When you’re planning a trip, it’s important to keep your safety on travel in your mind. There are a few simple things you can do to reduce your risk of becoming a victim of a crime while you’re traveling.
One of the most important things you can do is to research your destination before you go. Learn about the local customs and laws, and familiarize yourself with the areas where you’ll be spending most of your time.
It’s also a good idea to dress conservatively and avoid wearing flashy jewelry or carrying large amounts of cash. Keep your head up and stay alert, so you can be aware of your surroundings. And finally, remember that confidence is key – when you project confidence, potential attackers are less likely to target you.
Do Your Research Before You Go
Be mindful of your surroundings while using public transportation to ensure safe arrival at the correct destination. Take note of who is around you and what they are doing. If you feel unsafe, move to a different car or get off at the next stop.
Hitch-hiking is never a good idea, no matter how short the distance or how nice the person seems. It’s best to just avoid it altogether. Research which taxi companies are reputable before you arrive in a place, and use only those. If you’re using Uber or Lyft, make sure you check the driver’s rating before getting in the car. When you’re confident, potential attackers can sense it through your body language. If you appear lost or confused, you’re more likely to be targeted.
Keep Your Money and Valuables Safe
When traveling, it’s important to keep your money and valuables safe. Here are a few safety travel tips to help you do just that:
1. Alert your bank before you leave on your trip. This way, they’ll be aware of the charges you’ll be making while away and can flag any suspicious activity.
2. Keep copies of personal documents (like your passport and driver’s license) in a secure location, like a safe at your hotel or hostel.
3. Only use ATMs during the day, when there are people around. Avoid using them at night or in isolated areas.
4. When possible, use credit cards instead of cash. This way, if your card is lost or stolen, you can cancel it and avoid financial loss.
5. Keep a photocopy of your passport and other important documents in a safe place, in case the originals are lost or stolen.
Be Streetwise and Cautious of Your Surroundings
From theft to kidnapping to losing your passport, a lot can go wrong abroad. So it’s important to be streetwise and cautious of your surroundings when traveling.
Here are some basic travel safety tips:
1. Always be aware of your valuables, and try to keep an eye on them in such a way that it would be impossible for someone to steal without you noticing.
2. Use ATMs during the day, when there are people around.
3. Try to rely more on credit cards and traveler’s cheques than cash.
4. If you are mugged, don’t fight backhand over your valuables and call the police as soon as possible.
Follow the Advice of Local Authorities
When traveling, it is important to follow the advice of local authorities in order to stay safe. This includes being aware of your surroundings, knowing how to get to your destination safely, and following COVID-19 guidelines. Additionally, you should always have a plan in case of an emergency. By taking these precautions, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Don’t Draw Attention
When you are traveling, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and not draw attention to yourself. Wearing expensive jewelry or clothing can make you a target for thieves. It is also important to be cautious when using public transportation and to be aware of your surroundings at all times. Following these simple tips can help you stay safe while traveling.
Make Copies of Important Documents
When traveling, it is important to have copies of important documents in case the originals are lost or stolen. Having copies can make it easier to get replacement documents or to prove your identity if necessary. You should have at least two copies of each document, and keep them in different places (such as in your luggage and with a friend or family member at home). If you can, make electronic copies as well as physical ones. That way, you can access them even if you lose your luggage.
Keep Your Friends and Family Updated
The best way to keep your friends and family updated on your travel plans is to email them your full itinerary. This way, they can easily keep track of your whereabouts and know when to expect you back. Additionally, it is important to drink responsibly while traveling. A good strategy to minimize your losses is to carry around a decoy wallet with you. Finally, be mindful of your surroundings while using public transportation to ensure your safety on travel.
Be Wary of Public Wi-Fi
When you’re using public Wi-Fi, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks. Hackers can set up fake Wi-Fi networks, which may look legitimate, in order to steal your personal information. When you connect to one of these networks, the hacker can see everything you’re doing online. To protect yourself, make sure you’re connecting to a trusted network and that your device’s firewall and antivirus software are turned on. You should also consider using a VPN(a virtual private network) when you’re using public Wi-Fi. A VPN will encrypt your traffic and help to keep your data safe on travel.
Safeguard Your Hotel Room
It’s important to be vigilant when traveling and take precautions to safeguard your belongings and personal safety on travel. Here are some top travel safety tips for staying safe in hotels:
– Always keep your hotel room door locked, even when you’re inside. Use the deadbolt, security bar, or any other additional locking devices.
– Don’t open the door to strangers. If someone claims to be a hotel staff, call the front desk to verify their identity before letting them in.
– Be cautious of people loitering in the lobby or hallways. If you feel unsafe, go to the front desk and ask them to escort you to your room.
– Keep valuable items like laptops and jewelry locked up in the room safe.
– Use the ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign when you don’t want housekeeping or anyone else coming into your room.
– Choose a room on an upper floor, away from the side of the building closest to the lobby or parking
Don’t Wear Flashy Jewelry
When you travel, it’s always best to leave your flashy jewelry at home. Not only could it make you a target for thieves, but it can also be a travel safety hazard. If you must bring jewelry with you on your trip, make sure it is small and not too valuable.
Be Aware of Popular Scams
While it’s always important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against crime while traveling, there are some scams that are particularly popular with tourists. Being aware of these scams can help you avoid becoming a victim.
One common scam is the taxi overcharge, where a cabbie will claim that the meter is broken or use some other excuse to charge an excessive fare. Another is the “free” vacation scam, where you’re offered a free or very cheap vacation if you attend a timeshare presentation. These presentations can be very high-pressure sales tactics, and you may end up spending more money than you intended.
Another popular scam is pickpocketing, which is especially common in crowded areas like tourist attractions, public transportation, and festivals. Thieves will often work in groups, with one person distracting the victim while another grabs their wallet or purse. To avoid this, keep your valuables close to your body and be aware of your surroundings. If you see someone acting suspiciously, it’s best to move away from them.
By being aware of these and other common scams, you can help ensure that your travels are enjoyable and safe.
Know the Phone Number for Emergency Services
If you don’t know the phone number for emergency services, you could be in trouble if you ever need to call for help. Whether it’s a police, fire, or medical emergency, it’s important to know who to call and what to say. In many countries, the emergency number is 911. But in some countries, the number is different. So if you’re traveling, make sure you know the emergency number for the country you’re in. You can also sign up for emergency alerts from your wireless carrier. And if you have a smartphone, you can add an emergency contact to your Passcode screen.
