Researching your travel destination is essential to learning how to stay safe in your chosen country. Information on security advisories, crime rates and political stability is available. The U.S. Department of State offers up-to-date travel advisories and information on most foreign countries. When traveling, it is important to know the location of U.S. embassies and consulates at your destination. Consulates are helpful if you need to replace a stolen passport, contact family and friends, or find medical help. They can also help you get general information about the local criminal justice process, as well as get a list of local lawyers who speak English. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The U.S. Department of State - Bureau of Consular Affairs recommends that you register your travel with the Office. Registration is free and can be done online. This allows the US government to locate you in the event of a state of emergency such as a terrorist attack or natural disaster. Another important thing to investigate before traveling is the cultural norms and religious beliefs of the country you will be traveling to. Find out what behavior, clothing, etc. is acceptable to women in your destination country and learn about the role gender plays in society. Social gestures that may seem neutral in your culture may be interpreted in radically different ways in other societies. Find out what strategies local women use to keep themselves safe and avoid unwanted male advances, as well as what looks like an invitation to romance. Understanding the local culture will help you stay safe. It's also helpful to talk to people who have returned and visited the country you'll be traveling to, as they can share their experiences and give you advice on how to stay safe. Please note: This is just an example Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay While traveling you should be culturally sensitive, but not at the expense of your safety. You want to be open-minded, but not to the extent that you put yourself in danger. If you feel harassed or made to feel uncomfortable by another person, don't feel obligated to address the disturbance in a pleasant way. Sometimes you need to tell people directly and bluntly to refrain from bothering you. It is best to wear loose clothing in neutral colors and try to dress like local women. In some cultures, what you consider to be attractive casual attire may be seen as provocative or inappropriate, even offensive, which could trigger harassment. Additionally, your clothing style, or the amount of makeup and jewelry you wear, may make you a more likely target for thieves..