Enjoy your flight, plan your trip and have fun, but also stay aware – there are many things we can forget down the route in a different country, especially when you let your guard down. Most international flight attendants are used to traveling all over the world to cities that can be completely safe or have risks, and most are savvy enough to know a scam when they see one. Here we offer some useful tips for your travels.
Dress appropriately
Think about the local culture and dress appropriately; for example, Dubai is a very modern city and quite forgiving, but it is a good idea for a woman not to enter a shopping mall in a bikini and a see-through kaftan. There are signs on the doors of the mall to dress properly, it can go completely unnoticed apart from a few stares, but you can also be asked to leave by security. In Saudi Arabia, women must wear an abaya when out and about, and in Riyadh, a shayla (headscarf) is recommended. If you visit a mosque, it is recommended to cover the knees and shoulders for men, women should wear an abaya, and shoes should be removed to be respectful.
Flight Attendants are aware of their own safety down the route. Read also : As COVID-19 resurfaces, health officials urge people to be vigilant. Photo: American Airlines
Know the area
Do some research in advance, check an online map, and get some advice from the concierge. It is good to be aware of things like an area that is known for pick-pockets or where a single woman should not go. If you’re out and about, and find yourself stuck, security guards and taxi drivers have a minefield of knowledge and are the best people to ask when you’re lost. Take with you the keycard holder of your hotel room as often the name and address of the hotel are there and they are useful when someone does not understand you; for example, if the hotel name is also in Arabic, it’s an easy way for a local taxi driver to know where you want to go (just make sure you cover the room number).
Stay aware
Don’t take risks. If there are any signs of threats, return to your hotel as soon as possible. If you go to a restaurant, make sure you can see a menu or price list first – some restaurants in popular destinations won’t advertise their prices and raise the bill to ridiculous amounts because they know you’re not local. To see also : Art festivals return to Central Region | News, Sports, Jobs – The Sentinel. At a bar, always make sure you see your drink as the drink is still happening. At night, stay in well-lit areas where there are people around.
Stay safe
If you are traveling with other people and plan to go out alone, always tell someone where you are going. Carry only minimal cash with you and some form of identification, and don’t wear a lot of jewelry or an expensive watch as these are likely to attract attention and put you at risk. On the same subject : Artist explores emotional nutrition through papier-mâché. Try not to wear anything that screams ‘tourist’ or that makes you stand out from the crowd as this could make you a target.
Being culturally aware is respectful during your travels. Photo: SriLankan Airlines
Culture awareness
Be culturally aware – be aware of their customs and be respectful. If you want to take someone’s photo, ask them first if it’s okay to do so. In some countries, this is offensive. If you visit a church or temple, remember to cover your shoulders and knees and remove your shoes (it varies in different cultures) which can also apply to visit a local’s house. Sometimes gifts are also part of the custom when visiting someone’s home.
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Scams
Be aware that there are many people out there selling ‘real fake designer goods,’ and these are illegal in many countries. In some countries, taxi drivers may say their meter is broken and then charge a ridiculous price. Always check for the meter and, if possible, negotiate a price before getting into the taxi.
