found a way to extract himself. “As shopkeepers dropped the chain link curtains that protect their entrances, I dove under one before it slammed down and watched the confrontation between students and police out of harms way.”

His overall message: “Stay away from the action. Never get involved. When tempted to get a closer look, don’t. Standing on the edge of an angry crowd taking photos would be like pinning a bull’s eye on your chest. A fired-up crowd has no friends.”

Communicate with Friends and Family

Several months ago, I had the opportunity to visit the Afghan-Uzbek border. Weighing the pros and cons, I concluded that there was a very low risk that I'd be caught up in political hostilities. I knew that my biggest risk in traveling on the Afghan border would be third-world driving and old Soviet planes, not mortar shells. Of course, what parent wouldn't cringe upon hearing their first born child is headed to the Afghan border?

To assuage my parents' fears, I made a promise to send e-mails home at least every other day. Seeing my name in their inbox let them know I was okay. Of course, a plan like this can back fire if access to phones or computers is unavailable or disrupted by events. Before you leave, figure out how easy it will be to communicate and make a plan with your loved ones. If you can only communicate once a week let them know so they won't worry when they don't hear from you after a few days.

In addition, it is useful to leave a detailed itinerary of your schedule—along with a copy of your passport or other citizenship documents—with your friends and family. That way, in case of an emergency they can do more than just worry: they will be equipped with the information needed to find you.

Register with the Embassy

Usually a visit from the Feds isn't a good thing. But if you find yourself in need of assistance in a foreign country, a visit from embassy officials may save your life. The State Department urges travelers to register with the local embassy when visiting countries which are experiencing civil unrest or have unstable political climates. This process makes your presence known so in the event of an emergency, American consular officers can contact you should an evacuation become necessary. Registration can be done online on the State Department's webpage and the information will not be released to others without your express written consent. British citizens can register with the Foreign and Commonwealth office. Visit their website at www.foc.gov.uk.

Keep Personal Documents and Emergency Numbers Handy

It is always a good idea to keep your passport, or a certified copy of it, on you at all times. Certified copies can be obtained at Embassies and Consulates worldwide. In addition, be sure to keep Embassy contact numbers, your hotel, travel agent or any other important numbers with you.

Stay Aware of Rapidly Changing Events

Robert Young Pelton, the writer and adventurer known for his trips to some of the world's most foreboding destinations, recently published his fifth edition of "The World's Most Dangerous Places," a book about how to survive in war zones, riots and generally nasty situations. Some of his tips on surviving in revolutionary places involve advice such as, "understand the various methods of departure. Collect flight schedules, train information and ask about private hires of cars and planes." He also suggests listening to the local radio or TV station to get updates when events are changing rapidly.

Likewise, Pelton warns travelers that the most dangerous time is during the first few days of a coup or revolution. He cautions travelers not to trust the police or army. "Remember that there will be many summary executions, beatings and arrests during the first few days of a coup or revolution." By staying aware of the developments, you can help increase your chances of survival.

Obtain Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is always a good idea, but especially when you are headed to unstable regions of the world. There are a wide range of options, but basic travel insurance will cover the expense of changing a plane ticket should you need to re-route due to unrest or book a ticket earlier to leave the country. Also consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Should you get injured and need immediate medical attention, you won't regret this precaution. Without the insurance, you could be stuck with a bill upwards of $60,000 for a flight to a first world hospital.

But Rob Sangster warns, “Legalese land mines buried in some insurance policies make a cross-country hike across Bosnia look safe. Read line by line.” In addition, insurance won’t protect you in extremely volatile situations, so don’t rely on an insurance policy to extract you from a war zone.

The chances of getting caught up in foreign civil unrest are pretty unlikely, but it is always better to be safe than sorry. So do your research, plan ahead and enjoy the road less traveled and your many adventures ahead.

Jessica P. Hayden is a freelance writer who has published in Slate, Transitions Abroad, GoNomad and other publications. Her travels have taken her to over thirty countries, but the closest she's come to trouble in politically unstable regions was coming down with appendicitis in Kyrgyzstan. Visit her website at www.jesshayden.com.

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