Welcome back to the world of travel. Now that we’re entering a post-Covid era, we can explore internationally again and explore new destinations!
You don’t want your trip ruined by some petty crime or another safety incident, so as a quick refresher, here are some tips on staying safe while traveling.
Stay connected to friends and family
If you’re traveling abroad, staying connected to family and friends is important, so they know your whereabouts for safety reasons. In a new environment, there is a higher chance that devices might run out of battery, and for those concerned about our safety, this can be quite concerning.
Pack a tech essentials kit with chargers, cables, and adapters for your devices. If you plan on using multiple devices at once, invest in a mobile hotspot that will allow you to connect them all at once (and keep the batteries charged).
We’d recommend keeping digital copies of your important documents such as passport, visa, and driver’s license on a flash drive as this might come in handy.
Research local safety concerns in your destination
Before you travel, research local safety concerns in your destination. Pay attention to the news and any travel advisories issued by the U.S. government or agencies to learn about potential hazards that could affect your trip.
This awareness is invaluable as it’s best to be over-prepared in these instances. For instance, if the local news is reporting a crime wave of theft, you’ll have the time to prepare yourself and minimize the risk of robbery ahead of time.
Knowing when to carry valuables and when to avoid it
Traveling abroad can be a hotbed of security risks, but one fear that strikes deep is losing your valuables while away from home. That’s why it’s essential to know when to carry valuables and when to leave them elsewhere. Does your accommodation have a security safe? Are you having alcohol that evening? These are the sorts of questions you should be asking.
When choosing a purse or bag, opt for one that has a cross-body strap. It helps keep it close to your body and minimizes the risk.
If your accommodation does have a security safe, check the mechanism. Does it work? If so, it’s not a bad idea to leave valuables in these safes while exploring for extended periods.
Be smart when discussing your money and passport. Avoid broadcasting as it’s unnecessary, and you may catch the attention of someone nearby.
Use services with built-in safety features
If you’re looking for another way to stay safe on your travels, consider using services like Uber that offer enhanced safety. With Uber’s Share My Trip feature, you can share your ride with a friend, and they’ll receive your real-time location and the driver’s details. The feature also lets friends know when you’ve arrived at your destination.
It may not seem like much of an improvement, but if something goes wrong during the trip, you’ll be able to contact your friend with this data as context.
Traveling should be fun and liberating. Don’t compromise your chance to enjoy time abroad by not doing the proper due diligence. Safety is a top priority, and these basic tips will help you prepare for an experience abroad.