Travel Safety Tips

Travel safety is always a crucial aspect to keep in mind.  While most travel is safe, it only takes a minute for you to let your guard down.  Here are some of the important travel safety tips that you should be aware of.

Be Smart with Your Money

With credit cards being recognized virtually everywhere, it’s never wise to carry huge wads of cash anywhere, especially in areas that you are not accustomed to.  Also, keep your cash and credit cards in two or three different places so that if one stash is stolen, you aren’t completely wiped out.

Streamline Your Wallet

Make sure you only carry the credit cards that you intend to use during your trip and leave all others at home.  If you do bring more than one credit card, consider keeping the others in a hotel safe for most of your vacation.  Speaking of the hotel safe, it is a good idea to keep all your valuables, like laptops, cameras, etc. in the safe when not in use.

Know Local Emergency Numbers

Before you go, look up the number for emergency services at your destination.  If traveling abroad, it is also wise to have the number for your country’s embassy.  Keep them in your phone and also somewhere written down, just in case your phone is lost or stolen.

Have Digital Copies of Important Documents

If your passport or other documents are lost or stolen during a trip, having a digital copy will make it so much easier to obtain a replacement.  It is also a good idea to leave a digital copy with someone back home who can email you a copy should you need it when traveling.

Make Sure Friends/Family Have a Copy of Your Itinerary

This is a must anytime someone takes a trip out of town, especially overseas.  If they don’t hear from you in a few days, they can contact local officials and let them know where you should have been.  Although it is rare when someone goes missing, it could be a lifesaver when time is of the essence to search for you.

Consider Travel Insurance

Travel insurance can give you peace of mind in case of trip cancellation, trip delay, and trip interruptions.  Certain types of coverage can also provide baggage protection, medical coverage, and emergency and medical evacuation.  To get the best protection, it is advised to purchase travel insurance within 15 days of booking your trip.

Always Play it Safe

Whenever you are in an unfamiliar area, you should have a heightened sense of awareness of your surroundings.  Here is a list of safety suggestions that are fairly obvious, but good reminders.

  • Keep travel plans, especially accommodation info, to yourself.
  • Avoid areas that appear run down or seedy.
  • Use ATMs during the day, in well-populated areas.
  • Avoid changing money at airports.  Thieves like to stake out airports and bus terminals.
  • Try to avoid traveling at night.
  • Never hitchhike.
  • Don’t share taxis with strangers.
  • Avoid dressing like an obvious tourist.  Dress like a local, if possible.

Ask your hotel manager about popular scams in the city you are visiting.  They vary from one location to another.

This article isn’t meant to scare anyone from traveling.  For the most part, the people that you meet on your travels will be friendly and helpful.  However, it is always wise to be prepared for the worst and to know how not to be a victim.  The more you are prepared, the more you will have peace of mind and enjoy your long-awaited trip.

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