Active Skills for Reading 2 (Unit 2: Going Abroad)


Safe Travel

Check Your Understanding

A Read the following sentences. Check (✓) true (T) or false (F).

1. It is important to be prepared, as well as careful, when you travel abroad.

2. You usually can't use your country's money when you travel abroad.

3. You should get insurance so that you can drive when you are overseas.

4. You should bring a letter from your travel agent if you carry prescription drugs.

5. It's rude to point at things with your feet in India.

B Write advice given by the article for each situation.

6. You have a problem communicating in the local language.

Sample Answer

Look for students and young people who might speak a foreign language, and remember to smile.

7. You get sick or have an accident.

Sample Answer

Make sure you travel with proper medical insurance so you can get treatment.

8. You want to take a taxi during your trip.

Sample Answer

Make sure there is a meter and it is turned on. If no meter, agree on a price before starting.

9. You want to buy tickets to a theater show while on your trip.

Sample Answer

Buy tickets at an authorized location. Never purchase tickets on the street as they may be fake or overpriced.

Critical Thinking

C Discuss the following questions with a partner.

  1. Which tips from the article would you give to visitors to your country? Why?
  2. Write two more safety tips for tourists who want to visit your country.
Sample Answers

1. I would tell visitors to learn basic greetings in my language and to be aware of their belongings in crowded places because it's easy to get pickpocketed.
2. Two more tips: (a) Always carry a copy of your passport and keep the original in a hotel safe. (b) Use official taxi services and avoid unmarked cars.

Safe Travel

Many travelers feel nervous about going to a new and unfamiliar place. If you plan your trip carefully and learn to take precautions, you can relax and enjoy yourself.

Check Your Paperwork1

While you prepare for your departure, make sure your paperwork is organized. You'll want to check the dates on your visas and passport. Having an important document expire before or during your trip is the last thing you want to happen. Be sure to get an international driver's license if you plan to drive while you are abroad. Also, do some research on the local currency. Some countries like Jamaica and —use more than one currency. It's best to know how and when to use each.

Mind Your Health
If you need to take medication along, keep it in its original container. If you are carrying prescription2 drugs, bring a letter from your doctor in case customs officials question you at your destination. Also, make sure that you travel with proper medical insurance so that if you are sick or injured while traveling, you will be able to get treatment.

Pay Attention
As a tourist, you'll probably stand out on the street. Unlike local people, you'll carry guide books, refer to maps, take photos, and look up at buildings. Because of this, you may appear vulnerable. Stay safe by keeping one eye on the amazing sights and the other on your personal items.

When you get into a taxi, make sure there is a meter3 and that it is turned on. If there is no meter, agree on a price before starting out. Your guides recommend protecting your luggage in busy transportation areas by always keeping it in front of you or between your legs. Also, if you are going anywhere that requires purchasing tickets, be sure to buy them at an authorized location. Never purchase tickets on the street, as these are often overpriced, fake, or expired.

Learn About the Locals
It's always a good idea to buy a guidebook and a map, and read about the local culture of the country you will be visiting. For example, it's important to know that in India you should use the right hand to eat, or to give and accept things. In Thailand, it's rude to point with your feet at someone or something. Also, try to learn a few basic words and phrases of the local language. Don't assume that everyone will speak your language or that they will understand English.

If you have trouble communicating, look for students and young people who might speak a foreign language. And remember to smile. It's the friendliest and most sincere form of communication, and is understood everywhere in the world!

1 Official documents like forms and reports are all paperwork.
2 A prescription is a medicine that a doctor has told you to take.
3 A meter is a machine that measures and records the amount of something.

Chapter - 2: Reading Skill - Predicting Chapter - 2: Vocabulary Comprehension - Words in Context

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