Informative speech
I. (Attention Getter) You've just arrived in the most common city to travel to in the world. You just dropped your bags in the hotel room and opened the door to the balcony. You hear a knock at the door and you go and check who it is. In those few minutes your back was turned someone climbed in and stole your passport, money, and computer from your bags. How could you have prevented this situation.
Specific Purpose) Today, I'm going to educate you about Travel Safety when traveling to Paris, France. III. (Credibility) I've completed research about Safety tips when traveling abroad and I have experience with traveling with my family on vacations. And I plan on traveling to Paris, France one day.
V. (Preview) First, I will cover the importance of research before you go to Paris, France. Next, I will introduce travel safety when you are in the city and what to be aware of. Finally, I will discuss personal safety during your trip.
(Transition) I would like to begin by discussing the importance to research before you go. Body I. It is very important to research the area before you go.
c. Travel.Safety.gov states that "France is identified as a level 2: Exercise increased caution due to terrorism." (State, 2018) This was updated February 19th, 2018. Travel.State.gov also states "Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in France" (State, 2018). d. Knowing the weather is also an important thing to research. "Frequent rainfall has caused widespread flooding along the Seine River that flows through Paris." (NASA, 2018)
(Transition) Now that we have covered that it's important to do your research, we will discuss travel safety when you are in the city and what to be aware of. II. Knowing your safety when you're in the city is very important.
Conclusion I. (Signal End) Now I would like to close with the following statements. II. (Review Main Points) We have specifically looked at the importance of researching a destination before going, Travel safety when you are in the city and what to be aware of, and lastly overall personal safety when traveling abroad.
III. (Review specific purpose) I hope that I have successfully educated you about travel safety and what to be aware of when traveling abroad. IV. (Provide Closure) If you plan on traveling to Paris, France your experience could be an amazing adventure. It's important to research and know the area and also be aware of your surroundings for your personal safety. Hopefully I have educated you on Travel safety when traveling to Paris, France.
(Transition) Now that we have covered that it's important to know your safety in the city, we will discuss personal safety. III. Lastly here are tips for personal safety.
a. A Program I found through a service of the Bureau of Consular Affairs is STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program). It helps you "Stay informed, Stay Connected, Stay Safe." (Affairs, n.d.)
An example of high crime is "The embassy recommended that travelers stay away from areas where the riots has occurred (not that the French suburbs, the equivalent of U.S. inner cities, had ever been tourist maps), move quickly away from any demonstrations they might encounter and exercise particular caution during evening and night time hours." (Sengès, 2005)
b. According to the U.S. Embassy "France experienced multiple attacks in 2015, the most serious being the coordinated November 13 attacks in and around Paris that killed 130 victims and injured 413, according to official accounts." (Embassy, 2015)
iii. RFID is (Radio Frequency Identification) "Technology makes it fairly easy for someone with a hand-held reader to brush up next to you and steal your card information." (Lowcard.com, 2013) You can get card protection anywhere and they have a passport cover with the RFID protection even at Walmart.
b. Also, it's important to keep your valuables on you always. i. Zip tie your bags. If they've been cut, they have been tampered with. ii. Use TSA locks on your luggage. iii. Have copies of your passport and don't put them all in the same place
ii. If you plan on swimming in a public pool you are not allowed to wear board shorts and you are required to wear what Americans call "speedos" for men.
b. Be aware of the security situation in the area. "Rental cars are frequently targeted for break-in when visitor exits vehicles." (State, 2018)
b. "Crimes of opportunity are more likely to involve violence on the street late at night." (State, 2018) If you do go out at night make sure you're not alone and some one knows where you are going. It's important to keep in contact with people back home.
c. A passport is required. The U.S. Department of state says that "The passport must be valid at least 3 months beyond planned date of departure." i. Money restrictions when entering is 10,000 Euros max. ii. Tourist Visa is not required for stays under 90 days.
a. When you enter France, you are subject to local laws. U.S. Department of state "If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned." (State, 2018)
i. "There are strict regulations concerning temporary importation or exportation from France of items such as firearms, antiques, medications, business equipment, merchandise samples, and other items."
i. You can receive updates about safety conditions. It's a resource for the U.S. Embassy to contact you in an emergency for example "natural disaster, civil unrest, or family emergency." (Affairs, n.d.)
ii. STEP is an effective way for your friends and family to get in touch with you in an emergency. It is also a free program.
