Important tips for you and your family

Your family’s safety is very important; that’s why we’ve put together a few simple tips to help make your experience of Friends in Places a safe one. You’ll find that they’re rooted in common sense, but please do take care, and remember that you’re in charge of yourself.

If you’re meeting anyone – be it a family, a group, or an individual – make sure someone else knows where you are. Even if you are being met at the airport, leave relevant contact details (travel plans, flight numbers, and the name of your accommodation) with family or friends at home.

Where at all possible, don’t go to a meeting on your own. It’s always best to take someone with you.

Arrange to meet in a well-lit area where other people will be present. Avoid meeting in car parks and, where possible, meet during the day.

Always have alternative travel arrangements ready in case the people you’ve arranged to meet don’t show up. If they’re delayed for whatever reason, and you don’t have any way of getting in touch with them, you might need to make your own way to your accommodation.

Never give out personal information. By this we mean bank details, private information about your work, or other information which could be abused. Discretion – not to mention common sense – is the key.

Don’t be pressured into travelling anywhere if you don’t feel comfortable. Even though you are in a foreign country, you don’t have to do anything or go anywhere you don’t want to.

Make sure you feel at ease with the people you arrange to meet, and be sure you want to meet them. If you feel at all threatened or uncomfortable, don’t commit to a meeting.