Nkodas Travel site

Posts Tagged ‘Safety’

It has been well documented that traveling on an airplane is statistically safer than traveling by car, and in most studies, it is found to be much safer. What is it about air travel that makes it so safe? When you are in an airplane, the major threats against your flight are weather, mechanical failure and human error. That list is not very long. Furthermore, over the years of aviation major technological improvements have come into play making flying a much safer option for traveling large distances. There are high standards of testing and maintenance with all new technology before it is used on a commercial flight. This makes flying one of the safest ways for you to reach your destination.

Weather can be the most dangerous force acting against your safety on a flight. The same problems of not having traction on snow, rain and ice that occur when driving can occur for airplanes during take-off and landing. Ice can also be a problem for the plane once it is in the air. If the wings freeze over, the plane can have difficulty generating adequate amounts of lift, and could potentially crash. Thankfully, these are all problems that modern technology has solved. Airports and planes are outfitted with some of the best meteorological devices possible. Not only can bad weather conditions be solved before take-off and landing, they can also be dealt with in the air. If the weather is unsafe for take-off, the flight will be delayed. If it is unsafe to land, planes carry extra gas reserved entirely for emergencies. Your flight can either stay in the air until conditions are safe, or be re-routed to another airport where the weather is not as threatening. Among those fancy instruments and gauges in the cockpit, there are monitors that give pilots weather related information. With those tools, and communication with sources on the ground, pilots can avoid most threatening patches of weather. The possibility of wings freezing is, for the most part, outdated. Contemporary planes are designed with systems to combat cold air and precipitation during the flight. One common method of combating cold air is by venting out warmer air to the wings. Airplanes are also designed to withstand direct lightning strikes with minimal damage, and positive lightning (A more powerful form of lightning that has caused difficulties in the past) is now being dealt with through advances in design.  Read more...

1) When taking taxis from an airport to your hotel, travel in the more expensive airport taxis and ensure that the drivers have official identification. Never take a taxi waiting outside the airport grounds.

I know this sounds extreme, but it is by far better to be safe then sorry.

2) When traveling from your hotel to the airport, go with a taxi recommended by the hotel.

Again, taxi’s can be very dangerous. I can’t express that enough.

3) Try not to arrive in a new city or town late at night.

This can just go wrong in a number of ways. It is much easier getting checked in during the day time and security at night in certain areas is just horrendous.

4) Travel in a group if possible.

Since when is traveling in numbers not a good idea?

5) Learn the basics in the local language before you arrive. Don’t expect that people will speak English.

English is becoming more widely spoken these days, but you want to be sure. You should always check on these things before your arrival.

6) Keep your valuables hidden.

A money belt is great if it is an option that you willing to look into. There are many different styles of money belt. One of the most popular is an “over the shoulder” style wallet on a strap that you were underneath your top. This makes it very difficult for a thief to make off with your valuables.

7) Avoid going on your own to remote areas/ruins where tourist would be expected to go. Seek local advice or take a guide.

Read the guide books and talk with other tourists to find out which areas are best avoided.

9) When leaving discos late at night take a taxi home no matter how close your hostel is. Outside most discos you’ll find a street vendor selling cigarettes. Usually these people know all the taxi drivers and can recommend a safe one.

10) When arriving in a new town, keep to your original plan and stay in the hostel that you have decided on. Don’t let the taxi driver persuade you that your hostel is fully booked and that he knows a cheaper and better one. He’ll be working on commission and the hostel probably won’t be in a safe part of town.  Read more...

There are many things to keep in mind when traveling, whether you are a budget traveler or not. You obviously want to keep what money you have for your trip rather than lose it or have it stolen. You also want to keep yourself and traveling companions safe from harm. Here are some tips to follow to ensure your trip is safe and enjoyable in a foreign country.

1. Have a valid passport and all visas required for your trip. Make two copies of your passport. Keep one in a separate part of your travel luggage and the other leave with someone at home.

2. Be aware of any travel warnings for the country you are visiting. Find out about security and safety conditions in your destination.

3. Secure travel insurance!

4. Ensure you have been vaccinated against any infectious diseases prominent in the area you will be traveling to.

5. To make sure you can be contacted in case of an emergency, make a copy of your itinerary and leave it with someone at home.

6. Travel light and don’t pack valuables that you wouldn’t want to lose. Leave your jewelry at home but take an extra pair of glasses if you can’t live without them.

7. Remember you are a foreigner when you travel. You are a guest in their country and therefore should abide by their laws, and to a certain extent, their customs. For example, if you are a female traveling in an Islamic state, be considerate of your dress. 

8. Try not to bring too much attention to yourself when traveling. Don’t go out looking like a tourist with a flashy camera and expensive clothes. Try to blend into the scenery.

9. Travel in a group where possible and in well known areas. There will be times you want to get off the tourist track, so make sure you always have a traveling companion with you.

10. Only carry small amounts of cash on you. Your credit card and travelers checks will pay for most things.

 Read more...