Kworld Trend / 13 Essential travel safety tips for trips metabloginfo, Before you can travel the world freely making it your oyster, there are a few travel safety tips you need to put at the front of your mind. It can be said that safety varies from person to person: if you are traveling with children, if you are traveling alone, if you are over a certain age, etc. However, safety is an essential component of travel; Perhaps the most important component.
13 Essential travel safety tips for trips metabloginfo
Traveling abroad can be the most exhilarating experience of a lifetime, even more so if you are traveling alone. The sights you will see, the situations you will encounter, and the people you will meet can change your perspective and even change the course of your life for the better. While the benefits of travel are well known, there are also a few things to consider before you leave on your trip – the most important of which is how to travel safely.
When I was 18 years old, I went on my first trip abroad without my parents. It was a group trip, but there were still times when we were allowed to be out on our own for hours at a time.
Being so young it was so much fun but a little scary at the same time. Fortunately, my parents and trip organizers prepared me well enough that I was able to go out and explore on my own while being aware of my surroundings and not taking advantage of them.
Thinking about staying safe while traveling will set you up for success and allow you to focus on enjoying new and enjoyable experiences. Preparation is essential. Once you have safety plans and backup plans in place, you will have fewer worries to entertain.
Keep reading to discover our top travel safety tips for travelers and some of our favorite tools for ensuring safety while traveling abroad.
Travel safety tips for all travelers 13 Essential travel safety tips for trips metabloginfo
After 13 years of traveling the world as a part-time traveler, I’ve picked up a few things about travel safety. I’ve only had my safety questioned a few times over my many travels, and I’ve never found myself in a situation I can’t handle.
Of course bad things can happen. But travel is not dangerous. Most of the time, if you follow common sense, you’ll be fine.
In this post, I will share with you the top travel safety tips that will help you have the best vacation possible. This way, you’ll know all the information, so you’re prepared, confident, and less likely to be a target.
Follow these seven travel safety tips to help you make a memorable trip for all the right reasons.
1. Do your research
Get to know your destination in depth before you arrive. Read traveler reviews and consult locals for information on safer neighborhoods, places to stay, and crime incidences. Check the Department of State’s website for country updates and enrollment in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
Another important travel security precaution is knowing who to contact in an emergency. Get contact information for the nearest embassy or consulate, police station and other local emergency departments.
2. Don’t draw attention
People who appear to be from out of town are particularly prone to crime, so try to blend in as much as possible. Choose discreet clothing that won’t attract attention. Be careful when looking at maps and approach people carefully if you need to ask for directions.
Also consider investing in protective clothing and equipment that will make it more difficult for pickpockets to steal money and other personal items.
3. Make copies of important documents
You never know when you might need a copy of your passport, driver’s license, or other form of identification. Scan these documents to save online and print several hard copies. That way, you won’t be scrambling to find the proper documentation if you need to go home. 13 Essential travel safety tips for trips metabloginfo
4. Keep your friends and family informed
No matter if you’re going, on a short overnight trip or a month-long international trip, it’s always a good idea to let friends or family know when you’re back home. Before you leave, send a copy of your itinerary to a few trusted people who can keep an eye on your whereabouts. Check in regularly with your contacts so they know you’re where you’re supposed to be.
5. Be wary of public Wi-Fi
Don’t let the convenience of Internet access cloud your judgment. When using public Wi-Fi, hackers looking to steal valuable information can gain access to your data including credit card or Social Security numbers. If you need wireless internet, set up a virtual private network (VPN) that will allow you to access the internet securely while traveling. 13 Essential travel safety tips for trips metabloginfo
6. Protect your hotel room
Even if your hotel has strong security measures in place, there are steps you can take to make your room more secure. Close and lock the door and close your windows. You can purchase a jammer, which is a portable device that slides under a door for another layer of protection.
Try to give the impression that you are in your room even when you are away, such as putting a “do not disturb” sign on the outside of the door and keeping the curtains or windows closed.
Don’t let any strangers into your room, even if they say they work at the hotel. You can always call the front desk to check if the hotel staff has ordered someone to come to your room.
7. Be aware of your surroundings
Don’t let your guard down to capture the perfect picture for your social media platforms. Keep an eye on your personal belongings at all times and use common sense when speaking to strangers. A big part of the joy of traveling is the opportunities it provides to meet new people and learn about their cultures. But if someone near you is acting suspiciously, or if you feel uncomfortable, leave the area immediately. 13 Essential travel safety tips for trips metabloginfo
Other tips
1. Always keep this in your carry-on bag
This may be something you want to do anyway, especially with expensive electronics like your laptop or camera. But it’s also helpful to keep medication, a toothbrush, and some extra underwear on you at all times. Because then you have a few basics for any prospect – the big inconvenience is the long flight delays. You’ve been separated from your luggage, stuck in an airport terminal, need your meds or just want to brush or freshen your teeth.
2. Choose a secure bag
Pockets are picked, as are bags. Many people think about the weight and size of the bag, maybe the bag is not safe, but this can save you a lot of headaches and bad situations. One of the best and safest bags around is the Pacsafe . They have a variety of bag types and sizes, all of which are safe.
3. Look for common scams
Oh, tricks . This is a personal problem for me.
Every country has these scams – whether it’s taxi scams, blessing scams, or airport scams. Once in India, I was deceived by a so-called holy man through a blessing scam . Back in Bali, some locals tried to bully me into donating a larger amount before visiting the temple. But at that point I learned my lesson. And because I had read about local scams in Bali , I knew what to look out for.
My advice: Before heading to a new country, spend some time on Google looking for scams to be wary of. Just type in “common scams in Thailand” if that’s where you want to go. 13 Essential travel safety tips for trips metabloginfo
4. Know the local emergency numbers
This is something that is easy to slip from your mind, but don’t let that be. You can slip and fall anywhere at any time, so keep a working phone with you and keep that country’s emergency number on hand. They almost always speak English wherever you are in the world.
5. Carry your hotel business card in your wallet
This is great for a number of situations, including getting lost or running into the police. Some countries’ police instigate stops and searches, so make sure you have all the information you want readily accessible. It’s also a good reference – you can ask people for help if you’re lost or just link the hotel’s address to Google Maps.
6. You look confident
This applies to fellow single women in particular, but men can be harassed and intimidated as well. It’s always better to look less like a tourist if you can. You seem confident in your surroundings. If you don’t, you will appear vulnerable – at least to deception, and at worst to something dangerous.
7. Try not to stand out
Google can help you here too. How do the locals dress where you are going? This is the kind of travel safety advice that might tempt many travelers’ minds but is really important. You want to blend in, it helps your confidence in a new place. It’s also important to be respectful and avoid trouble if you’re in a very religious place that requires a certain dress code. You don’t want to offend anyone and get yourself into trouble. 13 Essential travel safety tips for trips metabloginfo
