“Sometimes [stereotypes] suggest that America has become selfish and crass, or that we don’t care about the world beyond us. And I’m here to tell you that that’s not the country that I know and it’s not the country that I love.”  

Even with the president’s good word, Americans have a lot to do to overcome this overseas stereotype. Travel experts Chris Baker and Beth Whitman give 5 handy tips for traveling abroad in the CNN article: 

• 1) Research the area and its culture before you travel to your destination. Read guidebooks to learn about the region. 
• 2) Learn some basic words in the language of the region you are traveling to. Don’t expect everyone to speak English.
• 3) Travel with a desire to experience the local cuisine. Don’t expect to get a hamburger. 
• 4) Don’t flash around money or expensive items like cell phones and cameras. 
• 5) Try to really experience the culture. You are less likely to offend if you understand.

You’re finally going on your dream safari to Serengeti Park but you haven’t thought about safari clothing. Wearing the right attire will not only keep you more comfortable but it will help protect you from very real health hazards. 

Tip # 1

Don’t wear strong or dark colors.  Light colors are best, except whites because they stain too easy.   

The African sun is strong! Both blacks and bold colors will suck up heat rays and keep you sweating.  Light-toned, loose-fitting clothing, on the other hand, will reflect the suns rays, protecting you from the sweltering heat.  Bold colors aren’t the best choice either. Because they stand out so much, they tend to make wildlife wary.

Tip # 2

Wear long-sleeved clothing.  Full-length sleeves that fasten tightly are definitely the way to go.  This will protect your skin not only from the hot sun but, as evening approaches, from blood-thirsty mosquitoes.  Some mosquitoes carry blood-borne diseases, so covering up is always a good idea.  

Tip # 3

Opt for breathable cottons over synthetic materials.  

Tip # 4

Wear a hat!  It sounds simple enough but sunstroke is far more common than one would expect.  The same rules should apply to your headwear that apply to the rest of your clothing – go with a light-colored hat made of materials that breathe.  It’s also important to get a hat with a wide brim so as to provide the maximum amount of protection.  

An African safari can be a thrilling, exotic adventure vacation. However, it’s important to realize that, though it is a vacation, safaris are in the wild with wild animals, and danger is eminent if proper safety precautions are not taken.

One particularly threatening animal that is possible to encounter during a safari is a lion, or maybe a pride of lions. If you are on foot when crossing paths with a lion, this is a highly dangerous situation to be in.

Remember the following to avoid harm being inflicted upon yourself or others:

Never run in the presence of lions. Lions will instinctively chase and hunt running prey.

• Instead, back away slowly, facing the lion.
• If a lion charges at you, make as much noise as possible and stand your ground.
• At night, never leave your lodging (be it a house or a tent) without an escort. 

With over 65,000 people employed every year in the Alaskan fishing industry, newcomers have a great shot at getting a high-paying job in a short season on an Alaskan fishing boat.

Work hours generally range from 12 to 16 hours a day, up to seven days a week. Typically processors (performing repetitive tasks, like gutting salmon) make $750 to $1,500 a week. Fishermen earn around $1,000 to $2,500 a week, sometimes more.

Processing jobs are the easiest to get, as some of the tasks are considered undesirable. Usually no experience is required, but long hours and working in factories is usually required of all new processors. These jobs are a good way to break-into the Alaskan fishing industry for those who aspire to work on a fishing boat as a harvester, or fisherman.

Besides the pay, many employers in the industry also offer free room and board and free round-trip airfare from the point of hire (usually Seattle, WA) to Alaska.

Most of these positions are contractual, lasting from one to four months, with the standard being three.

Before you begin your journey, be sure to have the following documents and make extra copies! Start a traveling file and keep copies of all your important documents in it at home. Take copies of the policies you're bringing with you and place them in your carry-on or money belt.

Health Insurance

Keep a copy of your insurance policy, contact phone numbers, and policy numbers. Make notes on what is covered while you are away from home.

Travelers Insurance

 If you use travelers insurance, keep copies of policies for quick reference. These policies can include trip interruption or cancellation insurance, travel life insurance, baggage replacement, and travel medical coverage.

Credit Card Insurance Coverage

Many credit cards will provide travel insurance for a variety of situations such as lost luggage, lost or broken items, and even life and medical coverage if your trip is paid using the card. Know what your credit card covers while traveling, and keep a copy of the policy.

Passport

If you are a frequent international traveler, keep your passport up-to-date in case of last minute trips. Some countries require that your U.S. passport be valid at least six months or longer beyond the dates of your trip. It can take several weeks to receive or renew a passport. Make two copies of your passport, keep one for your travel file, and take one with you while traveling. A copy of your passport will help agents to replace it if your passport is lost or stolen.

Credit Card Numbers and Contacts

Write down the card numbers, expiration date, and contact phone numbers of all credit cards and phone cards, and travelers check replacement numbers. Make two copies, one for your travel file and one to take with you. Inform your credit card company that you will be using your card to make purchases in a foreign country. Many credit card companies have security controls that will invalidate your credit card if the card shows "out-of-pattern" buying such as foreign purchases. Having the credit card company putting a hold on your credit card can be embarrassing and time consuming to straighten out.

Emergency Contact Names

You should have a list of names and phone numbers of family and/or friends that can be contacted in case of an emergency. Make at least 3 copies and carry one on your person, one for your home file and one for your carry-on.

Medical Records

Make sure your health insurance covers you in foreign countries. If you have a specific health condition, have your doctor make a copy of the condition and possible treatment to carry with you in case of emergencies. Make an extra copy and carry this on you in case you become incapable of taking care of yourself.

Health Considerations

Have a list with the name and phone number of your doctor in case of emergencies.

If you require medication, take enough extra in case of extended stays or loss of baggage and pack your prescriptions and medications in your carry-on luggage. Your medication may be considered illegal in foreign countries so check with the embassy website of the country you will be visiting for listings of medications that you may need to take. 

Location of U.S. Embassy or Consulate

Before you leave the U.S. write down the address and phone number of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Registering at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate makes your presence and whereabouts known in case of an emergency. During a disaster overseas, American consular officers can assist in evacuation if necessary. But they cannot assist you if they do not know where you are. A country where there are no U.S. officials, you should register at the U.S. embassy or consulate in an adjacent country and leave an itinerary.

Information on your welfare or whereabouts may not be released to friends or family at home without your written consent. Remember to leave a detailed itinerary and the numbers or copies of your passport or other citizenship documents with a friend or relative in the United States.

The American Citizens Services has offices set up at U.S. embassies and consulates throughout the world to assist Americans abroad in emergency situations, including arrests, death cases, financial or medical emergencies, and welfare and whereabouts inquiries.

Most of us will never deal with major emergencies while traveling; but, when an emergency occurs, it can be critical to be prepared.