There is something special about travelling. It lets you experience unique cultures and share memorable moments with others – Both of which broaden your horizons and bring a new perspective to your life. It’s not surprising then that more people are travelling. Data shows that international tourist arrivals more than doubled from 528 million in 2005 to 1.19 billion in 2015. That figure is forecasted to exceed 1.8 billion by 2030.
Travelling certainly has an alluring appeal to it. But you’re planning a trip halfway around the world or even locally, it’s important to exercise caution especially if you’re travelling for the first time. Here we’ll look at some tips on how to stay safe on your travels.
Check the US State Department Site
Your safety is absolutely paramount. It’s a good idea to check what the situation of your Destination is currently like. Anything from civil unrest to widespread protests can potentially put your life at risk. The US Department of State has country specific information of known difficulties or threats for every country in the world. Read about the country you plan to visit so you have a general idea of what’s happening.
Make Copies of Important Documents
Your passport is perhaps the most important document. Most airports won’t even let you through the gates without one. Make copies of documents like your passports or driver’s license before departing for your destination and even email those copies to yourself so it’s accessible. In the event your wallet or purse does get stolen with your passport, you can take these documents with you to an embassy to apply for an emergency passport.
Leave an Itinerary
Even if you book a spontaneous trip last minute, always leave your travel plans with someone. The easiest way is to email your itinerary to a trusted friend or family member. That way they can keep tabs on your whereabouts and even reach out if they hear about any major news at your destination. It’s also a good idea to check in regularly with your contacts so they know you’re safe.
Get Travel Insurance
No one likes to think about anything that can go wrong during their travels. But you can never be absolutely certain about what will happen. You might need to cancel your flight because of an emergency, your flights may be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, or you might even come down with a serious injury that requires medical attention. Either way, getting travel insurance can help protect against the unexpected.
Learn About Common Scams
Tourists are often perfect scamming targets for several reasons – They often have cash on them and many are visiting for the first time. Read about any common scams about your destination so you know what to look for. For example, the bump and grab is perhaps the most common scam where a thief attempts to steal any valuables from you by deliberately bumping into you. You can protect against this by storing any valuables in an under-clothing pouch.
Don’t Share Too Much Information
Social media makes it easy to share updates with all your friends and family in an instant. But keep in mind that it can also be a road map of your movements which makes it easier for potential thieves to keep track of your location. Instead, wait until you return home to post about your travels. Follow this same tip for people that you meet. For example, don’t share too many details about your itinerary or any information that could potentially compromise your safety.
Travelling is undoubtedly a wonderful experience but it’s still important to take extra precautions to keep yourself safe from harm.
Author’s Bio
Alex Morrison has worked with a range of businesses giving him an in depth understanding of many different industries including home improvement, travel and financial support. As the owner of Integral Media, he is now utilising his knowledge and experience with his rapidly increasing client portfolio to help them achieve their business goals.
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