Before embarking on a trip to the United States, adequate pre-trip preparation is essential, which can escort the safety of the entire journey.
First of all, be sure to have a deep understanding of the security situation in various parts of the United States in advance. The security situation in different regions of the United States varies greatly. For example, the crime rate in certain areas of some large cities is relatively high. You can obtain the latest security information of the destination by checking the local police website, news reports, and travel forums, so that you can have a clear idea and avoid those unsafe “minefields” in advance.
Familiarity with American laws and regulations is also key. The American legal system is complicated, and some behaviors that seem normal in China may violate the law in the United States. For example, drinking in public is strictly prohibited if you are under 21 years old; in some states, the use of drones has strict airspace restrictions and reporting requirements. Understanding these regulations can effectively avoid getting into legal disputes due to ignorance.
The United States is a country with diverse cultures and different customs and habits in different places. In social occasions, respect the personal space of others and pay attention to the politeness of speech and behavior; follow Western etiquette when dining, and don’t make loud noises, etc. When in Rome, do as the Romans do, which can not only allow you to better integrate into the local area, but also reduce unnecessary misunderstandings and conflicts.
Choose regular and qualified travel agencies, hotels, car rental companies and other service providers. Check the travel agency’s business license and user reviews, refer to other guests’ feedback when booking a hotel, and understand the reputation and insurance policy of the car rental company when renting a car to ensure that you can enjoy reliable services and reduce risks during your trip.
Purchase sufficient and appropriate travel insurance. Medical expenses in the United States are high. An insurance that covers medical care, luggage loss, flight delays, accidents, etc. can reduce your financial burden at critical moments and allow you to deal with various emergencies with peace of mind.
Safety points during the trip
1.Personal safety
The public security situation in some parts of the United States is relatively complicated. In the bustling areas of the city, there may be hidden dangers in the coming and going of people. Like some neighborhoods in New York, homeless people often gather at night, which is prone to some provocative situations. When traveling, be sure to always pay attention to the surrounding environment, don’t look at your phone when walking, and avoid wearing overly conspicuous expensive jewelry to prevent becoming a target of criminals.
There are many undeveloped or incompletely developed natural areas in the vast land of the United States, which often lack effective supervision and safety facilities. Some remote hiking routes may not have clear signs, which can easily make people lose their way; there are also some wild areas where wild animals frequently appear. If you enter rashly, you may easily encounter danger. Therefore, do not easily set foot in such dangerous areas. If you want to go to natural scenic spots, try to choose developed areas that are managed by professionals, and learn about the opening hours and safety instructions of the scenic spots in advance.
Compared with daytime, the security risks in the United States usually increase significantly at night. Parts of many cities are dimly lit at night, and the police deployment is relatively weak, which provides opportunities for illegal activities. Try to reduce activities outside at night, especially traveling alone. If you must go out at night, try to choose streets with bright lights and more people, and avoid going to remote alleys or neighborhoods with poor security.
2.Property safety
The United States is a country that relies heavily on electronic payments. In daily consumption scenarios, payment methods such as credit cards and debit cards are widely used. Carrying a large amount of cash is not only inconvenient, but also very easy to become the target of criminals. It is recommended to exchange an appropriate amount of small US dollars in advance before traveling, carry only the cash needed for the day, and pay the rest of the funds by bank card to ensure the safety of funds.
When going out for fun, place valuables properly in the inner pockets with zippers or buttons, and carry the backpack on your chest as much as possible, keeping it within your sight. When dining in a restaurant, do not place your belongings on the table or seat to prevent being stolen; when taking public transportation, hold your mobile phone, wallet and other items tightly to avoid losing your belongings due to crowding when getting on and off the bus.
“Car smashing” theft cases occur frequently in some parts of the United States, especially in scenic parking lots, roadside parking spaces and other places. Criminals often take advantage of the owner leaving the vehicle to smash the car window and steal the property in the car. Therefore, never leave valuables, documents, large amounts of cash, etc. in the car. Even a seemingly hidden trunk is not absolutely safe. If necessary items need to be placed in the car, try to choose a parking lot with staff on duty, and place the items in a hidden location such as a storage box.
When encountering unexpected situations such as theft, always remember that personal safety is always the first priority. Do not engage in fierce confrontation with criminals to avoid angering them and causing more serious personal injuries. Stay calm and try to remember key information such as the criminals’ appearance, clothing, and escape direction. After ensuring your own safety, call 911 as soon as possible to provide detailed clues to the police to assist them in solving the case and recovering the losses.
3.Traffic safety
The traffic rules in the United States are significantly different from those in China in some details. If these differences are not paid attention to, it is very easy to cause traffic accidents. For example, at an intersection without traffic lights, when you encounter a “STOP” sign, you must stop completely, observe the road conditions, and then pass in order, even if the intersection is empty; many places allow right turns on red lights, but you must stop first to confirm safety, and some intersections have signs prohibiting right turns on red lights. Before self-driving, be sure to familiarize yourself with local traffic rules and carefully read the driver’s manual of your state to understand special regulations.
The climate in some parts of the United States is changeable, and severe weather such as heavy rain, heavy snow, and strong winds are frequent. Driving in such weather conditions, obstructed vision, slippery or icy roads, greatly increases the difficulty and risk of driving. Before traveling, pay close attention to local weather forecasts and traffic warning information, and plan alternative routes in advance; when driving, reduce speed, maintain a safe distance, turn on fog lights and warning lights, and drive carefully. If you encounter extreme weather, try to find a safe place to stop and hide, and wait for the weather to improve before continuing your journey.
In daily communication, the straightforward communication style of Americans sometimes makes me, who is used to euphemism, feel a little embarrassed. But it is these seemingly awkward moments that motivate me to keep learning and adapting, to gain a deeper understanding of the cultural roots behind it, and thus broaden my cognitive boundaries. It allows me to embrace the unknown with a more tolerant and open-minded heart. What it taught me far exceeds the meaning of the journey itself, and has become an invaluable treasure in my life bag.
