Travel Advisory:

30 Tips for Honeymooning in an Unsettled World

By Marlene R. Fedin

Political unrest. Terrorist threats. Anti-American protests. Drug-dealing locals and petty crime. What's a globe-trotting newlywed to do?

Take a breath. Relax. You are not likely to encounter a serious threat to your safety while honeymooning.

Follow these tips for safe travel to a world of wonder together.

Crossing off the safety items on your honeymoon checklist isn't as much fun as food or gown shopping. But advance planning can prevent common problems and minimize your risk for more serious concerns.

For a more enjoyable trip, no matter where you roam, travel-safety experts and savvy travel agents advise honeymooners to keep the following guidelines in mind.

Stay on the beaten path

Travel planner Renee Duane, owner of the Portland, Oregon-based Unforgettable Honeymoons, advises honeymooners to "choose more populated venues" and to "avoid places that are remote and off-the-beaten path."

Have several back-up options in case your favorite turns into a global hotspot. In some situations, you can purchase trip-protection insurance that will cover some costs of having to cancel or change venues at the last minute due to safety concerns.

Network with those in the know

Advance preparation and research are essential, especially for novice travelers booking international travel. If you fail to vet your destination, you could end up feeling like a contestant on your own real-life version of Survivor: The Honeymooners.

Travel agents who specialize in the area and who have local, non-travel vendor contacts are a good source of information.

Recent travelers are another place to turn for insight. Don't know anyone personally? Check out commentary and pose questions in online chat rooms and message boards at Web sites such as:

• Frommer's: http://www.frommers.com/community
• Fodor's: http://www.fodors.com/forums
• The Knot: http://www.theknot.com/co_chatmain.htm
• Wedding Channel: http://boards.weddingchannel.com/index.php

Get the facts, ma'am

The U.S. State Department publishes Travel Warnings and Consular Information Sheets that are loaded with info on local safety and security, crime, disaster preparedness, and more. Access the reports 24/7:

• Fax: (202) 647-3000
• Phone: (202) 647-5225
• Online: http://www.travel.state.gov

Bone up on international news and, if you have online access (or a newsstand with an especially wide assortment of papers), local news from regions on your itinerary. Read carefully and beyond the headlines. Sometimes, serious news is downplayed while less relevant events may be blown out of proportion.

"Make your decision based on facts, not rumors," advises travel planner Renee Duane, and make sure you're clear on geography. Duane notes that many travelers have been booking away from Fiji, a 10-hour flight from Bali, incorrectly believing it was located near Southeast Asia hotspots.

Play it safe on the road

Honeymooning couples crave privacy, new experiences and a taste of local culture. Unfortunately, those desires can override common sense and put you at risk. To avoid danger:

• Avoid high-risk airports and local areas, including venues that are popular hangouts for Americans and Westerners.
• Use extra caution on crowded busses and trains, which are frequent targets for criminals and terrorists.
• Don't go to remote or unknown locales (including deserted beaches), especially in the evening, by yourselves. If you want to check out the beaten path, go with a group that includes a trusted local guide.
• Know how to use a local phone and carry correct coins or tokens for emergency use.
• Carry a list of emergency phone numbers (police, fire, hotel, embassy/consulate, hospital).
• Know a few phrases in the language to signal that you need help.
• Check out the area by querying locals who work at the hotel. Ask regular staffers as well as execs but remember: travel vendors have a vested interest in visitors not being scared off so they may downplay or omit pertinent info. And, sadly, some employees have been known to prey on guests and tourists.

Make new friends, but keep on your toes

You and your new spouse may be fun-loving partygoers, but it's wise to practice "safe socializing" while on a trip abroad.

• Don't go to parties at the homes of locals who you don't know. "Some people have been drugged and robbed but were too embarrassed to report these incidents," cautions honeymoon travel specialist Renee Duane.
• Don't accept food or drink from strangers.
• Don't meet strangers in their homes or in unknown or remote locations.

Don't flash the cash

Many top destinations have poor local economies and high petty-crime rates. Dial down your personal style to avoid attracting criminals. Sometimes, the key to safety is blending in.

• Don't carry (or flash) wads of cash or high-end electronic equipment.
• Don't wear expensive jewelry and designer clothing.
• Don't draw unnecessary attention to yourself and don't engage in loud conversations on controversial topics such as religion and politics.
• Don't flaunt your citizenship. As proud as you may be, you should avoid clothing and behavior that shouts U.S.A.

Respect local customs

• Check in advance and dress appropriately. Tank tops, bare arms, midriff-baring tops, and shorts are inappropriate in many corners of the globe.
• Learn and observe the rules of public behavior. Kissing or embracing in public, for example, is frowned on in many cultures.
• Observe the letter of the law. Familiarize yourself with key ordinances and follow them. Avoid and do not participate in public demonstrations and civil disturbances.

Just say 'no'... 'NO'... 'NO'

Concerned about being approached by drug dealers in favorite spots such as Hawaii, Mexico, and the Caribbean? You're right to worry. Many travelers believe, mistakenly, that such purchases are legal and with ongoing demand, sellers openly and repeatedly solicit tourists.

Some countries make no distinction between selling and using drugs. To avoid being robbed, arrested, or imprisoned, don't bring 'em and don't buy 'em.

Check Your Attitude

If you really want to enjoy your trip, heed the sage advice of seasoned world travelers like Tom Bruggman, who, with wife and novice global traveler, Julie, honeymooned "adventure style" in Uganda. The Bruggmans encountered some risky moments despite careful preparation. But as Tom notes, "You can't prepare for the unexpected."

In the end, your best resources are a sense of humor, a spirit of adventure, and, as Tom describes it "a belief that I'm going to do my best and show my capacity to survive, a positive attitude that is going to make the difference in how things work out."

The most important item you take on your trip may well be the self-confidence that comes from doing what you can to prepare and trusting that you can handle whatever comes up.

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