Stay Safe: Travelers and Expats

My editorial this month addresses safety when traveling, and can be applied if living abroad. Costa Rica is said to be safe and the people are friendly. Well, the reality is that Costa Rica is part of the world, and is not sheltered from the many crimes that are prevalent in other countries. This is not bashing Costa Rica. It is a warning to travelers, as well as expats, to be vigilant.

You can't ignore the risk of crime as a traveler, or even expats living here.

When you travel to a foreign country, the last thing you want to think about is the risk of crime. Unfortunately, crime is a reality that travelers must face, and it can come in many forms. From petty theft to violent crime, no traveler is immune to the possibility of becoming a victim. In some countries, like Costa Rica, the crime rate is growing and travelers must take extra precautions when they visit. You can't ignore the risk of crime as a traveler and what you can do to stay safe.

The world is getting more dangerous, not less.

Traveling the world has become easier and more accessible than ever, but with that comes an unfortunate rise in criminal activity targeting unsuspecting travelers. Don’t be a stupid traveler or expat, inviting problems by attracting unwanted attention. Tourists are easy targets for criminals. It’s essential to take precautions and understand the risks associated with travel to ensure your safety.

Tourists are easy targets.

Stupid travelers and expats often make themselves easy targets for criminals. They don't know the area, the customs, or the dangers of the destination, so they can be quickly taken advantage of. Tourists are usually more trusting and have more valuables than the locals, making them a desirable target for pickpockets and thieves. Tourists often carry more cash, wear more expensive jewelry, and don’t understand how to identify dangerous situations, making them easy targets.

by John Quam

Additionally, they are often too trusting of strangers and may not take proper safety precautions while traveling. This makes them an easy mark for people with malicious intent.

Educate yourself on the crime rate before you travel and make sure you know what areas you should avoid. If you're heading to places such as Central America, where robbery is particularly common, be extra cautious when walking around and avoid carrying large amounts of money.

When at bars or nightclubs, never leave your drink unattended or accept drinks from strangers; these scenarios can lead to dangerous situations such as date rape drugs. Don't be foolish enough to think you are not a target for crime. Remember, even seemingly safe destinations can be dangerous if you aren't careful.

While trusting locals is natural when you're in a foreign country, it's important to remember that some unscrupulous individuals may try to take advantage of you. Keep your guard up in busy tourist areas; those areas tend to attract criminals.

Be aware of your surroundings.

When traveling, it’s important to be aware of who is around you and what they may be up to. You should always stay alert and be conscious of your surroundings. Don’t keep your money out on a counter in your hotel room or your home. Be extra careful with your passports and identification cards.

Always take the necessary precautions to keep yourself safe from theft and any other crime. Don’t leave your doors unlocked or even open, even if you feel like the area you’re in is safe.

Refrain from posting things on social media that give away your plans, or letting people know where you are going and for how long.

Selling items and giving out your location can make you a target for crime. Taking such risks puts yourself and your possessions in danger.

Recently I heard of a couple that had been coming to Costa Rica for a few months every year for a while. They decided to sell their stuff and started posting online that they would be returning home soon. They gave a date of their departure on their ads listing the items they were selling.

Well, needless to say, they got robbed. They were held at gunpoint and the cash they had laid out on the counter was taken, along with some other small items like a necklace. The vehicle they had for sale was also stolen. My friend who reported the incident to me told me the victims left the doors open at night. Easy targets are created by unawareness and just downright stupidity.

You're more likely to be a victim of a crime if you're traveling solo.

When traveling alone, you become a much easier target for criminals. Without the support of friends and family, you may find yourself in a situation that puts you at risk. Unfortunately, tourists have been robbed in Costa Rica, and elsewhere, by inviting problems and attracting unwanted attention.

As a solo traveler, you need to be extra vigilant to protect yourself. Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Don't take unnecessary risks, and trust your gut. If something doesn't feel right, remove yourself from the situation as soon as possible. Have a contingency plan in place in case of an emergency.

Personal attacks, such as assault and sexual assault, can occur even in the most tourist-friendly areas. Women, in particular, are at risk for such attacks, especially if they travel alone. This means it's important for women to be aware of their surroundings and trust their gut when traveling, especially if they're solo.

Theft is not the only issue.

When you think of crime, theft is usually the first thing that comes to mind. However, theft is far from the only crime travelers face. Personal attacks, kidnapping, and other heinous crimes are all too common in certain parts of the world. Even in Costa Rica, violent crimes are becoming more frequent.

Kidnapping is another dangerous crime that is becoming more common in certain regions. Tourists are often targeted due to their perceived wealth, making them vulnerable to kidnappers who demand large ransoms.

Hate crimes are another issue that travelers must be aware of. There have been numerous incidents of tourists being attacked or harassed due to their race, religion or nationality, and even not being able to speak the local language.

Trust your gut

The best way to protect yourself from crime when you travel is to trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is. If you don’t feel comfortable in a certain area, leave.

Finally, always have a contingency plan in case something happens. Have emergency contacts who you can call for help, and keep your valuables secure and out of sight. Don't let yourself become an easy target for criminals. Stay safe, be smart, and don't take unnecessary risks.

Your gut feeling is often the best indicator of danger. Pay attention to any warning signs that you may be in danger and act accordingly.

Don’t let fear hold you back from taking trips and exploring new places, but use caution and common sense to stay safe on your travels.

John B. Quam

Digital magic with a message is what Howler readers can expect in our May cover story, challenging you to contemplate Costa Rica — and the planet as a whole — without human life. Prepare to be at once captivated and disturbed by what digital artist Sebastian Alba imagines our familiar world would look like in the wake of “too little too late” eco-protection.

In the same issue, you’ll find fascinating facts about humpback whales, jaguars, mariola bees and acorn woodpeckers. Congratulations go out to surfer Brisa Hennessy, the first Costa Rican to qualify for the 2024 Olympics. We tell you about two books honoring Costa Rican science and technology pioneers, and a dementia education program geared to rural expat and local populations. We also provide first-hand highlights of the Costa Rican Fashion Festival.

Featured Contributor

Sebastian Alba is an awardwinning photographer and digital artist, increasingly well-known for his conservation-themed project “Costa Rica Without Humans.” Starting close to home, but planning to expand the concept to include other parts of the world, Alba seeks to depict the destructive consequences of failing to protect the natural resources that sustain our survival.

The Cartago native now lives in San José, where his photography and digital art projects encompass the gamut of subjects and styles. Specializing in images for advertising and commercial clients, he also does portrait and lifestyle photography, as well as photo shoots for weddings, graduations and other special events.

Exposed to art and learning to draw at a young age, Sebastian has long been interested in photography, but is self-taught in the specialized techniques that are central to his creative endeavors. He is also a computer engineering student at Tecnológico de Costa Rica

Writers

Sylvia Barreto Benites. Writer, teacher, tutor and founding director of IREN Renaissance Institute, a Costa Rican nonprofit organization focused on innovative learning solutions for children and adults.

Terry Carlile. Served as a U. S. Navy journalist for eight years, and is also a workshop trainer and keynote speaker.

Katya de Luisa. Early expat pioneer in Costa Rica. Dementia educator, caregiver coach, freelance writer, and the author of "Journey Through the Infinite Mind, The Science and Spirituality of Dementia."

Marek Nahorski. Howler’s youngest-ever contributor, born in 2011, moved from his Poland homeland to Costa Rica with his family after the pandemic. A precocious entrepreneur who has launched businesses in 3-D printers, vending machines, and most recently, beekeeping.

Valery Turcio. Received her law degree at the University of Costa Rica, with a specialty in judge training. At GM Attorneys, she’s acquired expertise in commercial, corporate and real estate matters.

Tash and JB Vernel. Natives of South Africa and France, respectively, literally building their dream in Costa Rica from the ground up on a jungle property they’ve transformed into a farmstead near Ostional.

Mariajose Viquez. Attorney and notary public at GM Attorneys, with 10 years of experience in real estate and immigration law.

Captain Paul Watson. Globally renowned ocean conservationist and environmental activist, advancing marine ecosystem protection initiatives through the new Captain Paul Watson Foundation. Co-founder of the Greenpeace Foundation and founder of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society.

Helen Woodhouse. Soon after moving from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan to Quepos/Manuel Antonio, founded the Facebook group Gringo Gardeners in Costa Rica, dedicated to gardening successes and challenges in this wonderfully diverse country.

Photographers

Felipe Chavez. Costa Rican photographer and pilot, specializing in photos of animals and wildlife.

Fred Lipsky. Retired New York police officer, now enjoying kayak fishing and nature photography adventures in Costa Rica.

PUBLISHER / EDITOR-in-CHIEF

John B. Quam executive director - Terry Carlile account executive

Mary Fernández

Editorial Staff

Debbie Bride - Editorial Coordinator

Laurie Quam - Copy Editor

HOWLER (™) 2017

Cont act

John Quam - Managing Partner headmonkey@howlermag.com

Editor: editor@howlermag.com

Advertising: terry@howlermag.com

Design: design@howlermag.com

CR Office: (506) 4701-5942

Howler Magazine Costa Rica @howlercostarica @thehowlermag @howlermagazine

The Howler Gold Coast CR S.A.

Ced. Juridica: 3-101-725213

The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various authors in this publication do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Howler organization or its advertisers.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests write to: info@howlermag.com.

The Howler Magazine does not assume responsibility for the content of its advertisements.

Images not credited are acquired from stock photography services.

Copyright © 2023

The Howler Gold Coast CR S.A

Copyright © 2023 Howler Media Holding, Inc. Panama

The Howler Gold Coast CR S.A.

Ced. Juridica: 3-101-725213

HOWLER (TM)2021

UP FRONT: Costa Rica Without Humans: An Artist's Creation

Editorial: Stay Safe: Travelers and Expats

REAL ESTATE

• Tuanis Sunset Realty

• Jardin La Torre

• Horizon Pacific

• Sun Real Estate

• Grupo Tropical

• Tres Amigos

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

• Costa Rica Whale Spotting on Many Bucket Lists

• Check Out These Seven Amazing Jaguar Facts

• My Bee Farm Visit, Part 2

• The Acorn Woodpecker

ARTS, CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT

• Liquor Factory Legacy

• Dreams Come True for Costa Ricans in Science and Technology

• Allan Murillo

Click on the section to go directly to those pages.