Do

1.       Remain what you are – friendly, courteous, polite and dignified

2.       Make a photo copy of your passport, air tickets and credit card numbers and keep them separate from your passport, air tickets and credit cards – give a copy to your family.

3.       Bring your prescription drugs with you in their original containers – don’t pack them in your check in luggage.

4.       If you require medicine containing habit-forming substances carry a doctor’s certificate attesting to this fact.

5.       Notify a foreign contact of any medical issues including food allergies.

6.       Carry some identification – a tag, bracelet, or card – if you have a medical condition that might require emergency care.

7.       Understand completely what your health insurance covers and does not cover while you are traveling. Chances are that you will have to pay for services and get reimbursed when you return home.

8.       For serious problems take a cab or ambulance and ask for the nearest hospital.

9.       Mark all your bags inside and out with your name and address – both home address and your foreign address.

10.   Bring two passport size photos and a photocopy of birth certificate and/or baptismal certificate, just in case you lose your passport.

11.   If you see an unattended package, move away from it and call the police.

12.   Avoid protest groups’ activities and potential volatile situations.

13.   Know as much as possible about each country you plan to visit, including its history, religion, geography and government.

14.   Ask permission before photographing strangers who you find “interesting”.

15.   Use common sense.

16.   Do be aware of your surroundings, and watch for suspicious people or vehicles.

17.   Do use cash substitutes such as traveller's checks or credit cards, and only carry as much money as you immediately need.

18.   Do lock up valuables you are not taking with you in a safe in your room or use your hotel’s safe-deposit box services to store them; and lock the windows and doors your hotel room when going out.

19.   Do make a note of your passport number; if it becomes lost or stolen, knowing the number will speed up getting a replacement.

20.   Do make a note of your credit-card numbers and the phone number to call in case you need to report it stolen and cancel it.

21.   Do dress appropriately for your surroundings as much as you can; looking more like a local makes you less of a mark than looking like an obvious tourist.

22.   Do put a band around your luggage as a safeguard against pilferage while in transit; suitcase locks are no barrier to a professional thief.

23.   Do travel with companions while sightseeing or shopping; there is safety in numbers.

24.   Do keep vehicle doors locked and windows rolled up when driving.

25.   Do be alert for staged distractions, such as someone bumping into you, spilling a drink on you, dropping something in front of you or causing a loud commotion; an accomplice can steal your valuables and walk away while you are momentarily distracted.

Don'ts

1.       Avoid attracting attention to you – that is, avoid traveling alone or in a large group of a dozen or more.

2.       Do not expect eye contact on the streets in certain countries – indeed, in some locations this may result in “unexpected or unwanted” invitations.

3.       Do not stand and/or plan to gather on the steps of your residence.

4.       Never, ever leave your room unlocked.

5.       Do not draw attention to yourself when you are returning to your residence late at night.

6.       Do not pack your essential documents or medicines in checked baggage – luggage gets lost.

7.       Never carry large amounts of cash.

8.       Do not bring expensive jewellery with you.

9.       Most places are safe in most countries, BUT don’t wander down dark alleys or into areas that are known to be high risk. Avoid restaurants and entertainment places where Americans are known to congregate.

10.   Do not impair your judgment with excessive consumption of alcohol.

11.   Women are sometimes targets of harassment – don’t become a target:
* Travel with some men
Dress conservatively
Do not agree to meet strangers in non-public places

12.   Don’t let your “natural friendliness” be mistaken for flirtations.

13.   Do not lose your passport, it will not be the end of the world, but it may seem like it is.

14.   Do not joke about bombs or about smuggled items – airport authorities will not find that funny nor will you.

15.   Don't carry and flash large sums of cash, nor exchange money at dubious-looking places or with individuals on the street.  

16.   Don’t look like a tourist by dressing like one, appearing lost or consulting a map in public.

17.   Don’t walk with a bag slung loosely over one shoulder, and keep your bag on the opposite side of you from the road to forestall a thief on a bike from snatching it.

18.   Don’t carry a backpack that looks like luggage.

19.   Don't visit dangerous locations, or walk in unfamiliar, isolated or dimly lit areas, especially at night.

20.   Don't leave valuable items in public view; that includes your passport as much as your iPhone.

21.   Don't drive an obvious rental car, the more nondescript the better; keep maps and travel brochures out of sight in the glove compartment.

22.   Don't park anywhere but a well-lit place, don't leave valuables in sight (lock them in the trunk), and don’t pick-up hitchhikers.

23.   Don’t keep your vehicle and house or hotel keys on the same key ring.

Don’t store cash, jewellery, medicine or other valuables in your luggage, and never leave your luggage unattended, even for a brief moment