With the Olympics in the news right now, South Korea is in the spotlight. In fact, many people from around the world have traveled to South Korea to enjoy the winter Olympics firsthand. If watching the winter Olympics in South Korea has gotten interested in traveling to an exotic location this summer, now's the time to start planning. While you're planning your itinerary, obtaining your passport, and packing your gear, take some time to make sure you'll stay out of trouble while you're traveling. You might not realize this, but there are quite a few things you can do to get yourself in trouble while you're traveling to foreign lands. Some things will get you into trouble with the law, and others will just create a cultural problem for you. Here are three steps you can take to avoid trouble of any kind.
Identify Restricted Items
If you're going to be traveling to a foreign country, it's crucial that you identify restricted items before you start packing. Most foreign countries have items that are restricted, which means you won't be allowed to bring them in with you. Some items will just be confiscated before you can enter the country. Other items will get you into legal trouble as soon as you land. Before you start packing, check with the US embassy in the country you plan on visiting. They'll be able to provide you with a complete list of items you should leave at home.
Avoid Illegal Activities
While you're traveling in foreign countries, you'll want to avoid all types of illegal activities, even those that seem harmless to you. Breaking the law in a foreign country can come with devastating consequences. In 2016 Otto Warmbier was in North Korea with a school group. While there, he was arrested for removing a political poster from a hotel. Over a year later, Otto Warmbier was released from prison in North Korea, but died shortly after returning to the United States. If you are detained for illegal activities while traveling in a foreign country, be sure to request consultation with an embassy official as soon as possible.
Research Unusual Foods
If you're going to be traveling to a foreign country, you'll also want to research the unusual foods that you'll find. South Korean restaurants often serve dog meat to their guests. However, you might not know that you're eating it unless you know what the meat is called. That's why it's crucial that you research the country you'll be visiting. For instance, if you're traveling to South Korea this summer, and you see Gaegogi offered on the menu, you'll know that you're being offered a dish that contains dog meat.