Danger zones, traveler warnings and safety issues, plus tips to avoid theft and protect yourself while traveling
Traveling, exploring new places, discovering ourselves is a joy and a learning experience not to be missed. Being open to adventure and off-the-beaten-path travel is part of the experience. And yet, it's only common sense to know what to expect and take some cautionary steps. Some of these suggestions apply to travel anywhere, and some only to South America. Enjoy your travels, but be safe!
These suggested travel accessories will help make your travel planning more secure, and thus enjoyable. With luggage tags to hidden money belts and document cases, you'll travel with confidence and comfort.
Addresses, telephone numbers and web sites for the embassy of South American countries in Washington D.C. and the USA Embassies and consulates in those countries.
"Force Pro has an intensely experienced and diversified team of former military special operations personnel that provide state of the art services in the following topics: Travel security awareness training - Crisis prevention and mitigation training - Asset, threat, vulnerability and risk analysis - Risk management strategies - Scenario based, crisis response assessment and evaluations.
List of countries the UK's FCO advises all travel to, all but essential travel to, and advises against travel to portions of certain countries. Check for Latin American countries on this list.
"FCO Travel Advice is designed to help you avoid trouble by providing information on threats to personal safety arising from terrorist activities, political unrest, lawlessness, violence, natural disasters, epidemics, anti-British demonstrations and aircraft/shipping safety."
The US State Deparment maintains information for US citizens traveling abroad, with planning tips, document requirements, regional information, US embassies and consulate locations, tips for living abroad, and much more of interest to the traveler.
"Travel Intelligence Our team of travel experts continually monitor over 4000 global intelligence sources, providing you with up to date information that will help ensure the safety of your travellers. Itinerary Intelligence Easy to use on-line itinerary software makes it simple for you to keep track of any number of travellers. "
"Travelers to Central and South America are usually welcomed with courtesy and warmth. There is great diversity in the region. You can visit major cosmopolitan cities, ruins of great ancient civilizations, primeval tropical rainforests and breathtaking locales. However, there are important things that you should know before you travel."
"This brochure has been prepared by the U.S. State Department Bureau of Consular Affairs to provide general information for women who plan to travel abroad alone. There has been an increase in the number of Americans traveling abroad - especially women traveling alone either for business or pleasure. Each country and culture has their own views of what is appropriate behavior for women."
Travel warnings issued by the US Department of State about various South American countries.
Tips involving luggage theft, avoiding pickpockets, laptop theft, purchasing fake gemstones abroad, plus products and more from Corporate Travel Safety.
"This pamphlet was prepared by the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs to provide students, who are planning to travel or study abroad, with a few reminders about safety. Although most trips abroad are trouble free, being prepared will go a long way to avoiding the possibility of serious trouble."
Travel Warnings are issued when the State Department recommends that Americans avoid a certain country. Check the list to see if the country you plan to visit in on warning status.
Check the countries you plan to visit for "information on such matters as the health conditions, crime, unusual currency or entry requirements, any areas of instability, and the location of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in the subject country."
Many of these tips are based on European travelers beliefs about traveling in the US, but scroll down to some applicable tips for transportation no matter where you travel.
