General Precautions

Food and Water

Many diseases are food and waterborne. One can contract Hepatitis, Amoebiasis, food poisoning, cholera or a simple stomach upset. Eat in reputable dining places and if you want to try food street, choose one where food is not exposed to insects, dust and dirt. Make sure that the food is prepared and served with proper sanitation measures. Avoid eating food that has been prepared for hours. Prefer to drink cold sealed bottled water than water served in a glass with ice if you are not sure of the source of the latter.

Toilets

Some toilets can be so modern as to have sensors. However, there still exists that are centuries old. Some, though not so old appear to be as primitive. If you are planning to visit remote areas, empty your bladder before going for your trip. Some cheap accomodations can have toilets which can turn a stomach inside out. Others, though clean, can be uncomfortable due to size and structure. Here are toilets to avoid if you have poor stomach and if you can still hold your bladder:

www.cromwell-intl.com/toilet/pictures/loo-chungking.jpg in Chunking mansions

members.virtualtourist.com/m/tt/85019/#TL in Potala

Pickpocketeers/Snatchers

Travelers often are thought by the locals as rich even if you are traveling on a low budget. Thus they pose as a good target for robbers and pickpocketeers. It is good that minimal money is carried around and is placed in a safe place- a bag that can be tucked underarms, a backpack that can be worn in front, a tight front pocket, or even underwear with zippers in front. If your accommodation has safe boxes, it would be better to keep your important documents and other cash in it.

Mosquito and Insect repellent

The lotion is not only to avoid getting the itchy rashes but also to protect you from diseases transmitted by some insects. Mosquitoes are the most common vectors, carrying the parasites for dengue and malaria. Malaria tablets can be taken to prevent the disease but professional medical advice should be sought for medication and dosage. If you are planning a vacation in the wilderness, it is good to have mosquito nets which has been embedded with insect repellent, permethrin. Other ways of avoiding attracting insects is wearing light-colored clothing, avoiding the use of perfumes and aftershaves, covering most of your skin, that is wearing jackets or long sleeved shirt, long trousers and socks. In choosing your lotion, check for the DEET component. Do not overuse though as it can be harmful also.

Areas of Unrest and Disorder

Vacation is a time of relaxation and not trouble. However there are some areas in Asia which are areas of rebel groups or terrorists and it is best to keep away from such places. When and where they will actually attack is hard to tell and it is best to be on the lookout always. Often targets for bombings are government, military offices and some public transport such as trains and buses, and some even airlines. Some areas in some countries have been identified and visits to such places are to be avoided else it may result to abduction for ransom or as human shield or hostage-taking. Do not however have the paranoia and phobia of the countries in general as some areas are unaffected by the existence of such violence. It is best to consult the local consular for information and updates.

• Sri Lanka - Tamil Tension on the north and east part of the region. Colombo, the capital has suffered several attacks through the years so extreme precaution and constant monitoring of local news is adviced.

• India - along the borders of Pakistan, Jammu and Kashmir, and the northeast regions of Assam, Nagaland, Tripura and Manipur usually experience political unrest. The big cities of Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Delhi have been under bomb attacks occasionally.

• Cambodia - although not much unrest are experienced these days, a lot of land mines still remain all around the country including Angkor. Tourists are discouraged from straying from the trails and usual tracks.

• Indonesia - aside from being a favorite of tsunamis and earthquakes, some regions of Indonesia are also under high security risk. These regions include some areas of West Timor, Kalimantan, and Aceh. Bali was once a target of terrorists.

• Philippines - The southern regions of Zamboanga, Basilan and Tawi-Tawi have been regions of much chaos and under siege as it is a reputed lair of the Muslim extremist group, the Abu Sayyaf, who have been responsible for numerous bombings in the country. Manila experiences at some parts some occasional violence and police tends to over react to situations causing more panic in people.

• Thailand - although it less threatened now, there are still growing insurgencies in the southern provinces of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, and Songkhala and in the Thai-Myanmar border. It is best to avoid political rallies and demonstrations.

Vaccines

Although this may not be necessary, it is suggested as an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. Some vaccines that one can ask for is for flu and hepatitis.

Miscellaneous

Well anyone traveling to some new places ought to be always on the look out and practice common sense. Several scams and money making deceptions exist from stores, taxis/cabs, and people who wants to take advantage. Here are some tips when visiting some countries :

• When in China, be careful where you step. Some people just spit everywhere.
• Observe traffic rules. Some cities have pedestrian lanes while others provide skywalk or overhead pass. Walk there than be caught jaywalking.
• Most countries specially in Eastern Asia, more specifically Japan and Indonesia, suffer earthquakes. One should not panic and keep in mind a few things:

• Tremors don't kill but buildings could. Do not go out where you would likely get hit on the head by debris and falling objects.
• Stay away from windows. The glass may break.
• If you managed to have a penlight keep it handy.
• Look for a sturdy furniture and an area near columns or pillars where less things may fall on you or you may fall.

• Be careful in renting out bicycles, jet skis, or boats. Examine well for any damages to make sure that you will not be ask to pay for damages you may not have done. Have an agreed price before the rent so as to be asked too much and be surprised with the cost after.
• In dealing with police in Pattaya, Thailand, do not be domineering. They are always right so do not argue. Deal with them pleasantly as they have been placed there for tourist protection.
• Some hotels or lodges near jungles or forests can be visited by some animals especially monkeys who will steal anything they are attracted to. It is best to keep doors always closed and never to leave things outside on a balcony if there is any. Do not also give food as some animals will get use it. Inform the hotel's management to take care of possible poisonous animals.

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