Traveling to exotic destinations broadens your horizons and overall view of the world. Some people thrive on being a fish out of water in a foreign country. But for a lot of people, the culture shock and stress of travel can be intimidating. Keeping yourself safe helps you navigate your way and stay level-headed when things become overwhelming. For a successful trip, consider the following tips for travel safety.
Why Is Travel Safety Important?
Staying safe while on the road is imperative. Not only are you an outsider in a different land, but things can easily go sideways if you’re not prepared to deal with them. There’s no shortage of travel horror stories that dissuade people from exploring entire regions of the world. Rest assured, by taking common-sense precautions, you can have a worry-free trip and keep any major problems to a minimum.
15 Tips For Travel Safety
The following are tips I’ve compiled during my own time on the road. They’ve helped me stay safe and avoid any unnecessary headaches while exploring different countries.
1. Get Travel Insurance
Travel insurance affords you peace of mind. Yes, it’s a drag that you’ll still be paying every month regardless of whether or not you use the insurance. But medical bills can quickly skyrocket if you have a health scare. It’s a small trade-off when compared to the thousands of dollars you’ll be on the hook for if you require emergency surgery and/or a hospital stay.
Travel insurance prices are all over the place, so you’ll have to do some research on which one is right for you. A company such as Safety Wing has basic coverage for $10/week if you’re under the age of 40. World Nomads is another popular option that many long-term travelers use. Whichever company you choose, thoroughly read and understand what your coverage entails. Basic plans usually don’t cover things like sports activities, pre-existing conditions, or mental health issues. But they can compensate you for things like lost luggage, trip cancellations, or emergency medical and dental.
2. Research Your Destination
Some travelers like to land in a new city and go exploring. While there’s nothing wrong with that, doing some research beforehand can save you headaches down the road. Not all destinations are foreigner-friendly.
Japan is lauded for its cleanliness, friendly locals, and virtually non-existent crime rate. South America, on the other hand, has the polar opposite reputation. You’re never going to be 100% safe anywhere, but you can mitigate this by traveling to destinations that are, for the most part, safe to visit and welcoming to tourists.
Another benefit that comes with research is you’ll be aware of local scams run on foreigners. Every tourist destination has scammers just waiting for a green tourist. The bad news is, you’re most likely going to be scammed at some point. But the good news is with the right knowledge, you can spot the scam and take steps to protect yourself.
3. Learn Basic Phrases
Many people around the world speak English and most locals won’t expect you to hold in-depth conversations in their native language. However, learning basic phrases will go a long way. Remember, just because they speak English doesn’t mean they’re confident with their language skills. You may feel like you’re butchering their language (and you very well might be), but making the effort will endear you to most locals.
There are plenty of language apps you can download to help you out. The most popular is Google Translate, where you can type, or even speak English phrases into the phone and it will immediately translate to your language of choice. This is also a great app to use if conversing with locals that don’t speak a lick of English.
4. Be Aware Of Your Surroundings
Petty theft is common around the world, and this is why you should always be aware of your surroundings. In any new city you visit, you’re most likely going to look out of place. This could be due to your race, attire, or the fact that you have a wonderous look on your face while taking an endless amount of photos. If this is you, take note.
Pickpocketing and purse snatching are usually what you’ll be targeted for. If you stick to well-lit areas with lots of people, your chances of being robbed are diminished. However, plenty of people are victims of theft on trains, subways, and buses in broad daylight. I once saw someone brazenly steal a woman’s purse from a restaurant patio and run off with it into the night. I’ve also heard stories of purses being snatched off motorcyclists while driving. Unfortunately, females are more prone to theft but everyone needs to be aware of their surroundings. A bonus tip is to download offline Google Maps on your phone. This will help you out of a potentially bad situation if you get lost and end up in a shady part of town.
5. Don’t Be Flashy
Resist the temptation to wear expensive clothes and jewelry, walk around with your electronics, or flash cash. The goal is to blend in as much as you can, and being flashy draws attention to you. It attracts nefarious types that want your gold watch and new iPhone. Leave the expensive things at home. If you have to use your phone or camera, keep it concealed when it’s not in use. If you’re carrying cash, put the small bills on the outside of the stack. This will deter robbers as it will look like you’re not carrying much cash.
6. Only Use ATMs in Banks
While the Western world increasingly relies on debit cards and mobile wallet apps, cash is still king in most countries. A lot of tourists take out money from an ATM only to find out days later that their bank account has been drained. The practice of card skimming is widespread, but there are ways you can combat it.
First, only use ATM machines that are in a bank. Banks have security cameras set up to help deter thieves from targetting their ATMs. Second, give a tug on the ATM’s card slot and inspect the machine for a false front. Third, always cover your hand when entering your PIN code, as thieves install pinhole cameras either on the machine or in the vicinity of it, to figure out your code.
Bonus tip: Have two bank accounts: a savings account where the bulk of your money is, and a checking account which you’ll use for your ATM transactions. From you savings account, transfer only what you need to take out. This will ensure your ATM/checking account always has low funds in it. In case your card gets skimmed, you’re protected against thieves making off with all your money.
7. Use A Money Belt
I’ll admit that walking around wearing a money belt can feel a bit emasculating at times. However, it’s a great way to carry cash, cards, and important documents like your passport with you. The belt goes around your waist and is sandwiched between your body and the inside of your pants. Unless you’ve jammed with hundreds of bills, no one will even know you’re wearing it.
Additionally, get a belt that’s designed with RFID protection. Personal items like credit cards and electronically chipped (biometric) passports can be accessed by hackers if they scan you with an RFID reader. An RFID belt will use blocking material to protect the contents inside the belt from being scanned.
8. Bring A Backup Credit Card
You never know when you’ll be in a jam with your finances. There are endless stories of travelers forgetting to take their debit cards out of the ATM, which swallows them up forever. Some ATMs may not work with your specific bank or bank card. You might have your cards stolen. Your main credit card might get maxed out through fraud. Whatever the case, having a backup credit card is just good practice and can tie you over until you sort out your financial emergency.
9. Carry A Decoy Wallet
This is a clever trick that can save you a lot of money in case you get robbed. Basically, you keep your money and important documents in your money belt, but you carry a wallet that has a low amount of cash in it. If you get robbed you can hand over the wallet and lose only a small amount of money. I’d also recommend scattering some cash in a few places, in case of emergencies. You could put a couple of bucks in your luggage, day pack, or even your shoes.
10. Let Someone Know Your Itinerary
You should pick a trusted family member or friend to keep in contact with throughout your travels. Give them a copy of your itinerary so that someone knows where you are at all times. This doesn’t mean you can’t make changes on the fly. But have a rough outline so that someone knows what your days are more or less going to be like.
You should also give them the contact information of where you’re staying in case they can’t get a hold of you. Giving them access to your travel information such as your passport number and online logins is also a good idea. You may be laid up in a hospital and they need to access your travel insurance account, bank account, or email account.
11. Party Hard, But Not Too Hard
It’s no secret that people like to party when they travel. The key is to be smart about it. Never get so smashed that you can’t take care of yourself. If you have to be carried out of a bar and walked to your own bed, you’re putting yourself in a vulnerable position. It’s fine to have a few drinks and cut loose but you need to stay alert, as bad things can (and unfortunately do) happen when the sun goes down. Never accept drinks from strangers, and keep an eye on your beverage to ensure no one has slipped a foreign substance into it. These are all common sense tips that can be applied anywhere you spend a night out on the town. But when you’re in a foreign country you need to be extra vigilant.
12. Stay At Reputable Accommodations
Sometimes we skimp on accommodations to save a few bucks. This is fine but you should only ever stay at reputable hotels, homestays, or hostels. The easiest way to figure this out is by reading reviews that previous travelers have posted online. If they’re overwhelmingly positive, it’s a good indication that it’s a safe place to stay.
You should also make sure your accommodation has a place to store your valuables – either a safe or locker. Hostels especially can be prone to theft with so many people coming and going through the shared dorm rooms.
13. Be Smart About Transportation
Some cities are designed with transportation in mind. Places like Paris, Rome, and Bangkok all have excellent mass transit systems that can shuttle you around town in minutes. But what if you’re visiting a place that doesn’t even have buses?
Your best bet is to use a ride-sharing app like Uber, Grab, or GoJek, which provides you a car or motorbike “taxi” to bring you to your destination for a set fee. These apps can also be linked to your credit card, which eliminates the need to exchange physical money with the driver. The apps have ratings for each driver, and license plate numbers to ensure you get in the right car. For the most part, they’re very affordable and reputable.
If the country you’re visiting doesn’t have any of the above options, taxis will be your main mode of transport. Things get tricky when it comes to foreign taxis, as many drivers use shady tactics to trick you into paying more than is necessary. If you can, negotiate the price beforehand and make sure they understand your final price, so they don’t try to turn it around on you when it comes time for payment.
Finally, you may rent a car or a motorbike depending on where you are. Most countries require an international driver’s license for these options, although many places will rent to you without one. Be careful with this option, though.
If you get into an accident, you will be on the hook for damages. Without the proper license, no one will insure you. Basic travel insurance won’t cover anything related to a motorbike accident. Also, never drive a motorbike unless you are absolutely 1000% confident you can handle it. It’s not worth risking your life over. Many motorbike-heavy countries have very lax road rules and high motor vehicle fatality rates. You’ll end up paying more to hire a car/motorbike, but you can also relax and let an experienced driver shuttle you around.
14. Emergency Contacts
You should keep a list of emergency contacts somewhere it can easily be found, such as in your money belt, your luggage, or your room. This way if something happens to you (God forbid) your family and friends back home can be notified. It’s also a good idea when traveling alone to leave a note of your whereabouts (ie. a club, restaurant, beach party, etc.) somewhere in your room. At the very least, let someone know where you’re going. This will help people retrace your steps in case you go missing.
15. Befriend The Locals
In most countries, the majority of locals are very friendly and welcoming to tourists. This is most evident in the hospitality and tourism industry. However, I’ve also had total strangers approach me to introduce themselves and welcome me to their country. Of course, some are looking to sell you a service or tour. But with enough exposure, you’ll be able to easily spot and avoid them.
For the most part, locals are very helpful. They can offer their expertise and guide you to authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences that most tourists never get to be a part of. They want you to leave their country and tell everyone you know just how wonderful your visit was. Additionally, they can be an invaluable source should you find yourself in a sticky situation and require help from someone inside the country.
Safe Travels!
Don’t let horror stories stop you from traveling. Nothing in life is 100% safe, so you shouldn’t avoid seeing the world due to fear. By following the above tips for travel safety, you’ll be equipped with the proper knowledge so that you can enjoy your trip and not have to worry about the what-ifs. Go and see the world! Just do it safely.
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