Traveling can be a fantastic adventure. You can learn about new cultures and cuisines, see beautiful landscapes, and simply enjoy being away from your daily routine. However, there are a few places and experiences that you should avoid while traveling.
Getting to know local law enforcement or touring a foreign detention center, for example, should be avoided at all costs. While being detained or arrested in a foreign country is likely to be an eye-opening experience, it will almost certainly ruin your otherwise relaxing vacation. Furthermore, depending on the reason for your detention, you may have to wait a long time to return home.
Hopefully, you will never find yourself in trouble while traveling abroad, but knowing what to do in the event that you do is essential. In this situation, the first and most important thing you should do is request access to your Consulate or the American Embassy. This is an international request that should be understood and respected. Although you have a right to this representation on behalf of the United States government, if you get into trouble while traveling abroad, you will most likely be treated as if you were a local.
Despite your best efforts to make this information obsolete, it is a good idea to bring a list of consular offices for each country you plan to visit. This is, of course, something you can keep in your wallet for quick reference. It will also help you if you can prove your identity and nationality at all times, especially if you get into trouble while traveling. You might have a harder time getting into the Embassy if you can’t prove who you are or where you’re from. If you get into trouble while traveling abroad and don’t have these documents, establishing your citizenship from a foreign prison may be difficult.
Researching local laws before you travel is one of the best ways to avoid getting into trouble. The laws differ greatly from one country to the next. Something that is commonplace for you may be prohibited for others. As a result, doing a little research before your trip can help you avoid getting into trouble while abroad.