5 Things Not to Do While Traveling – You Might Get Yourself in Trouble!

▲ Getting Drunk. (Photo / Illustration / Dashijingtupian)

By Rita

Traveling to unfamiliar places is exciting and thrilling, but on the other hand, the unfamiliarity also brings certain risks to travelers. Especially, there are some things that are really not suitable to do while traveling—minor offenses may lead to financial loss, while more serious ones could even land you in jail. Is it really that serious? Yes, because you might not even realize you’ve committed a crime. Below arethe "5 Things Not to Do While Traveling".

1. Taking Photos of Military Bases or Police
Some people love taking photos with guards standing duty in the background—it might seem romantic, but can you really tell the difference between a guard and a police officer? In some countries, such as the UK, taking photos of police officers is a criminal offense, and you might even be mistaken for a terrorist. If you really want to take a photo, remember to ask for permission first.

2. Carrying a Knife
Why would you carry a knife while traveling? Sure, some people are just used to keeping a Swiss Army knife on them, but harmless habits can turn into disasters—leave the knife in your hotel.

3. Getting Drunk
Some think that a vacation means getting wasted at the bar to unwind. Where did that dumb idea come from? Because being drunk makes you a potential target for bad actors, and some travelers don’t even realize they’ve caused trouble after getting drunk.

4. Trusting Street Vendors
Be extra cautious with people on the street who try to act friendly. They might tell you they know where the cheapest hotels are—most of them just want your money, and not all of them are harmless. How to avoid being targeted? Avoid dressing too flashy and don’t carry too much cash. If they approach you, there’s no need to be rude—just ignore them.

5. Buying Drugs
Many people enjoy smoking marijuana abroad, thinking it’s cool. In countries where it’s legal, it’s fine—but if you buy and smoke it on a beach in Thailand or Morocco, you’ll get arrested.