You must have heard that travelling to an unknown land always comes with a risk. Whether it is pickpockets, purse snatchers, identity thieves or kidnappers, travellers are always an easy target for them. We get to hear the news every other day that a traveller was mugged somewhere. Even the most criminally safe countries can be a risk to travellers. So, does that mean you stop travelling? No. You must take a few safety precautions, and then you can enjoy it to the fullest. Years of travelling and getting scammed quite a few times have taught me many safety tips, and today, I will share them with you on how to stay safe while travelling.
Do your research.
Before you travel, you need to research where you are going. Look for safe neighbourhoods and hotels. The best way to find out about them is through locals or other travellers. Another thing that will add to your safety is enrolling yourself inSTEP.
Keep digital copies of all your documents.
Your ID card, passport, and visa are a few documents that you will need occasionally on your trip. You can only sometimes bring out the originals, so keep some copies. Scan all your documents and keep them on your phone. Having digital copies makes document recovery more accessible in case of misplacing or theft.
Know the local emergency numbers.
The most reliable option in case of emergency is to call the local emergency department. Write down or save that place’s emergency contacts in your phone before you leave for the trip. You can get all the emergency numbers from every country’s embassy.
Keep all your money in multiple places.
You don't have to carry so much cash with you. A wise decision is to open an international bank account and make payments with credit cards. If you still want some cash, the best solution is never to keep all your money in one place. Keep all your money in the hotel and keep some with you when going out, which you will use during the day. As for the other cash, keep it in different places so that if one stash gets stolen, you are still in money.
Drink responsibly.
This is one of the most essential travel safety tips. You never know. You might end up in a dangerous neighbourhood, and being drunk makes you more prone to scams. It doesn't mean that you can't enjoy a drink or two, but don't let it get to the point where you are wholly wasted and at the liability of someone else.
Bring travel locks.
Even if your bag is zipped and sealed, it is still risky. There have been instances when whole bags were stolen. You should bring your travel locks to lock your bag when going out or even at transit time; you can secure it with a chair or seat to prevent theft. Also, if you are staying in hostels, travel locks are a necessity.
Use credible transport services.
Local taxi drivers can be a source of scams or scammers themselves. Don't just get on any local taxi, where you can't even track back the person in case of fraud. Go for reputable and credible transport services like Uber. They are safer, and you can track them through the company in case of any security issues. Even with Uber, you must research your driver and read the reviews before booking a ride with them. Remember to confirm the driver's name when getting in the car.
Keep your friends and family updated.
Even if you are travelling with the family, giving a copy of your itinerary to someone back home is safer. Whether it is a close friend or family, catch up with them every other day. If you are in some danger or they cannot contact you, they will know where you are at that time, making sending help easier.
Stay aware of your surroundings.
It would help if you were extra vigilant of your surroundings when travelling. Don't let your guard down in public places. Always keep your belongings with you and avoid engaging with strangers too much. If you feel someone is making you uncomfortable or acting suspiciously, it is better to leave that place at once. Keep an eye out for scammers, and always go with your gut instinct if you think someone is acting shady.
Access the Internet securely.
People often see open or free Internet and start using it, not realizing how risky it can be. These public Wi-Fi networks are an opportunity for hackers. They can access your personal information like bank account details and social security numbers through the Internet connected to your phone or laptop. A safer way to access the Internet in such public places is by setting up a VPN network, which will alert you in case of any risk.
Have travel insurance.
I cannot emphasize enough how important this is. Travel insurance will cover everything you need when you are abroad. In case of a medical emergency, a lost bag, cancelled flights, or any other mishaps, your insurance company will have your back. It gives you added safety and, above all, covers the different safety measures you take when travelling.
Bottom Line
Remember that safety and adventure are not mutually exclusive. It's okay to worry about your safety when travelling to an unknown place. Don't let this get to you too much. Stay aware of your surroundings and keep your family updated on your whereabouts. As for your belongings, keep your most valuable items safe and secure in your bags. Follow these few safety tips, and you won't have to worry about anything. In these times, the world is safer than it has ever been. With everything within your reach, you can easily dodge such situations. The risk is there, but it isn't as much to stop you from having fun. So stay calm and enjoy your trip!
