Becoming a victim of crime is a possibility, no matter where you travel nowadays – even when you stay home! However, be aware of certain of popular scams and tricks that criminals and opportunists use to victimize tourists can help avoid problems that could ruin a good trip.

America South is a popular destination for travelers of the world and especially for backpackers, adventure lovers and those who took a sabbatical. The country certainly has much to offer and a wonderful variety of landscapes from tropical beaches to the spectacular mountains of the Andes, the Amazon rainforest, Iguazu Falls, active volcanoes, and wildlife fascinating Galapagos Islands. Many travelers choose to take in the exciting and colorful festivals and carnivals, or visit the sites of ancient civilizations. (Tip: To avoid disappointment, tickets to visit the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu should be purchased in advance).

The best advice is to travel a lot of research and came armed with as much knowledge as possible. Take a quality guide book and phrase books in Spanish and Portuguese. More likely is that nothing bad will happen, but, unfortunately, travelers are vulnerable and criminals know it. It will take any opportunity to separate you from your money and possessions! The most common crimes anywhere in the world involves the theft and pickpockets and theft of passports around the world is a big problem. Care must be taken in places where it is easy to get distracted and forget to see your belongings, such as airports, Internet cafes, public transport or while renting a car. Avoid using public transport at night or walk alone at night in isolated areas.

Thieves have been known to tourists posing as police officers, tour operators, taxi drivers, or other officials (eg, a real police officer will never ask you to show your wallet!) Taxis should be booked advance with a reputable company where possible. The so-called express kidnappings "are a problem in some areas where victims have been kept captive and their bank accounts emptied before being released. Female travelers should be especially careful, especially when walking alone at night, on public transport, and in isolated areas, such as rapes have been reported. Be on guard also nailing of drinks – a problem that has become more frequent. Avoid accepting drinks of strangers, leaving drinks unattended, and make sure they are discharged from view.

Note that many shops, bars, restaurants and hotels can not accept credit cards in South American countries. Watch for counterfeit money and bogus ATM. In Peru, in particular, some ATMs do not release credit cards and debit cards automatically unless a button is pushed – and instructions are not always written in English! Needless to saying that travelers should avoid contact with illegal drugs or drug trafficking as the penalties are severe, involving imprisonment for long periods in conditions extremely unpleasant.

All travelers, especially those with pre-existing medical conditions, must have a thorough check-up and necessary vaccinations before leaving home. Diseases such as yellow fever, dengue, cholera and malaria are problematic in many areas. The vaccine trials may be necessary for valid travel between some countries in South America.

The guidelines are just a sample of travelers should be armed with knowledge before you leave. Ministry Foreign and Commonwealth Office Know 'campaign before You Go "is a terrific resource for travelers. His" Advice for travelers by Country section "contains updates and travel warnings and check the passenger list is another useful tool. Young travelers should heed a gap year information. Avoid attracting the attention of the police, keep the locals happy, and impress your fellow passengers with the knowledge local customs, laws and expects the label of each country.

Adventure travelers and adrenaline junkies will find a wide variety of activities outdoors and emotion. Activities such as kayaking, rafting, surfing, hiking, mountain biking and rock climbing are popular. Care must be taken to ensure you are buying the correct travel insurance policy is to cover all potentially hazardous sports activities. Chile and Argentina are popular destinations for downhill skiing during the months of summer in the UK and, again, do not forget that additional insurance coverage may be needed.

Many areas of South America are remote access limited to appropriate emergency medical services. If a medical emergency should arise, medical care or evacuation and repatriation may be necessary. Without Full travel insurance costs could be astronomical and mean the end of any plan to travel farther in the world for a very long time!

Jean Andrews is a freelance writer living in the UK. She regularly contributes articles for TIA Ltd who offer backpackers travel insurance.

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