At the outset, it is important that you note that not every checklist, nor planning consideration, precaution or remedial action contained within the TravelSafe Guide is appropriate to every travel situation.  Nor does the Guide profess to cover every foreseeable angle of every threat that may arise as you travel.

This Guide has a checklist for you to consider in almost every broad situation you may find yourself in when travelling.  However, underpinning them all are the following 10 Golden Rules.

1. Stay aware of your surroundings and what is going on around you.
2.  Don’t be lulled by seemingly safe situations or by your ‘time in country’.
3. Think through your options whenever you can.  “If this happens I will go there and do that…”
4. It’s sad but it’s true: don’t rely on the police in a Developing Country – they can be a threat to travellers and their own people.
5. Never surrender control of your security.
6. Unless you are on a group tour, do not travel with people you do not know.
7. Make sure people know where you are at all times. Wherever possible do not travel unaccompanied.
8. Do not draw attention to yourself by your dress or your actions.  Think ‘low profile’.
9. Trust your instincts and use common sense.
10.  No possession is worth your life.

Live by these Rules when you travel and you will give yourself the very best chance of a safe, secure and enjoyable trip;  memorable for all the right reasons.