Page 26 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - USA
P. 26
24 VISITING THE USA
Health & Security a firstaid kit, extra gasoline, and
a tool kit for your vehicle, and
The United States does not have a national health service, and always carry a cell phone.
health care, though excellent, is operated for the most part Hikers should always be
by the private sector, making it extremely expensive. Medical prepared for sudden weather
travel insurance is highly recommended in order to defer changes, especially at higher
elevations. Stay on marked
some of the costs related to an accident or sudden illness. trails, and if camping or hiking
In terms of safety, some of the larger urban areas have a higher alone, it’s best to notify some
crime rate than rural locations, so a few basic precautions are one of your plans, destination,
necessary for a trouble-free visit. Be sure to check with friends and estimated time of arrival.
or hotel staff about which parts of town are best avoided. Many trails have signin sheets
where you mark the start and
completion of your hike or
campout. In forested areas,
Personal Safety Security in Your Car
hikers should wear bright
Crime rates have declined A rental car can serve as a colored clothes and avoid off
across the US in recent years, convenient place to store trail forests and fields during
and while most places on the your new purchases. However, hunting season.
tourist trail are reasonably safe it is also a magnet for criminals,
to travel, visitors should nonethe especially in parking areas at
less take safety precautions to major sites or hiking trails. Insects & Animals
avoid being a victim of crime. Always lock your car when Outdoor enthusiasts should be
Generally speaking, most crimes you leave it, and place suit wary of dangerous animals in
occur in neigh borhoods or areas cases and valuables in the wilderness areas. Be especially
not frequented by travelers. trunk. Expensive items such as careful in bear country, as
It is always a good idea to steer cameras left out in the open attacks do happen. A wise
clear of neighborhoods that or in an unlocked car are easy precaution is never to feed
are off the beaten track. Avoid targets for smashandgrab animals, or interfere with any
wearing expensive jewelry, thieves. Use hotel parking wildlife. Insect stings and bites
carry only small amounts of garages for overnight. are an annoyance but are not
cash, wear a money belt under usually lifethreatening. Black
clothing, and always carry flies, mosquitoes, and deer
cameras, phones, and electronic Keeping Valuables & flies are a nuisance, so be sure
Documents Safe
devices securely. to carry insect repellant.
Before you leave home, make Also, carry a snakebite or first
photocopies of important aid kit if going into snake
Money
documents such as passport country. If bitten by a snake
Carry only small amounts of and visa, and bring one copy or scorpion, seek medical
cash, and keep credit cards in with you and leave another in a help immediately.
a money belt rather than a safe place or with a friend. Do Try to avoid contact with
backpack or trouser pocket. the same for the serial numbers allergenic plants such as poison
Always use ATM machines of your traveler’s checks and ivy or poison oak. In the wild,
during the day or on busy, well credit cards, in the event they drinking water should always be
lit streets. are stolen or lost. treated or boiled to combat
waterborne bacteria.
Hotel Safety Outdoor Safety
Safety in Water
Theft from hotel rooms is Participating in outdoor recrea
uncommon, but it is best not to tional activities can entail certain If possible, surfers and ocean
leave valuables out when you risks, which can be minimized swimmers should stay in areas
leave the room. Consider placing by taking proper precautions. with lifeguards on duty. If you
them, and any large amounts For activities such as mountain are not used to dangerous
of cash, in the hotel or inroom biking, rockclimbing, white currents, avoid unguarded
safe, a service that is usually water riverrafting, or motor beaches. Whether or not you
free of charge. While in your cycling, wearing helmets and are an experienced swimmer,
room, use the deadbolt lock for other protective devices are pay attention to the lifeguards
additional safety, and take time essential. Always wear a life and the overall condition of
to familiarize yourself with the jacket when canoeing or sailing. the lake or ocean water. Never
nearest emergency exits and Desert and high altitude swim alone, and watch out
fire escape routes. Never allow travelers should wear hats and for surfers, waterskiers, motor
strangers into your hotel room sunscreen, and drink plenty boats, and jet skis. Keep an
or give them details of where of water to avoid dehydration. especially close eye on children
you are staying. In desert areas, be sure to take at all times.
024-025_EW_USA.indd 24 11/2/16 2:43 PM
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Practical template “UK” LAYER
(Source v1.7)
Date 5th March 2013
Size 125mm x 217mm
