That innocent stick of gum could land you in legal trouble That innocent stick of gum could land you in legal trouble (image credits: pixabay) Picture this: You’re standing at customs with your perfectly packed suitcase, confidence radiating as you approach the checkpoint. Then suddenly, the officer pulls out something from your bag that makes …
Travel Tips
The Peace Sign with Two Fingers (V Sign) in the UK and Australia The Peace Sign with Two Fingers (V Sign) in the UK and Australia (image credits: wikimedia) The peace sign, made by lifting your index and middle fingers in a V, might look innocent in photos, but it’s a real minefield in the …
Taking Photos in Restricted Areas Taking Photos in Restricted Areas (image credits: flickr) Many travelers love to snap photos for memories or to share with friends, but what most people don’t realize is that airports have strict rules about where pictures are allowed. In many airports around the world, taking photos near security checkpoints, customs, …
“I’m Carrying Illegal Substances” “I’m Carrying Illegal Substances” (image credits: flickr) Announcing or even joking about carrying illegal drugs can instantly put you in hot water. In 2024, UNODC documented that drug-related arrests at airports and borders continue to rise, especially in countries like Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia, where laws are notoriously …
Coral and Shells from Protected Beaches Coral and Shells from Protected Beaches (image credits: unsplash) It’s tempting to pick up a beautiful shell or a piece of coral when strolling along a sun-drenched tropical beach, but many travelers don’t realize that this simple act can break the law. Coral reefs are valuable, fragile ecosystems and …
Ignoring Local Laws on Photography Ignoring Local Laws on Photography (image credits: unsplash) Snapping photos during your travels feels almost second nature these days. However, many countries have strict rules about where and what you can photograph. In Egypt, for example, the government strictly forbids taking pictures near military sites or government buildings, and breaking …
Imagine landing somewhere new, and instead of a wall of heat, engines, and chatter, you’re greeted by the cool hush of pines and the soft crunch of gravel underfoot. There’s a deep breath you can finally take—one you didn’t know you’d been holding. For years, my trips circled giant metropolises, chasing the energy of world …
Driving Outside the Permitted Geographic Area Driving Outside the Permitted Geographic Area (image credits: unsplash) It’s surprisingly easy to accidentally void your rental car insurance simply by crossing the wrong border. Rental agreements usually spell out exactly where you can and cannot drive. For instance, if you rent a car in the US and drive …
Refusing to Comply with Security Screening Procedures Refusing to Comply with Security Screening Procedures (image credits: wikimedia) Refusing to cooperate with airport security screening is one of the fastest ways to find yourself in trouble before your trip even begins. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reported in 2024 that more than 1,200 travelers were detained …
Illegal Wildlife Trade and Souvenir Purchases Illegal Wildlife Trade and Souvenir Purchases (image credits: unsplash) Many cruise passengers are surprised to learn that the beautiful trinkets they buy at exotic ports may be illegal. Items like coral jewelry, tortoise shell combs, and ivory figurines are often made from protected species. According to the Convention on …