Top tips for travelling in a post-Osama world
Osama Bin Laden’s death has sparked security fears around the world. Here’s your guide to staying safe
Since her first assignment in war-torn Basra, Rosie Garthwaite has been gathering practical advice on how to get by in war zones and other dangerous destinations from fellow journalists and operators, including John Simpson, Sebastian Junger, Jon Snow and Terry Waite.
Here she lists her top tips for staying safe in the wake of the killing of Osama Bin Laden and recent unrest in the Middle East.
1. Plan, research, call, check and double check
2. Never go into a riot without knowing how to get out
Riots seem to be springing up everywhere these days. Democracy is “in”. Never trust a crowd and take a bag with enough water and kit to last you a day if you have to take refuge somewhere and can’t get home. That includes your grab bag. Use antacid pills watered down in a bottle to dowse your eyes if you are hit with tear gas. And use a motorcycle helmet for protection
3. Make a grab bag
Have a small bag of essentials and keep it with you at all times. It should contain:
Passport
A phone Fully charged and ready to go, plus charger.
Pocket knife Make sure you take it out of your hand luggage at airports or security will take it off you. I have lost about 10 this way.
Airline tickets
Cash $1000 plus several hundred dollars-worth of local money
Credit cards
Water Enough for a day
Food Some dried food, such as granola bars and raisins, and some tinned food, in tins that don’t need a tin opener
Torch I find head-torches the most useful for day-to-day use
Medical kit Including all your prescription medicines
Matches And/or a lighter
