20 Safety Tips For Travelling
I always do my research before travelling anywhere. I want to know the area I’ll be hanging out in as if it were my own backyard. So I’ve compiled a list of great safety tips to practice on any of your adventures to help you keep that piece of mind.
1. Trust Your Gut
This is the most important tip. Use common sense and have situational awareness. If you are feely a little iffy about what is happening then get away. Better to be safe than sorry.
2. Local Customs
Always respect local customs. If you are being disrespectful in another country this could make you a target. Remember you are a guest.
3. Learn The Language
It is always good to know a little bit of the language in the country you are visiting. It could come in handy in a tricky situation.
4. Familiarize Yourself With Local Scams
Do some research on the place you are visiting to see what kind of scams to look out for.
5. Keep Your Belongings Safe
Buy locks to keep your suitcases or backpacks contained. Don’t set your stuff down or take your eyes off it either.
6. RFID Blockers
These are very handy if you are traveling with credit cards. With technology advancing so rapidly make sure to keep your wallet safe.
7. Wallets
Keep your wallet in a front pocket. Even better, put them in a zipper or button pocket. But never in your back pocket.
8. Jewelry
Don’t wear expensive or flashy jewelry. It’s that simple.
9. ATMS
Only use ATMS that are located inside a bank. Never use a stand alone machine or one inside a convenient store.
10. Back Packs & Purses
You can purchase anti-theft backpacks for a reasonable price. But a regular back pack is better than nothing. And if you are going to carry a purse, make sure it is a cross-body purse.
11. Alcohol Intake
You should avoid too much alcohol consumption. Alcohol can affect you to the point of making bad decisions. And if you plan on having a wild night out make sure you have a plan. Maybe a designated sober friend or have a ride share booked instead of walking back.
12. Unattended Drinks
Never ever ever leave your drink unattended. If you do, I don’t care how much you paid for it, toss it. This is a better safe than sorry situation. Some people are just evil.
13. Avoid Late Night Walks
This one is pretty self explanatory.
14. Safety in Numbers
Book group tours. And if you are walking at night try to stick close to a group of people headed in the same direction.
15. Headphones or Earbuds
Don’t use headphones or earbuds while walking. The can distract you from someone approaching.
16. Talk On The Phone
Pretend to be on the phone while out walking. Or actually be on the phone. This can help deter someone from approaching you.
17. Safety App
Download a safety app on your phone and make sure your family and friends can track you while you are away.
18. Location, Location, Location!
Always tell someone where you will be. Got it?!
19. Copies
You are really going to want to do this everywhere you go. Make copies of all your important documents. Include your passport, visa, driver’s license, medical information, insurance, itineraries, hotel information and really anything else that is important to you. Send your family or friends your important details and copies of your documents as well. Make sure to send them your itinerary also. It is also a good idea to keep some of this information on your phone. Take a quick snapshot of it all. You are also going to want to have your physicians number, vaccination info and allergy list with you.
And make sure you have your Embassy address & phone number and the State Department Emergency number in your cell phone and written down at your hotel.
20. STEP
Make use of the State Department’s program STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program). It is a free service for U.S. citizens and nationals traveling abroad. By joining it allows you to enroll your trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. It also comes with a few perks. You can receive important safety conditions for your traveling country, it allows the U.S. Embassy to contact you in an emergency (which does include natural disasters).
And remember…have a great time!
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