Safe Travels: A Guide to Staying Safe on Your Next Trip

Traveling can be one of the most rewarding and enjoyable experiences in life. However, it’s important to keep safety in mind when planning any trip, whether domestic or international. With proper precautions and planning, you can greatly reduce your risks and have peace of mind while seeing the world. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to travel safely.

Planning Ahead

The key to safe travel is properly preparing before your trip. Here are some important tips for planning ahead:

• Research your destination thoroughly – Be aware of any potential safety risks, entry requirements, local laws and customs. Check government websites for travel advisories.
• Create a detailed itinerary – Know where you’ll be staying each day and how you’ll get around. Share your itinerary with a trusted contact at home.
• Register with your embassy – This allows them to notify and assist you in case of an emergency.
• Check health precautions – Visit your doctor and travel clinic to get any necessary vaccinations and medications.
• Get travel insurance – In case of any medical emergencies or travel delays/cancellations.
• Prepare copies of important documents – Make copies of your passport, visas, travel insurance, credit cards in case they are lost or stolen. Leave one set at home.
• Learn key phrases of the local language – Knowing basics like greetings, directions and emergencies is helpful.
• Pack wisely – Only bring valuables you need and use secure bags. Leave expensive jewelry at home.
• Get local currency – Have some cash in the local currency on arrival for taxis, tips, etc.

Staying Healthy

Your health and safety should be top priorities during your travels. Follow these tips:

• Wash hands frequently – Carry sanitizing wipes and hand sanitizer. Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
• Drink sealed bottled water – Never drink tap water in countries where it may be unsafe.
• Eat fully cooked foods – Avoid raw fruits/vegetables that you can’t peel yourself.
• Wear bug spray – To prevent insect-borne diseases like malaria or Zika.
• Wear sunscreen – Protect from sunburns and skin cancer, especially at high altitudes.
• Consider medication – Talk to your doctor about travel-related medications like motion sickness tablets.
• Pack a medical kit – Include bandages, antiseptic, anti-diarrheal medication, antibiotics, etc.
• Rest adequately – Avoid exhaustion that can lower your immunity. Drink plenty of water.
• See a doctor promptly – If you do get injured or sick abroad, get medical attention immediately.

Staying Safe on Accommodations

Where you stay can greatly impact your security abroad. Take these accommodation safety steps:

• Research hotels and read reviews – Avoid unsafe regions and lodgings with poor reviews.
• Choose regulated accommodations – Licensed hotels and vacation rentals are safest. Avoid risky options.
• Request rooms above ground floor – Rooms higher up are less easily broken into.
• Keep doors and windows locked – Especially those leading to balconies or opening to the outside.
• Don’t provide personal details – When checking in, only provide the minimum required information.
• Use hotel safes – Keep passports, extra credit cards and other valuables in a secured hotel safe.
• Limit hotel staff entry – Use door chains, deadbolts and “Do Not Disturb” signs when you’re in your room.
• Change rooms if concerned – Notify hotel management if you have any safety-related concerns about your room.

Staying Safe Out and About

It’s also vital to exercise caution when you’re out sightseeing or exploring your travel destination. Here are some tips:

• Avoid deserted areas – Stick to populated, well-lit streets and steer clear of isolated roads or alleys.
• Research unsafe zones – Ask locals and consult maps/guides to know which areas to avoid.
• Beware of pickpockets – Wear bags across your chest, use secure wallets and keep valuables out of reach in crowds.
• Limit use of phones/cameras – Limit use in public since they’re a top target for theft.
• Store minimal valuables – When out, only keep some local cash and one credit card. Leave excess items secured in your room.
• Avoid looking lost – Walk purposefully like you know where you’re going, even if you don’t!
• Consider group tours – Guided tours are especially useful for solo travelers.
• Notify someone of your plans – Tell a friend/family member where you’ll be each day.
• Don’t accept rides – Avoid accepting rides from strangers. Rely on regulated taxis or transportation apps.
• Research cultural norms – Follow local dress codes and rules to avoid offending residents.
• Remain alert – Be vigilant of your surroundings and wary of common travel scams.

Staying Safe on Public Transportation

Buses, trains, taxis and other forms of public transportation require extra safety measures. Keep these tips in mind:

• Research reputable companies – Book with licensed transportation providers that are well-reviewed.
• Confirm reservation details – Verify the company name, vehicle descriptions and ID numbers ahead of time.
• Wait in designated areas – Stand in official waiting zones like taxi lines. Avoid unmarked cars.
• Lock doors – Keep doors locked and windows up, especially when driving through unsafe areas.
• Buckle up – Use seatbelts whenever available for safety in the event of crashes.
• Use busy stops at night – Don’t wait alone at isolated platforms or stations after dark.
• Keep belongings close – Hold handbags tightly and don’t leave items unattended.
• Stay alert – Avoid falling asleep so you’re aware of stops and any suspicious behavior.
• Report concerns – Notify authorities of any safety issues like faulty equipment or erratic driving.

Additional Safety Tips for Women

Female travelers face higher risks of sexual harassment and assault in some destinations. Here are extra precautions women can take:

• Dress conservatively – Showing less skin can reduce unwanted attention in conservative cultures.
• Avoid traveling alone – Group travel is safer, especially at night. If solo, join group tours.
• Carry protection – Some recommended deterrents are whistles, pepper spray or personal alarms.
• Stay near other women – Sit with other women on public transportation and stay in female-friendly hotels.
• Report harassment – Don’t tolerate any form of sexual harassment. Report offenders to authorities.
• Arrange alternative transport – Have backup travel plans like pre-booked cars or hotel pickups.
• Set boundaries – Be assertive saying no to unwanted attention from men. Avoid risks.

Staying Safe with Money

Follow these financial safety tips when traveling:

• Leave valuables in hotel safe – Only carry limited cash and one credit/debit card during outings.
• Use secure bags – Store cash, cards and passport in concealed money pouches under clothes.
• Avoid public ATMs – Withdraw cash from reputable banks/hotels instead of street ATMs which can steal card data.
• Limit card use – Pay with local currency whenever possible. Only use credit cards for major expenses.
• Keep cards in sight – Don’t let vendors walk away with your card. Retrieve cards promptly after use.
• Notify bank of travel – Alert bank of dates and destinations to prevent account freezing.
• Carry emergency numbers – Save your bank’s fraud contact number in case cards are lost/stolen.
• Watch exchanges – When exchanging money, count carefully and do the math to check the value.
• Obtain receipts – Always request and retain receipts for exchanges to verify transactions.
• Split valuables – Keep cash, cards, ID separate so losing one does not mean losing everything.

Staying in Touch Safely

You’ll also want to maintain contact with loved ones back home. Do so safely:

• Arrange check-in calls – Set scheduled times to check-in with a trusted contact.
• Use travel apps – Apps like WhatsApp offer free calls/messages over WiFi.
• Be wary of public computers – Don’t access sensitive accounts or info on shared devices.
• Get local SIM card – Purchase a local SIM to make calls/texts if traveling long-term.
• Use hotel room phones – Make calls through your hotel phone instead of your mobile when possible.
• Carry emergency numbers – Have emergency contacts, credit card numbers and travel insurance contacts.
• Set social media to private – Limit access to posts geotagging your location during travel.
• Download offline maps – Apps like Maps.me work without data for navigation and locating WiFi spots.
• Turn off roaming – To avoid huge roaming fees, turn off roaming and only use WiFi for calls/texts.
• Update apps before travel – Download maps, language packs and travel apps before your trip while on WiFi.

Handling Emergencies Abroad

Despite best efforts, emergencies can still occur during travel. Be prepared with these tips:

• Have emergency medical coverage – Ensure your insurance covers hospitalization abroad and medical evacuations.
• Know where hospitals are – Identify nearby medical facilities in each destination in advance.
• Carry medical translations – Learn how to say symptoms, allergies and conditions if needing medical care.
• Contact consulate if arrested – If detained abroad, immediately contact your embassy/consulate.
• Keep prescriptions on hand – Carry any critical medications in your hand luggage in case of lost luggage.
• Save emergency contacts – Program in numbers for emergency services, travel providers, family.
• Have emergency cash – Keep some emergency cash separate from your main funds.
• Follow natural disaster protocols – Know evacuation routes and emergency procedures at accommodations.
• Arrange check-ins during unrest – Plan periodic check-ins with loved ones if traveling during civil/political unrest.

Returning Home Securely

Don’t let your guard down just yet. Use these tips for a safe return home:

• Leave valuables at home – Avoid wearing expensive jewelry or watches that could attract theft when returning.
• Carry medications in hand luggage – Pack all medications and prescriptions in your carry-on bag.
• Check baggage requirements – Avoid penalties by knowing airline restrictions on fluids, weapons, etc.
• Keep documents secure – Store your passport, IDs and travel documents in a safe, concealed pouch on your person.
• Arrange airport transfers – Book cars/shuttles in advance for safe and reliable airport pickups.
• Ask for escort to car – If dropping a rental car, have staff escort you safely to a taxi, shuttle or your own car.
• Be alert leaving airport – Rush safely to your car/taxi and keep belongings close to avoid theft.
• Sanitize luggage – Disinfect your luggage on arrival home to prevent spreading illness.
• Monitor health – Watch for any symptoms post-travel and follow up with a doctor.
• Set travel alerts – Place fraud alerts on credit cards/accounts used during your trip.
• Save important documents – Retain any records from your trip for proof of vaccination, expenses, etc.

Conclusion

While preparing for safe travel takes effort, the peace of mind is invaluable. Follow these tips, use common sense, research your destination thoroughly and you can benefit from all the joys of exploration with greater confidence and minimal risk. Safe travels!

References:

Baxter, J. (2017). Women travelers: You can’t be too careful. Retrieved from https://www.smartertravel.com/women-travelers-cant-careful/

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Traveler’s health: Diseases and vaccines. Retrieved from https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/diseases

Gleeson, B. (2018). 8 ways to stay healthy and safe while traveling. Retrieved from https://www.passporthealthusa.com/2018/10/how-to-stay-healthy-and-safe-while-traveling/

Ibrahim, Y. (2017). Safety tips for solo female travelers. Retrieved from https://www.smartertravel.com/safety-tips-solo-female-travelers/

United States Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs. (2021). Traveler’s checklist. Retrieved from https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-checklist.html

World Health Organization. (2021). International travel and health. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/ith/en/

World Nomads. (2015). Women’s travel safety: A guide to safe travel. Retrieved from https://www.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/womens-travel-safety