Insights For Success

Strategy, Innovation, Leadership and Security

Travelling

Top 10 travel Safety and Security Tips for a Worry-Free Travel Experience

GeneralEdward Kiledjian

TL;DR: Discover essential travel safety tips, from researching your destination's culture and customs to securing transportation and protecting your valuables, for a worry-free and enjoyable journey.

  1. Prepare for your journey by researching your destination's culture, customs, and current events. As a result, you will be able to understand better potential safety concerns and the appropriate behaviour and attire to avoid attracting unwanted attention.

  2. Make digital copies of your passport, visa, and other important travel documents. Put them in a secure, password-protected cloud storage account or encrypted device. Physical copies should be kept in a concealed money belt or neck pouch.

  3. Ensure your transportation is secure and reputable: Avoid using unregistered taxis or ride-sharing services. Take public transportation or hire a reputable taxi or car service. Ensure you are familiar with the route and know how much the fare should be.

  4. Stay in touch: Share your travel itinerary with family or friends and details about your accommodations and daily schedule. Stay in touch with them regularly to keep them informed of your whereabouts. In an emergency, carry a fully charged phone with a local SIM card or a roaming plan.

  5. Stay alert and trust your instincts. Always be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded or unfamiliar areas. If something feels wrong, remove yourself from the situation.

  6. Keep valuable items, such as jewelry and electronics, hidden to avoid attracting unwanted attention. Store your belongings in a slash-proof and lockable bag when you are on the go.

  7. Travel insurance covers emergency medical expenses, trip cancellations, and lost or stolen items. As a result, you will have peace of mind and financial protection in unforeseen circumstances.

  8. Take advantage of hotel safety features like in-room safes, deadbolts, and peepholes. Do not open your door to strangers, and always lock it. Ask the hotel staff about safe areas to visit and any areas to avoid.

  9. Use public Wi-Fi with caution. Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive tasks such as online banking or accessing personal information. To ensure the security of your connection, you should use a VPN (Virtual Private Network).

  10. Prepare for emergencies by familiarizing yourself with local emergency numbers and the location of the nearest embassy or consulate. You should carry a basic first aid kit and any necessary medications. Know your evacuation routes in emergencies, such as natural disasters or political unrest.


Keywords : Journey preparation, Destination research, Cultural customs, Travel safety, Digital copies, Secure transportation



Chemical Water Treatments for Travellers: Types, Pros, and Cons

GeneralEdward Kiledjian

TL;DR: Stay healthy and hydrated during your travels with chemical water treatments - discover how they work, their pros and cons, and their different types.

It is important to have access to safe and clean drinking water when travelling to remote or unfamiliar locations. However, consuming contaminated water can result in various illnesses, including diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration. Chemical water treatment is an effective method of ensuring the safety of your drinking water. In this blog post, we will examine chemical water treatments for travellers, how they work, and their pros and cons.

In chemical water treatment, various chemicals, such as iodine or chlorine, kill bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. Travellers generally favour these treatments because they are easy to use, lightweight, and affordable.

Among the most common types of chemical water treatment for travelers are:

Iodine tablets

Water purification with iodine tablets is one of the most prevalent chemical treatments. In addition to being easy to use, they are effective against a wide range of pathogens. However, they can leave an unpleasant taste and colour in the water and may not be suitable for pregnant women or individuals with thyroid disorders.

Chlorine tablets

A common chemical treatment for purifying water is the use of chlorine tablets. As well as being easy to use, they are also effective against most pathogens. It is also possible to disinfect surfaces and utensils with chlorine tablets. They, however, may also leave an unpleasant taste and odour in the water, and they may not be suitable for people with allergies or sensitivities to chlorine.

Portable water filters with chemical treatments

Some portable water filters are equipped with chemical treatment. Typically, these filters remove larger impurities using a physical filter and then use chemicals to kill any remaining pathogens. These filters can be effective against a wide range of contaminants and are often a more comprehensive solution than chemical treatments alone.

Pros of chemical water treatments for travellers:

  • Lightweight and portable

  • Easy to use

  • Affordable

  • Effective against most pathogens

Cons of chemical water treatments for travellers:

  • May alter the taste and smell of the water

  • May not be suitable for people with allergies or sensitivities to the chemicals

  • May not be effective against all contaminants

Conclusion

In conclusion, chemical water treatments are an effective and convenient method of purifying water while travelling. The availability and affordability of iodine and chlorine tablets make them an accessible option for most travellers. It is, however, important to be aware of any potential changes in taste and odour, as well as any possible allergies or sensitivities. Consider purchasing a portable water filter with chemical treatment for a more comprehensive solution. Following the proper precautions and treatment methods, you can enjoy safe and clean drinking water during your travels.

#SafeDrinkingWater #TravelTips #ChemicalWaterTreatments #WaterPurification #StayHydrated #HealthyTravel #WaterSafety #IodineTablets #ChlorineTablets #PortableWaterFilters #traveller #travelling

Stay Hydrated and Safe While Traveling: 5 Ways to Purify Unknown Quality Water

GeneralEdward Kiledjian

TL;DR: Learn how to stay hydrated and avoid getting sick while traveling with these 5 effective methods of purifying unknown quality water, including boiling, chemical treatments, filtration, UV purification, and distillation.

To ensure your safety and well-being when travelling to unfamiliar locations, one of the most important considerations is the availability of safe drinking water. Consuming contaminated water can result in various health problems, such as diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration.

Fortunately, there are ways to make unknown-quality water safe to drink so you don't have to worry about getting sick during your travels. The following methods can be used to purify water while travelling:

Boiling

Boiling water is one of the easiest and most effective methods for purifying water. Boiling water kills most bacteria, viruses, and parasites, making it safe for consumption. To ensure the elimination of all pathogens, bring the water to a rolling boil for at least one minute or three minutes at higher elevations.

Chemical treatments

Chemical treatments, such as iodine or chlorine tablets, are another effective water-purifying method. Most bacteria and viruses are killed by these chemicals. Ensure that you follow the directions on the package for the correct dosage and treatment time, and remember that these treatments may affect the taste of your water.

Water filtration

Filtration of water is another effective method of purifying water. Various types of water filters are available, ranging from portable straw filters to larger pump filters. By trapping bacteria, viruses, and other impurities within the filter medium, these filters ensure that water is safe for consumption.

UV purification

In recent years, UV water purification has become increasingly popular among travellers. In UV purification devices, UV light kills bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms in the water. This is an excellent option for those on the go because it is quick and efficient.

Distillation

During distillation, water is boiled, and the vapour is collected, then condensed back into a liquid state. Most of the impurities in the water are removed during this process, making it safe for consumption. Distillation, however, is a time-consuming and energy-intensive process, making travel less practical.

What about bottled water?

While bottled water is often considered a safe alternative to tap water, this is not always the case. Occasionally, bottled water may not be a safe option due to the possibility of contamination during production, transportation, or storage. Additionally, not all bottled water companies adhere to the same standards we might be used to in our home countries. As a result, it is important to research the local regulations and brands before purchasing bottled water while travelling. In some situations, it may be more practical and safer to purify water on your own rather than relying on bottled water.

Conclusion

Keeping hydrated while travelling is essential, but you should also ensure safe drinking water. If you choose to boil, chemically treat, filter, use UV purification, or distill water, it is important to understand the different methods of purifying water and select the most suitable for your circumstances. Taking these precautions will enable you to enjoy your travels without worrying about getting sick from contaminated water.


#SafeDrinkingWater #TravelTips #WaterPurification #StayHydrated #HealthyTravel #WaterSafety #BoilingWater #ChemicalTreatments #WaterFiltration #UVPurification #Distillation

Operational security tips to safeguard your privacy when crossing a border

GeneralEdward Kiledjian

Every week I read about another traveller that is hassled at the border to turn over his laptop, tablet or smartphone and their associated passwords. Knowing that a stranger has gone through your personal “stuff” feels dirty (similar to being robbed).

A question I get asked often by readers, friends and colleagues is “How do I travel through international borders without worrying that my life will be put on show for some stranger with a badge?”. You don’t believe that this can happen; here are some interesting articles:

Operational Security 101

The work of physical security and digital (cyber) security are merging fast and you cannot have one without the other. So what is a traveler to do?

  1. Identify your sensitive data. Before travelling, conduct an extensive analysis of the data you will be crossing the border with. This doesn’t just include intellectual property or employee information but remember that once authorities have access to your email, without you present, they can figure out what social media accounts you have, they can reset your password for any site, they can build a social graph of all your contacts (using your email, instant messages and contacts), etc.

  2. Prepare a lists of vulnerabilities you are subject to? You should consider everything from device theft to authorities riffling through your personal data with no regard for privacy.

  3. Determine your risk level for each vulnerability. As long as you back up your data and your device is encrypted, then your risk after a theft is limited to the cost of replacing your device or scrambling to buy a new one while in transit. You will realize your risk level quickly rises when you consider the exponentially increasing risk of having your device analyzed at the border.

  4. Design your countermeasure plan. For each vulnerability, design a mitigation or risk minimization plan. This is what the rest of the article will talk about.

Countermeasures

Like a broken record, I will now extol the virtues of the Chromebooks and why many security professionals rely solely on these devices when security is essential. I know many of you will email me to explain why Google is evil and shouldn’t be trusted. I respect everyone’s opinion, and if you believe using Google products and services doesn’t meet your security requirements, then, by all means, choose something else.

A Chromebook is designed to be reinitialized anytime and to restore its state very quickly. Log into a device connected to a respectable network, and within minutes, you are back up and running with your apps, extensions, bookmarks and settings. Your data is stored in the cloud, and local device storage is encrypted.

Theft

If some numskull steals your device, you will have to buy a new one but at least your data is safely stored in the cloud, and there is no unencrypted data locally to expose you. I have had my device stolen on a train in Europe (on my way to speak at a conference). At my destination, I bought a Chromebook, used the store's WIFI to restore my device, and I was up and running within 30 minutes.

Border inspection

Border inspection is a different beast because they have the authority to force you to turn over your passwords. In this case, the only protection strategy is trickery.

For people crossing the border with sensitive information, I recommend that you use a Chromebook and sync everything to the cloud. Before travelling, you Powerwash the Chromebook (aka set it back to factory default) and then log into it with a dummy Google account.

This Google account should have some emails, contacts, favourites, files stored on your Google drive, etc. It should look like it is an authentic and genuine account. When your device is inspected, it will have nothing of interest, and you will not endanger your “real” data.

Once you cross the border, find a WIFI network, Powerwash your device and log in with your “real” account.

What about your smartphone

I trust the Chromebook Powerwash process enough to reuse a Chromebook that was inspected by border security but not a smartphone. Smartphones (iPhone or Android) do not have the excellent backup and recovery properties of the Chromebook. In most cases, I travel with a real fully loaded smartphone and will destroy it if it is ever taken from me. I will immediately change all my passwords and implement honeypot style detection tools to see if they attempt to exploit me.

What are these detection techniques I am talking about? Well one example is to use the Free Canary Tokens to generate different honeypots in your work environment.

As an example, you create an easy to find (weaponized) Word or PDF file (stored in your Google drive) and phone that sends out a beacon when it is opened. Think of these tools as motion sensors warning you that your digital being is at risk and that you need to take extraordinary measures to protect yourself.

Conclusion

An article about traveller airport border crossing security (OPSEC) can be very long, but I wanted to give you a gentle introduction. If you are a journalist, politician or senior executive at risk, hire a good security consultant to guide you. The most expensive advice is free advice.

If you are a journalist with a reputable organization working on high-risk reporting and need security advice, I am always available to provide free guidance. I believe free and open journalism is a pillar of our modern democracy.


Review of Quip's toothbrush as a service

GeneralEdward Kiledjian

This blog article is not advertising and is not a sponsored post.

Quip is a new entrant in the competitive and packed electric toothbrush space. Unlike many of the larger bulkier electric toothbrushes, Quip is a sleek, shiny and well designed modern looking toothbrush.

Like all modern electronic works of art, it comes in different colours, finishes and materials.

It also has the seal of approval from the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance. The ADA website explains it as "To this day, dentists and consumers recognize it as the gold standard for evaluating safety and efficacy of dental products."

So what how is the Quip compare? Quip is a simpler toothbrush that delivers the basics: it has a vibrating alert timer (to measure brushing each quadrant) and has gently cleaning vibrations that won't harm your gums.

What does it come with? The basic kit comes with a pre-installed battery, brush head and a slim toothbrush holder (attaches to your mirror with micro suction cups but also doubles as a travel cover). I have had it attached to my bathroom mirror for 30 days, and it hasn't fallen off once. I have traveled with it once, rinsed it with warm water when I got back, and it stuck right back on the mirror.

How do you charge the battery? I have used OralB and Philips electric toothbrushes, and they each come with their charging bases (which are usually bulky and consume valuable counter space). The Quip uses a single AAA battery that can be changed within seconds. Since Quip is a Toothbrush As A Service, when you subscribe to their toothbrush head replacement plan, they also send you a replacement battery every three months. If you travel and run out of power, replace it with a cheap AAA, you can buy anywhere, and you don't have to carry a bulky charger.

How does it compare to a "normal" (non-powered) toothbrush? The Quip is definitely better than a normal plastic toothbrush because it offers gentle vibrations and helps with timing. Additionally, they send replacement heads automatically which means you never have to worry about timing replacements.

How does the Quip compare to other electric toothbrushes? It depends. The truth is that the newer electric toothbrushes that vibrate and rotate seem to deliver an easier and better clean. However, the Quip is less than half the cost, easier to travel with and effective when used as directed (in conjunction with flossing and regular dentist visits).

General recommendations included with the introductory guide are:

  • Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste

  • Brush gently (don’t push too hard or you will injure your gums)

  • Make sure you brush every tooth from all directions

  • Brush for two minutes (30 seconds per quadrant)

  • Brush your tongue (the back of the brush head has a scraper)

  • Don’t rinse your mouth right after brushing

What are the cons?

  • The Quip is better than a plain non-powered toothbrush, but its performance is significantly worse than the modern sonic toothbrushes.

  • The Quip's bristles are better than a non-powered toothbrush, but they aren't as good as the ones on powered brushes that seem to have better reach into hard to reach crevices.

Conclusion: I like the Quip, but it isn't the most effective electric toothbrush. Not a bad offering but you need to determine what your actual needs are. I hope Quip releases another generation of their product with rotating bristles that uses real sonic pulses.