Travel safety. It’s a real concern, given the nature of the world today. And yet, we love it, and we continue to transport ourselves around the world for those new experiences.
There are some things we cannot control, no matter where we are. A pickpocket may target us; we might eat in a “questionable” place, drink the water, and end up with some serious intestinal issues; we might even be the victim of a more serious crime. Those of us who travel a lot or for long periods of time to think about safety issues. But the desire for the experience outweighs those concerns.
Still, there are things that we can do to improve our safety odds. Here is a checklist of safety tips that all travelers can use.
- Let Your Bank Know Where You Are Going
Your bank pays more attention to you than you would believe, and one thing that causes distress during a trip is to find that your debit card has been disabled. Why does this happen? Once again, your bank pays a lot of attention to you, and your purchases. Specifically, where you purchase items. If you live in southern Georgia and your bank sees that you are making a purchase in London, it may assume that someone has hacked your information. And so, that purchase is denied and the card disabled. Always let your bank know if you plan to travel, where you will be, and how long you will be there. This is especially true for overseas travel. - Don’t Travel Alone
While traveling by yourself can be a lot of fun. there are many risks to it. After all, you are a much easier target by yourself. If you want to stay safe, plan trips, especially longer ones and those to foreign destinations, with a friend or two. Barring that, perhaps sign up for a tour group. You can always veer off from the group for unique experiences you may want. - Choose Your Vehicle Wisely
Choosing a good vehicle is a must for a trip, after all the only way one can find adventure is by traveling by car. Of course, the type of car matters, which is why you should always look at the key features such as the year it was made, how many airbags it possesses, what the blind spots are like, along with many other details. By looking thoroughly into these you can find a safe and reliable vehicle. - Be Sure to Thoroughly Research Your Destination
Today, it is incredibly easy to research destinations in order to ensure that you are traveling to savory places in the world. Almost everything has reviews and website ratings. Simply take the time to research those before you finally decide on your destination. And you can know up front what specific spots are considered unsavory or risky, so you can avoid them. After deciding the place of destination learns the few basic phrases in the official language. You don’t need to learn it fluently or to write with perfect grammar like on academic writing service, but if you know how to say “Hello!” or “How much?” your trip will be easier and safer for sure. - Keeping Your Valuables Safe
We’ve all heard the stories of people coming back to their hotel rooms only to discover the money they left in the dresser drawer, or that portable game system they bought for their kids has mysteriously gone missing. It would be rare that they are ever found. Make use of the hotel safe, and get a receipt for anything you put in that safe, with clear itemization. And before you go, purchase a separate travel insurance policy that will cover valuable jewelry you take. - Invest in a Travel Safe/Body Pouch
If you do have the money for a travel safe, buy one. These safes can easily fit into a suitcase and tend to be much more secure than taking all of our valuables with you. Just make certain that you store the safe and its contents in a safe location in your hotel room, in order to make it less likely for possible thieves to try and decipher the code you assign to it.
Body pouches that are housed inside your clothing can hold large sums of cash and your passport. Never leave a passport in a hotel room. And if you are going to be in a foreign country for a long time, storing it at your country’s consulate is always a good option.
- Only Take What You Need
While you may be tempted to go into town with all your money and credit cards, if something were to happen you would be completely out of luck. Instead, keep your daily needs and expenses to just what you will need. You will be able to have a great time shopping in town with nothing more than 60$ cash and one credit card. - Don’t be Quick to Trust the People You Meet
While you can meet great people during travels, and while many of them can become wonderful friends in the future, under no circumstances should you trust a person as soon as you meet them? Many thieves have learned to use a traveler’s trusting instincts to their advantage. Even if they seem like the nicest people on earth, do not leave them alone with your stuff. There is a chance that when you get back they, and your valuables, will be gone. - Blend in as Much as You Can
If you want to attract pickpockets, you dress as differently as you can. This shows that you do not know the area, and you are more likely to be taken advantage of. Remember to do your research in advance and purchase/pack the type of clothing that looks natural and normal for your destination(s).
10. Be Mindful How You Carry Yourself
Sometimes, safety on the streets is a matter of how you “carry” yourself. If you “look” timid or “lost,” you are considered a much easier target to criminals. Walk confidently, with a deliberate stride, great posture, and as if you know exactly where you are going. Hooligans will look for another target.
11. Prepare for the Worst
There is an old saying that goes, “Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.” While you are hoping for the perfect vacation, it is best to assume that something bad could happen along the way. Your purse or wallet could be stolen; you might require a trip to the hospital, or your hotel could lose your reservation. You need a plan, access to emergency funds, and an investment in travel insurance.
Remember that while there is no universal plan for safety for every place in the world, there are many similar factors between them all. Remember to plan, research, and above all be smart about where you go, how you go, and what you do with your valuables. Above all, be mindful of your surroundings and take precautions to guard your health.
Thoughts