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Law Of The Land

May 5th, 2009 | Tripper Tips

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Having fun and going on adventures is what you're supposed to do on vacation. It can lead to trouble, though, when it turns into reckless abandon. Seemingly innocent antics or the attitude that, "It doesn't count on vacation," might land you in jail. So, before traveling to another country, it's a good idea to know the laws of the land you're about to visit.

A great show that illustrates this is "Locked Up Abroad" on the National Geographic Channel. It tells stories of Westerners who are detained, arrested and even convicted of crimes in countries whose laws don't always resemble ours. Sometimes the situation is a result of bad luck. Other times – most times! – it's a result of their own stupidity. The show is a reminder about what to say when someone suggests dealing drugs, smuggling something or doing anything away from home you know in your gut is illegal: "NO!"

But there may be other laws that aren't so black-and-white which can get you in trouble, too. Some countries may have different rules regarding alcohol, public dress or public displays of affection. A British twosome was sentenced to three months in jail last year for hooking-up on a beach in Dubai. (Their sentences were subsequently suspended and they were deported home.) One of the "perpetrators" claimed they weren’t technically have sexual intercourse on the beach, but they were charged with public indecency and having unmarried sex, anyway. Translation: hooking up on the beach isn't the same in every country.

Where can you get the facts about countries you're planning to visit and hopefully clear up myths and misinformation about those countries?

Check out both the U.S. State Department's website and the U.K. Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s website. Both have country-specific information on laws you may not know about, as well as information on political stability and threats from crime and terrorism. Both sites also have the contact information for their respective country's embassy and consulates around the world. Wherever you call home, it’s a good idea to bring the contact information for your home country's embassy or consulate.

Also check out the tourism board for the country you're visiting. They may list laws and customs that visitors commonly violate.

And as a general rule, don't be stupid, don't act irresponsibly and don't do something you wouldn't do at home.

You could end up like him..

Related Topics: Jail, Law, Traveling Abroad

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