There is no doubt that Travelling the world is one of life’s greatest joys but do you wonder how to stay Safe when traveling? No matter your destination, embarking on a journey to a new country opens your eyes to new perspectives, cultures, and experiences that would have otherwise been unattainable but, you still need to keep your wits about you.
Life-changing as travelling is, it’s naive to think it’s a risk-free adventure. Even travelling to presumably safe countries can still come with risks and dangers, especially for people who don’t come prepared.
From theft to health issues, the potential perils of travelling are not to be underestimated. If you don’t want to fall victim to any mischievous antics from evil-doers or other unfortunate incidents, here are some tips on how to stay safe when traveling, regardless of where you are.
How to Stay Safe when Traveling
#1: Learn The Country’s Common Scams
Your first line of defence against criminals is to be aware of the most common scams in your destination.
Knowing what to look out for can help you be on guard during vulnerable situations. Talk to locals or read up on online resources to get a sense of the prevalent scams in your target destination. There may be different preferred schemes in each city, so you may have to look them up on a city-by-city basis.
For example, in popular tourist spots in Paris, thieves may approach you with a fake petition, and while you’re busy signing the document, another party may pickpocket you. Slash incidents are also very common there and in other popular spots in Europe.
In Shinjuku, some touts lead you to out-of-the-way bars where they charge an exorbitant fee to unsuspecting travellers.
How people scam you differs from place to place. By being aware of your target destination’s common schemes, you can be one step ahead of any malicious perpetrators.
#2: Keep A Close Eye on Your Belongings
It can be easy to feel disoriented in a new environment, even more so if it’s a busy tourist area.
To avoid being distracted by the hustle and bustle of your surroundings, keep your belongings in sight at all times. Avoid leaving your bag when going on a restroom break, for instance, as this presents a perfect opportunity for criminals to steal your possessions.
Preventing chances of theft to occur can potentially save you a tonne of time and money, so don’t be complacent. If you have expensive belongings in your hotel or hostel room, keep them safe in a vault or hidden where no one can readily see them. This is especially true if you’re staying in a shared space.
And in case these events occur, it’s a good idea to read up on local laws governing crimes like larceny to tread on the safe side.
#3: Get Travel Insurance
Travel insurance may feel like a frivolous formality, but it can be an absolute lifesaver. No matter where you’re travelling, it’s always a good idea to invest in Travel Insurance. This expense can cover you in case of any potential medical emergency, natural disaster, or loss of items.
Let’s face it, even if you’ve taken the right steps to stay safe, unfortunate accidents can still occur. Laptops could get stolen, wallets could go missing, you could get sick, and so on. If the last few years have taught us anything – expect the unexpected! Having a travel insurance plan ensures that you won’t find yourself in a financial bind if something bad does occur.
#4: Inform Your Family Where You’re Going
No matter how safe you believe a destination to be, it’s always smart to inform your family and friends of your whereabouts.
Let them know your itinerary, accommodation, and contact details in case of any emergency. It’s also wise to check in with them periodically, so they know you’re safe.
This step is especially important if you’re travelling solo or to a particularly remote destination. Knowing that your loved ones are aware of your whereabouts and ready to help if anything happens can give you that extra layer of security.
#5: Practise Situational Awareness
If you don’t want to fall victim to any criminal activity, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings. Don’t venture into dark alleys alone or accept suspicious deals from strangers.
If you find yourself on the brink of trouble, avoid escalating it but remain firm. Your non-verbal cues play a big role in deterring potential criminals.
Most importantly, trust your gut feeling and stay away from any situations that make you feel uncomfortable or uneasy. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to travelling.
#6: Eat Cautiously
We all want to sample the local delicacies of the city or country we visit, but if you’re in unfamiliar territory, don’t hastily grab that sidewalk grub.
It’s far too common for travellers to eat something only to have horrible stomach problems a few hours after. To minimise these digestive issues, here are a few tips to help you stay safe:
- Eat things that are only fully cooked
- Wash fruits that have been exposed
- Watch how your food is prepared
- Eat at spots where there are many locals
By following these simple tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your destination’s delectable cuisine without worrying about stomach aches ruining the trip.
#7: Prepare a First-Aid Kit
If you’re travelling to a non-English speaking place, finding and getting the right prescription from a doctor can be a difficult task. Pharmacies may also not have your required medication in stock, so it’s better to come prepared.
Pack a travel first-aid kit containing essential medical items such as painkillers, digestive medicine, bandages, and the like. Bring your medication too, and have them organised in a tablet box in advance to keep them easy to access.
We hope these simple and easy to follow tips will help you know hoe to stay safe when traveling! Practice some street smarts and you will be able to enjoy all of the wonders of the world, hassle free!
