If you’re planning to travel internationally, there are some websites you should consult before hopping on a plane or cruise ship. I recommend first checking both the US State Department’s travel advisories and the local US embassy’s website to find safety information and warnings related to your destination(s).
I wish I did this 20 years ago after my childhood friedns and I were duped by some Hungarian girls. They invited us into a bar for drink but they were working with the bar owners to trick tourists into spending 10 times what they should have on booze. Only afterwards did I see that exact scam and bar listed on the State Department’s page. Doh! Nothing like learning the hard way.
It’s also smart to cross-reference foreign travel advisories as well—especially those of Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom, as they are allies of the United States and write their information in English.
They very well could provide different information, including handy advice. Some people believe the US sometimes lists a country as dangerous for political reasons, and it’s always beneficial to use more than one source, so dig a little deeper when you’re doing your travel research.
What sites do you find helpful when traveling internationally?
This is an updated post from 2018.
I love hearing you on Leo Laport, KFI Radio and enjoy your email newsletters. My daughter is traveling to Hanoi to join a wedding party for a friend. Is there any specific advice you can give her. She has never been to Viet Nam but has traveled enough to be cautious. The wedding party will be staying at the Golden Silk Boutique Hotel in the old section. Is there a way to check out the tour guides who are reputable? Should she have a travel belt for her passport to be on her when not in hotel?
Hi E,
Thanks for the kind words. Sadly, I’ve never been to Vietnam (It’s at the top of my bucket list). But there’s plenty of reputable tour guides (usually a good hotel will have some but they take a cut. Also, it’s can’t hurt to have a belt or a vest like Scottevest (one of my sponsor’s) to keep and hide belongings on you.
I check the UK and Canada – sometimes Australia – because i find the U.S. to be a bit conservative and wary in their advice. I’ve traveled and spent time in several of the countries that the U.S. considers to have problems (before COVID) and I never encountered any. I was cautious, however.
I lived in Viet Nam for 10 years. I have traveled to Hanoi many times. Honoi is a fun and fascinating city but I also consider it the city with the most scams in Viet Nam. Scams are everywhere but Hanoi is the place I have been scamed the most. Suspect everyone, get clear agreements in writing if possible, and bargain hard. Prices are usually quoted double for tourists so offering 50% and holding to it will often work. Some places have fixed prices so you just have to decide if what you want is worth it but I still try to bargain. Overall in a nice hotel, you will be protected. Best of all there is only petty crime for the most part. Closely watch all your belongings and have fun. If you have time take a 1, 2, or 3-night cruise on Ha Long Bay and or visit Sapa for hiking and a homestay. Say hello to Uncle Ho for me.
World Health Organization and Center for Disease Control have good information about what vaccines are necessary or suggested