The Davon Green Franklin Foundation Presents: Real Travelers - Real Stories
Start by telling us about yourself and some of the
international destinations in which you have traveled.
My
name is Dana B. and I have been traveling very actively for past three years.
My first big trip was to Africa. During the summer of 2014, I travelled four consecutive weeks. I traveled to Kenya,
Tanzania, Malawi, and Zambia. I went with a travel company called G - Adventures since
maneuvering around Africa isn't easy. I also had a long layover in London on my
way to Africa.
Summer
2015 is what I consider my first real backpacking experience. I went to Israel,
Greece, Italy, Amsterdam, Brussels, and Iceland. That was about 6 and a half weeks. I
fell in love with Iceland, so I went back that following winter for 5 days. That
same year for spring break, I backpacked Costa Rica.
In
summer 2016, I went to South and Central America. I started in Bolivia and went
to Peru where I trekked to Machu Picchu as well as taking in other amazing sights and experiences; however, Machu Picchu was certainly the highlight of South America. I then ventured
up to Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala for another 4 weeks.
This
past spring break, April 2017, I backpacked through Nicaragua for 12 days. This upcoming summer, I have a flight booked to Vietnam. I plan to explore
Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand. If I have time, I would like to see
Indonesia as well.
Have you ever experienced any problems while traveling outside of the United States?
I
have had a few bumps in the road for sure! Just off the top of my head, I’ve had
bed bugs, having to change flights at the spur of the moment, a lousy travel partner, lack of preparation,
and the latest is that my cellphone and tablet were stolen! Most of them had easy
solutions though! My partner and I decided to split up and it ended up being a
wonderful trip. I planned for South
America very poorly unfortunately. I didn't realize I needed a Visa for Bolivia,
so I was in full panic mode at the airport, but I definitely learned a lesson. I
was lucky enough to get to the airport and they quickly issued me a travel Visa.
I keep in
touch with my mom, so she helps me with changes to my flights or issues with my
credit card. She has been incredibly helpful. When I lost my phone, I got on the
hostel’s computer and contacted my mom. She immediately called my travelers
insurance for me to see what I needed to do. She also contacted Verizon to cancel and wipe
out my phone. My biggest advice is have contact with someone back at home that you can
contact if things go wrong. You should either have a family member or close friend that has
your information and access to your accounts. If they don’t have access
before the trip, definitely give them access. My mom having access to my
accounts has been a TREMENDOUS help these past few years.
Have
you ever been sick while traveling?
Fortunately, I have never been terribly sick, but I consider bed bugs the WORST thing
that's ever happened to me on an international trip (even worse than getting my phone stolen!).
I was lucky to be able to have found an English speaking doctor who was wonderful. I did have
trouble getting the necessary medication that I needed because the pharmacies didn’t
carry what the doctor recommended and they also didn’t speak English at all. So be aware of possible language barriers while traveling abroad. Also, when I went to Bolivia getting
acclimated was tough because the country is so high above sea level. I was sick for 3-4 days, but
I was expecting it, so I wasn't too shocked.
It
is important to learn from mistakes and be prepared. Now, I go to my primary
care physician and get TONS of meds before I travel. I stock up on items such as altitude pills to
get acclimated to the new environment, nausea pills, and I have added a cream that kills mites and other bugs
to my medication list. I hope to able to avoid that problem if it occurs again. I also bring antibiotics just in case I get a
stomach bug while traveling. I bring a generous supply of bug spray as well! I highly recommend that you do the same. This
will save you from hours and hours of itching and misery of bug bites and can
also protect you from many diseases.
What do you do to prepare before your trips abroad?
I get travelers insurance for each trip. I choose the best
option they offer because it covers so much. Most insurance will cover airlifts out of the
country in case of emergencies. Travelers insurance helps out when you get ill, or in the event your property is lost or stolen. It came in handy when my phone was stolen. I ended up
getting $500 back which was nice. I don't remember about registering my trip with
the United States- State Department. I know I don't for short trips.
Have you ever felt unsafe during any of your international trips?
I
have actually never felt unsafe. While In Africa, I had a funny experience, I was being
followed in the airport and I got nervous for a second. Finally, the guy came
up to me and asked if I was Britney Spears and wanted my autograph! Another incident occurred in
Bolivia which was awkward in the beginning because I was feeling a little off (from
the altitude) and the city was so poor. I definitely didn't wander around while in La Paz far
or alone, so it was fine.
What are your top 5 travel tips?
Top 5 travel tips-
1-
Don't go anywhere you aren't 100%
comfortable. Always look confident even if you are lost. Locals can definitely sense if you're
uncomfortable and can take advantage of you. It's important to know what you're
getting into to prevent problems. Also,
don't go anywhere without telling someone else where you are headed. If you leave the
hostel or hotel, let it be known you're leaving with multiple people. I call my mom
every single time I have WiFi and tell her I'll be back within X amount of hours and tell
her if she doesn’t hear from me within that time then call hostel or hotel. I provide
her with all the contact information for the places where I am staying and
people the I am traveling with. My mom tortures them!! Don't go anywhere alone
unless it's HIGHLY populated and definitely be aware of surroundings. Keep eyes
in front of you. Don't look at phone or look too touristy. Again, you'll get taken
advantage of.
2-
Know the land and where you're going
before you venture off. I recommend TripAdvisor. They let you download cities
when you’re connected to WiFi and you can view these cities when you are off
WiFi. You can check out restaurants, local attractions, and even get a map that
follows you as you move about therefore, it is INCREDIBLY helpful.
3-
Try not to look at a map too
obviously. If you do look at a map keep it hidden, maybe in a store or café. I
trust people in these types of places more than people on the streets. Several
touristy cities have tourist shops, so take advantage of these places when you stumble
upon them. If you need directions your best bet is hotels. Cops are good too. I found that hotel staff are very helpful and accommodating. In the past, I have had to rely on them because many of them do speak English and know the area well .
4-
Be smart with your belongings. Bring
a lock and always secure your passport, money, and other valuables. Also, while exploring cities,
do not take out valuables! In fact don't bring any valuable with you on your trips abroad This makes you a target. I keep a (trendy) fanny
pack on me at all times. I put my shirt or jacket over it to conceal it and I use a
rubber band to lock the zippers. This prevents me being a target for
pick-pocketers!
5-
Stay with groups. Night life
especially. If you chose to venture, backpack, or wander follow a
familiar trail. Make decisions off of other traveler's experiences. I always
use recommended travel destinations.
Any final tips?
I
hope I helped you with your planning! Two of my biggest tips: One, Secure your personal belonging and be safe when you walk around with your trendy bags. Two, Don’t have a big bag that
isn’t secure or too far away from your body.
Also, BRING MEDS! I honestly think that you can't have too
many medications because they're not easily accessible in some countries. Sometimes they're
different and if you can't find what you need or want and you can't speak
language, it's nearly impossible to get what you need. It is better be prepared.
Also, the food in other places can be unsettling, so you can't be too safe if you
take an antidiarrheal or nausea pill ahead of time. It has happened to me before, especially
in Africa - where I just took them to be safe.
How did you find out about the Davon Green Franklin Foundation?
I
found out about the Davon Green Franklin Foundation because I am fortunate enough to work with one of the founders! I support the mission of the foundation because I believe that there are people that travel the globe, and they may not follow the best safety practices while traveling abroad. The work of the Davon Green Franklin Foundation is invaluable and it has
definitely shaped how I travel. I can only imagine how difficult the
experience was for the Franklin family. I try my hardest to be as safe and informed as
possible. I don't want to make similar errors or have my family experience a
similar misfortune. I want to make sure everyone is comfortable with my
traveling experiences. I keep my mother informed on
everything I do and everywhere I go while I am away. Before every trip, I
make a spreadsheet about tentative days, plans, hostels, and other pertinent information. My mom always has an idea of where I am going to be! I literally call her 15
times a day!
If you are interested in learning more about the Davon Green Franklin Foundation or to donate visit: www.dgffoundation.org
Facebook: Davon Green Franklin Foundation
Twitter: dgffoundation
You are invited to join us for an evening of food, fun, and bowling for only $25! All lanes will open at 7:00 p.m. We are also looking for individuals to sponsor each lane for a cost of $250 per lane. Since November 2010, family, friends, and community partners have helped the Davon Green Franklin Foundation to raise funds for the DGF Legacy Award & Scholarship and the Surviving Spring Break 101 program. The DGF Foundation is committed to helping individuals to understand the hidden dangers and vulnerabilities associated with international travel.https://www.eventbrite.com/e/davon-green-franklin-2017-legacy-bowling-night-tickets-36735212008?aff=erelexpmlt
Donations can be mailed to:
DGF Foundation (501c3)
P.O. Box 47223
Baltimore, Md. 21244
