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Skip the hot spots Depending on the country, you can always simply bypass troubled areas. Phuket, where many carriers fly directly, wasn’t affected by the troubles in Bangkok. Similarly, Bali was untouched by the riots that rocked Jakarta in 1998. Call your travel agent or airline to see if you can change your plans. If something is happening, full-service carriers will offer refunds or ticket changes, depending on the ticket terms.
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Check with your insurance Company If you have travel insurance, ask if they cover delays, cancellations and itinerary changes due to political turmoil. Not all do, though we found that AXA in Singapore and Hong Kong and Blue Cross Hong Kong carry clauses covering civil unrest. However, it’s essential to read the fine print: if you take out insurance after, say, a coup you might not be covered. Or if you decide to travel after your government has issued a warning, your claim might be denied. Getting the details ironed out before your trip will help prevent potential squabbles with your provider.
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Read travel advisories Government advisories might seem overblown at times, but they’re worth paying attention to, especially in volatile situations. As an American, I usually weigh my own experience as a seasoned traveler in Asia against U.S. State Department advice, which usually errs, understandably, towards extreme caution. Registering with your embassy allows officials to contact you in emergencies, while keeping embassy numbers—and government hotline numbers— ensures that you can reach help. C
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Remember the basics Having copies of your passport, emergency numbers and credit card information, leaving your itinerary with family or friends, keeping a secret stash of emergency cash—ordinary steps like these always come in handy, whatever the situation.
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Stay away from protests With the advent of citizen journalism and the YouTube/ Twitter share-it-all mentality, amateurs and curious onlookers are flocking to protests. In tense situations, that’s never a good idea. Should the urge to attend a protest prove overwhelming, go during the day and make sure you’re back at your hotel by nightfall, when things tend to get nasty. Keep your wits about you and scope out escape routes. Also, carefully judge the crowd—if it seems belligerent, sticking to quiet observation is wiser than trying to engage in a debate. If you’re in a building, step back from the windows or balconies. ✚