Last Updated on October 10, 2024 by Alice Benny
Sometimes when you mention your desire to go traveling to friends and family, questions about your safety come up. It casts a shadow of doubt over your plans. Staying safe when traveling is essential.
While the worry and concern of friends and family comes from a good place, it’s completely justified to feel like they’re raining on your parade. And sometimes, I am more worried about them worrying about me than I am about the actual safety of my travels. There are many precautions I take to stay safe when I am traveling.
Traveling is good for the soul. It opens you up to new opportunities, new people and new experiences, but it can be dangerous out there too. But as long as you’re sensible, trust your instincts and behave appropriately, there’s no reason for you – or your friends and family – to worry too much.
A lot of it comes down to pre-planning and common sense.
There are a few precautions that you can take to make sure that your travels are safe. You should always research the area you’re visiting, know where to go in an emergency, and make sure your travel documents are up-to-date. No matter what, you should never go out alone at night, or walk into unfamiliar places. Keep reading below for more tips.
In addition to learning ways to be safe on your vacation, it is just as important to know what not to do so as to not make yourself a target. How to get mugged while backpacking
4 Tips for Staying Safe When Traveling
There are many ways that people can stay safe while traveling. The most important thing is to plan ahead and make sure that you have a plan if something goes wrong. You should also research ahead of time as much as possible so that you can avoid any dangerous areas or situations. Whether you are looking for ways to stay safe whilst solo traveling or you are traveling with a group, be sure to do these things.
Be wary of theft
I have a friend whose passport was stolen within the first hour of them landing at their destination. And we’re always hearing stories about how expensive cameras with thousands of pictures on them have also been taken – so, you need to think ahead. Upload your phones and remove them from your phone before you leave for your trip. This way, you will have them protected and have lots of extra storage for new photos, videos, a language app, and more.
Make copies of all your important travel documents and have them stored safely in your luggage. Borrow or buy a money belt and invest in travel accessories and travel clothing (such as travel pants with security pockets). If you are carrying a tote, purse or backpack, be conscious of it at all times. When you’re in a crowded place, put your backpack on your front. Drape your purse so it faces doesn’t face the street side.
It is also important to be aware of the safety measures in place in the city you are visiting. For example, if you are in a country with a high crime rate, it would be best if you avoid going out after dark or walking around alone at night. It is also best to stay away from any areas that may have been marked as unsafe by the locals or authorities.
Blend in and don’t be flashy for staying safe when traveling
No matter where you are going in the world, a travel guide will tell you to avoid showing your wealth. Money belts are highly encouraged! Walking around with lots of jewelry around your neck, diamond earrings, or a large camera swinging from it, will make you a target.
Don’t wear the watch you got for your 30th birthday, instead buy a cheap plastic one. A good tip is to have a “decoy wallet” to hand that you can quickly hand over should you get into trouble.
Remove your jewelry before you head out for the day or the evening. Better yet, leave it at home.
Don’t divulge too much information
You wouldn’t tell a stranger in a bar your address, so why would you do it when you’re thousands of miles away? Don’t feel obliged to divulge any information about yourself, even if the travelers you’ve just met are just like you and you get along really well.
You’re not obliged to tell them all about your plans or where you’re staying even if they have. Be sensible. If you arrange to meet the next day, opt for somewhere public rather than outside your hotel.
Pay attention ~ Don’t make it easy
While you should never blame the victim, you don’t have to make it easy. Street thieves and those will less than honorable intentions will be looking for easy targets. So, don’t look like one. You might be a little lost, but keep your head up and walk with purpose, make sure you’re looking around confidently and if you are in need of help, head into a café or shop and ask for directions.
When you’re having a meal or at a bar for the evening, sit facing the door and never leave your drink or bag unattended. Don’t spend a lot of time on your phone, especially when you are walking.
Being Safe on Vacation
Whether you are in a bustling urban downtown or a small, quaint downtown farmers market, petty pickpockets and criminals are everywhere. There are so many things you can do to stay safe when on holiday.
- Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings.
- You should not walk with your head down looking at your phone.
- Pay attention to what is going on around you, especially when using a public transportation system such as the metro.
- Keep flashy items at home.
It is important to take precautions when traveling to a new place. It’s best to know about the culture and customs of the country you’re visiting so that you will know what behavior is appropriate. In addition, it’s good to be aware of any potential threats in the area.
There are many things you can do while traveling abroad and everywhere to make sure that your trip is safe and enjoyable. You should always make sure that your passport has at least six months left before it expires. You should also have a list of emergency contact numbers for local authorities, embassies and family members with you at all times.
