War Reporters' Top Travel Secrets

Tip: Make your driver take an English language test.

Why: The most dangerous thing in the world is a car without brakes, bald tires, and a driver who pretends to speak English. Check the vehicle, then assess your driver’s language skills to ensure you stick to your desired itinerary—and avoid any trouble.

War Reporter Testimony: Newsweek magazine’s Owen Matthews—who covered the Chechen war and the bombing of Afghanistan—advises vetting drivers: “Ask them what they had for breakfast. If they can answer you in English, hire them. You’d be amazed how far non-English speakers can get on pure bluff, then put you in serious danger when they don’t understand your instructions.”