I have just been watching a programme on TV about a couple who were kidnapped in Bolivia travelling from Lake Titicaca to La Paz. Having done some internet research I now see that this is a known problem in parts of South America, and that people are advised not to travel by overnight bus.
I am now slightly concerned as the Hola Peru trip that I am on has an overnight bus journey during the first week. Is this a route that has had any trouble in the past, and are there any precautions I should take, for example carrying cash in main rucksack rather than money belt, or not carrying bank cards?
I'm sure this is a rare occurance, but I'm still a bit concerned...
Thanks
Dan
Reply to your question
Dear Dan
Thank you for your post. It can be hard not to to feel alarmed after seeing some of these TV reports, however one of the great things about travelling in a group tour such as this one is that you are in a much less vulnerable position.
Your tour leader will be able to advise you on the best and safest way to carry your money, and will be keeping the group together and making sure everyone is accounted for at all times.
We have run the Hola Peru trip many, many times, and I've not heard of any problems such as this.
I am sure you will have an absolutely great time.
Regards
Kelly
Thanks
Hi Kelly,
thanks for the response, it is a bit scary seeing these things even though you know the chances are that it won't happen to you.
I'm trying to organise my currency for the trip at the moment and I'm not sure whether it's best to bring travellers cheques, currency or a mixture. I'd prefer not to use my bank card, but equally don't want to run out of money, nor do I want to carry too much cash!
Dan
Money on tour
Hi again Dan,
Thanks for your reply. I know exactly what you mean but you're right in that you have to remember it probably won't happen to you and just to be as sensible as possible to guard against any risks. I suppose if we started thinking about things that could happen to us some of us would never leave the house!
When it comes to money, I know they are safer in a security sense, but travellers cheques can be painful when it comes to getting them changed and can waste a lot of time and take a lot of effort and waiting around. I generally don't recommend them and have never used them on any of the 8 Imaginative Traveller trips I've now been on.
I tend to take cash with me and use my card as a back-up (not as the sole source of funds). Remember if you do use your card to make sure your bank knows you are going abroad so they don't put a stop on it!
Regards
Kelly