Top Safety Tips for Traveling That You Need to Know

Traveling is an amazing thing to do if you get the opportunity, whether it is a small vacation or you jet off for a year. However, traveling entails going to a new location, which is unfamiliar to you. There may be different norms, different rules, and different expectations. You will also encounter a lot of people along your way, from airports to hotels. You must know how to keep yourself and anyone you are traveling with safe at all times. 

 

Safety is important, as it will ensure you can travel more, but it also means you can enjoy your trip with peace of mind. Unfortunately, you never know what is going to happen, and there may be several things that are out of your control. This is why it is vital that you know how to keep yourself safe, do everything you can that is within your control, and minimize any risks. 

 

To help you get started, here are some of the top safety tips for traveling that you need to know. 

 

 

Do your research

Research is the first and most important thing that you should do, to keep yourself nice and safe. This should be done before you even book your travels. You should conduct thorough research on the places that you have in mind to visit and consider the culture, the laws, the security, the crime rates, the reviews, and much more. Some places are safe but may have different laws and expectations for you to follow. There may also be places that are not suitable for travel, especially if you are alone or if you have small children with you. 

 

Once you have chosen a place, you should also do some research on the local area, so you know where everything is. From medical supplies and the police to grocery stores. These are just as important, as you will need to know how to locate water, food, and other necessary supplies. You should also research all components of your holiday, so look into the accommodation you are thinking of booking, the airports you are using, any hire car companies, and much more. This will give you the best chance of using companies that will keep you safe. 

 

 

Be aware of scams

Unfortunately, there are always scams going around. From the moment you book your holiday, to walking the streets in another country. First, make sure you book all components of your travels through reputable companies, from the flights to the accommodation. Don’t take any risks with companies that you or someone you know are not familiar with, or do not seem credible. Second, be careful when you are in another country. Try to always book things in advance, and even ask trusted locals or your accommodation provider for recommendations and support.  

 

 

Secure your luggage

Your luggage is going to have a lot of valuable and necessary items in it. From your jewellery to go out for dinner, to your everyday clothes. When it comes to packing your bags, you should consider what is essential and what is nonessential. There are going to be a lot of nonessential items that you want to pack, so it is important to keep these to a minimum. Only pack the items you know that you will use or enjoy on your trip, for example, you may wish to take an iPad so that you can stream films in your downtime. 

 

Once you have packed everything you need, you should take a few items out and keep them in your hand luggage. This will ensure that if your luggage gets lost, stolen, or temporarily misplaced, you have some items with you. Your luggage, both hand luggage and main luggage, should be properly packed and secured. You can secure this with a simple combination or key lock. You can also put a ribbon or other similar item on your luggage, so it is easily identifiable. 

 

Not only should it be locked, but you also need to be cautious of your actions. You should never leave your luggage unattended, not even to go to the toilet, nor should you leave it with a stranger. If you have a large amount of time between your flight and the check-in time at your accommodation, you should leave your belongings in luggage storage where they will be kept secure. The worst thing you can do is carry them around with you, as you put yourself at risk. 

 

 

Be sensible with money and valuables

While it can be nice to own valuable items and have the cash to do nice things, you must keep your money and items safe and secure. This means locking them in the safe when they are not being used and being careful not to flash them around when you are out. If you are visiting a tourist area, there can often be thieves on the lookout for tourists who can travel with money and valuable items.  

 

 

Behave responsibly

Within your research, you should have learned about the place you are visiting, and if there are any particular rules you should follow, for example, nighttime curfews, items of clothing, drinking alcohol, and much more. Every country is different, so ensuring that you follow their rules will keep you safe. 

 

It is also important, regardless of the country's rules, to behave responsibly. For example, if you like to go out for a drink in the evening, make sure you don’t drink too much and are always aware of your surroundings. Alcohol can quickly make you lose control and turn your evening into a very unsafe one. 

 

 

Share your itinerary

Whether you are traveling alone, or you and your partner are off around the world, you should always try to share as much of your itinerary as possible with a trusted friend or family member. You should also try to stay in regular contact, so they know you are safe and can take action if not. 

 

Traveling is an important experience in life. Make sure you minimize risks, so you can have a great time.  

 

 


About the Author:

Jennifer Anders is a freelance writer who has traveled extensively and enjoys exploring off-the-beaten-path locations around the world.

She loves hiking national parks, windsurfing, and photographing wildlife.

Aside from all those crazy activities, you'll also find her eating plenty of local street food. She is absolutely fearless when it comes to trying new things.