An earthquake in Indonesia. A tsunami in Samoa and Tonga. Deadly storms in the Philippines, Vietnam, and Cambodia. The latest string of natural disasters in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands might have you wondering what you would do if you were traveling overseas and Mother Nature reared her ugly side. While not as devastating or widely televised as the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, these recent and powerful natural disasters have taken numerous lives, injured many, destroyed communities, and serve as a bold reminder that these things do happen. And it could just be while you’re on your next exotic adventure across the globe. What would you do?
The situation turns dramatically different when we suddenly find ourselves in a remote village on the island of Sumatra, with no cell phone access, no TV or radio updates, and - perhaps most daunting - no ability to speak the local language in order to communicate with anyone. The scenario sounds downright scary, not to mention it could prove to be life-threatening.
When traveling abroad, we’re often accompanied by a sense of invincibility. Adventure travel - particularly in the exotic third world - has a way of doing that to us. Making us feel indestructible. Daring us to go beyond our comfort zones. Urging us to try crazy new things. While those are the hallmarks of this type of exploration, they might not serve us well when faced with a natural disaster. On the other hand, adrenaline could be your best friend in a drastic situation.
Here are a few things you can do to protect yourself before and during your overseas travels:
Be informed
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has a wealth of information, including detailed reports and statistics for the latest natural disasters affecting the Asia Pacific area.
Read and watch the international news for the areas in which you’re traveling. You can find BBC World and CNN International broadcasts in English in most Western-catering hotels and even smaller guesthouses. You can even set up a CNN profile and be alerted via email or your mobile device when breaking news occurs.
Visit an online community forum, where folks in-country regularly report the latest real-time accounts of what’s happening around them, first-hand and uncensored.
Register with the U.S. embassies and/or consulates
In the event of a natural disaster, terrorist attack, or even a health emergency, you’ll have an easier time getting assistance abroad. This is particularly important for those traveling longer than one month in any one country, and/or in areas where there are known problems, natural or political. The U.S. State Department website has detailed information on how to register.
Purchase a good travel insurance policy
I always recommend some level of travel insurance in my Tips for Extended World Travel seminars. What specific coverage you buy is up to you, but it’s a good idea to consider a plan that includes natural disaster coverage. Check the U.S. State Department’s comprehensive list of insurance providers, or consult my list at the bottom right of this article.
Leave contact details with a friend or family member
Even if you’re a last-minute traveler who shows up unannounced in a place, you can usually get yourself to a cheap Internet cafe - or use your laptop if you have one - to check in with folks back home. Drop them a quick note and let them know your whereabouts. Give them the name of your guesthouse, hostel, or hotel; provide a website for your accommodations if available. Bottom line: It’s a good idea to let someone close to you know your whereabouts at points along your journey.
For more info: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) devotes a section of their website to natural disasters and severe weather. While geared toward the U.S., these tips could prove helpful - although not always practical - anywhere in the world. Some international information is provided. Read the original posting here
http://www.examiner.com/x-19106-SF-Adventure-Travel-Examiner~y2009m9d30-Natural-disaster-preparedness-for-the-overseas-adventure-traveler
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