Early Exit EXPLORER

Traveling to other countries can be an amazing and relaxing experience — a chance to explore new cultures, meet new people, and enjoy a different pace of life. But there’s one important thing to keep in mind: you’re not from there.

That means no matter how comfortable you feel, you should never let your guard completely down. I’m not saying don’t enjoy yourself — absolutely do. Just remember to always stay aware.

When you travel, you stand out. Whether you’re a man or woman, locals can easily recognize you as a foreigner. You may not speak the language fluently, understand the local slang, or know the fair price for things. And if you’re from the U.S., you might automatically be seen as “wealthy,” even if you’re not. That perception alone can and will make you a target.

Just yesterday, I saw a woman — a local — get robbed. It was a harsh reminder that some places, especially parts of Colombia, simply aren’t for everyone.

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go. It just means you should take precautions:
• Avoid flashing money or valuables.
• Leave expensive jewelry at home.
• Stay alert and aware of your surroundings at all times. Lastly If its to good to be true it probably is in all aspects.

In many developing countries, poverty rates are high, and desperation can drive people to take advantage of tourists who aren’t paying attention. Something as simple as walking with your phone out can make you a target. iPhones, for example, are extremely expensive in other countries — if you’re distracted, someone on a motorcycle could snatch it and disappear before you even realize what happened.

Another key to staying safe is doing your research before you arrive. Understand the local scams, laws, and safety tips for the area. In Colombia and several other countries, there’s a dangerous drug known as scopolamine, or the devil’s breath. Once it’s in your system, it can put you in a zombie-like state where you’ll follow commands without question — and the person who drugged you can easily drain your bank account, steal your valuables, and leave you with no memory of what happened. That drug can also lead to death.

Again, I’m not saying this to scare anyone away from traveling. The truth is, danger exists everywhere — even in the U.S. The point is to travel smart. Enjoy yourself, but stay aware. Respect the culture, learn the environment, and never assume you’re invisible.

Traveling the world is one of the best decisions you can make — just make sure you come back with memories, not regrets.