How To Backpack And Travel Safely In South America

B ecoming a victim of crime       Picchu should be purchased in      is a possibility no matter      advance).                          where you travel nowadays -                                        even when you stay at home!           The best travel advice is to do    However, being aware of some of       lots of research and set off       the popular scams and tricks that     armed with as much knowledge as    criminals and opportunists use to     possible. Take a quality guide     victimize tourists can help avoid     book and Spanish and Portuguese    problems that could ruin a good       phrase books. Chances are that     trip.                                 nothing bad will happen but,                                             unfortunately, travellers are      South America is a popular            vulnerable and criminals know it.  destination for world travellers      They will take any opportunity to  and especially for backpackers,       separate you from your money and   adventure enthusiasts and those       possessions! The most common       taking a gap year. The country        crimes anywhere in the world       certainly has plenty to offer and     involve theft and pickpockets and  a wonderful variety of landscapes     theft of passports is a huge       from tropical beaches to the          problem worldwide. Care should be  spectacular Andes Mountains,          taken in places where it is easy   Amazon rainforest, Iguazu Falls,      to be distracted and forget to     active volcanoes, and fascinating     watch your belongings, such as     wildlife of the Galapagos             airports, internet cafes, on       Islands. Many travellers choose       public transport or while renting  to take in the exciting and           a car. Avoid using public          colourful fiestas and carnivals,      transport at night or walking      or visit the sites of ancient         alone at night in isolated areas.  civilizations. (Tip: To avoid                                            disappointment, tickets to visit      Thieves have been known to target  the Inca Trail and ruins at Machu     tourists by pretending to be       police officers, tour operators,      machines. In Peru, in particular,  taxi drivers, or other officials      some ATM machines do not release   (for example, a real police           credit and debit cards             officer will never ask to see         automatically unless a button is   your wallet!) Taxis should be         pushed - and instructions are not  booked in advance with a              always written in English! It      reputable company, when possible.     goes without saying that           So called 'express kidnappings'       travellers should avoid all        are a problem in some areas where     contact with illegal drugs or      victims have been held captive        drug trafficking as the penalties  and their bank accounts emptied       are severe, involving              before they are released. Female      imprisonment for long periods in   travellers should be especially       extremely unpleasant conditions.   cautious, especially when walking                                        alone at night, on public             All travellers, especially those   transport, and in isolated areas,     with pre-existing medical          as rapes have been reported. Be       conditions, should have a          on guard also for spiking of          thorough check-up and necessary    drinks - a problem which has          vaccinations before leaving home.  become more prevalent. Avoid          Diseases like yellow fever,        accepting drinks from strangers,      dengue fever, cholera, and         leaving drinks unattended, and        malaria are problematic in many    make sure that they are poured in     areas. Evidence of valid           plain view.                           inoculations may be required to                                          travel between some countries in   Be aware that many shops, bars,       South America.                     restaurants, and hotels may not                                          accept credit cards in South          The above tips are just a sample   American countries. Watch for         of the knowledge travellers        counterfeit money and bogus ATM       should be armed with before        setting off. The British Foreign      and mountaineering are popular.    and Commonwealth Office 'Know         Care should be taken to ensure     before You Go' campaign is an         that the correct travel insurance  excellent resource for                policy is purchased which will     travellers. Their 'Travel Advice      provide cover for any potentially  by Country' section contains          hazardous sports activities.       current travel updates and            Chile and Argentina are popular    advisories and the Travellers         destinations for downhill skiing   Checklist is another useful tool.     during the UK summer months and,   Young travellers should pay           again; don't forget that           attention to their Gap Year           additional insurance coverage may  information. Avoid attracting the     be needed.                         attention of police, keep the                                            locals happy, and impress your        Many areas in South America are    travel companions with your           remote with limited access to      awareness of local customs, laws      good emergency medical             and expected etiquette for each       facilities. If a medical           country.                              emergency should arise, medical                                          care or evacuation and             Adventure travellers and              repatriation may be necessary.     adrenalin junkies will find           Without comprehensive travel       plenty of outdoor activities and      insurance the costs could be       thrills. Activities like              astronomical and mean the end of   kayaking, white water rafting,        any further world travel plans     surfing, hiking, mountain biking      for a very long time!              About the Author Jean Andrews is a freelance writer living in the UK. She regularly contributes articles for TIA Ltd who offer backpackers travel insurance. Published At: www.Isnare.com