Essential Travel Safety Guidelines: Stay Secure on Your Journey with These 25 Strategies
Traveling Sinister Skies: Your Guide to Avoiding Trouble on Your Adventure
Hey there adventure seeker! Over the past decade, I've zipped around the globe, picked up a few tricks (sometimes the hard way) on how to stay safe. Here are my top tips to help you navigate the world without getting into any nastiness.
Nothing ruins a thrilling sojourn quicker than getting swindled, ill, or robbed! I've had my share of shady encounters, like that time some cunning minx swiped my laptop while I was distracted at a Panamanian watering hole. Or that giddy pickpocket snatching my iPhone in broad daylight in Mexico. I even chased a purloiner through Mexico City streets, screaming like a blithering idiot and brandishing a bottle of tequila!
But don't let my harrowing tales scare ya! The vast majority of the world is a relatively harmless playground for travelers. It's always wise to be prepared, though, right?
Top Travel Safety Tips
1. Suss OutOG Travel Swindles
From the milk scam in Cuba to two-faced tour guides in Costa Rica, every corner of the globe has its own brand of deception. The wise traveler familiarizes themselves with the most common travel scams, then brushes up on the ones specific to their destination.
2. Record Essential Info
Stuff happens quickly. In a crisis, you might not have time to look up emergency numbers or locate the nearest embassy. Jot down essential information (including local emergency services and embassy numbers) and save it in your phone's Notes app. Save important documents (like a copy of your passport, birth certificate, and travel insurance information) to the cloud, so they're always accessible.
3. Check State Department Advisories
The U.S. Department of State has a travel advisory page for every country, complete with warnings and current threats to traveler safety. Remember, their advice is cautious because it's their job to be, so do your homework and get on-the-ground info to get a better feel for the place.
4. Secure Your Swag
Be mindful of what you carry and make it difficult for miscreants to swipe. Feeling safe? Don't count on backpacks for security – they're easy pickings for thieves eager to slash a side and snatch your belongings while you nod off. Look into a slash-proof backpack and keep an eye on your stuff so a thief can't steal it without you noticing. Ask your lodgings about secure storage options, and always carry your own locker padlock when staying at budget hostels.
5. Get Insured
Insurance provides a layer of protection against the unexpected. Whether you're worried about losing your gear or getting hurt, insurance offers a safety net. I vouch for SafetyWing for short-term travel insurance, and SafetyWing Remote Health with a photography/computer insurance from TCP Photography Insurance for long-term travelers.
6. Query the Locals
Locals are often a goldmine of information about safe and sketchy neighborhoods. Just be discerning – a stranger's advice might be suspect, so confirm it with someone else. Hotel and hostel front desk staff are usually reliable sources of info.
7. Sign Up With Your Embassy
Enroll in your country's travel advisory program to let the embassy know you're in the area and to receive updates about safety conditions. The U.S. Department of State has the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, and Canada has the Registration of Canadians Abroad.
8. Keep Your Pals in the Loop
Email your travel itinerary to a few trusted family members or friends. Check in occasionally so they know you're okay. Before my travels, I always make sure my parents know where I'm heading, my general plans, and when I should be back.
9. Limit Loose Lips
Don't broadcast travel plans and accommodation details to strangers. It's tempting to share with a friendly local, but better to be safe than sorry. If someone asks, be vague about an area and, if necessary, lie about your lodgings.
10. Skip the Stupid Stunts
In the age of social media, it seems that tourists are getting riskier and riskier for the perfect photo. Every week, there's a story about a traveler falling off a cliff or getting attacked by wildlife because they wanted the perfect shot. Be smart about your limits and practice caution when exploring.
11. Splash Out on Safety
When traveling on a budget, it can be tempting to save money any way you can – but sometimes it's worth shelling out a bit more for added security. Ultra-cheap hostels might not be the safest places, and budget flights arriving in the middle of the night can be risky. Sometimes it's better to pay a little extra for a safer, more convenient option.
12. Dress to Blend In
Your clothing can scream "tourist" and draw the attention of scammers or thieves. In some conservative countries, it's crucial to dress modestly to avoid offense and safety concerns. Check out Wikipedia for clothing laws by country before you pack.
13. Keep Your Stuff Leashed
Use a carabiner to attach your bag to something solid and noticeable, making it too much trouble for a thief to snatch it. You don't need to secure it all the time, but a quick tether when you're in a high-risk area can provide added peace of mind.
14. Learn Basic Self-Defense
Krav Maga or Muay Thai classes give you some street-effective moves to help ward off attackers. Know your limits and only use force when there's no other alternative.
15. Hone Your Awareness
Practicing situational awareness can help you avoid trouble. Keep your head up, be alert, and notice what's happening around you. Project confidence, and thieves are more likely to steer clear.
16. Phone Home
Let your bank know you're traveling so they don't freeze your account when unusual activity is detected. Do this online or talk to a rep before you leave.
17. Stash Emergency Cash
Hide some cash in a few places to have a backup if the unthinkable happens. Look into secret pockets sewn into your pants, behind patches on your backpack, or rolled in an empty chapstick case. Keep enough to get yourself out of a jam but not so much that you suffer financially if it's stolen.
18. Food and Water Safety
Eat at busy places with long lines and cook your food thoroughly. Only eat peel-able fruit to avoid potential contamination. Consider investing in a filtered water bottle to ensure you're drinking clean H2O.
19. ATM Wariness
Cover your hand when entering your PIN, and check the ATM machine for any tampering. Be cautious of carousel skimmers, devices designed to capture your card and PIN. Keep an eye on who's hovering around while you transact.
20. Ditch the Back Pocket
Your back pocket is the first place a pickpocket checks, so avoid stashing expensive items in that spot. Consider wearing a money belt for added security.
21. Travel as a Pack
You're safer in a group, so try to hook up with a few fellow travelers to explore with. Traveling solo? Staying at backpacker hostels is an excellent way to meet other budget travelers like yourself. However, be cautious and don't trust new friends too quickly.
22. Travel First Aid Kit
Carry a small first aid kit on your travels, including basic supplies for treating cuts, sprains, and burns. Include sunscreen, rehydration salts, painkillers, and an emergency space blanket.
23. Steady Yourlibations
Drinking or taking drugs excessively can lead to dangerous situations. Stay hydrated, keep your wits about you, and know your limits.
24. Trust Your Gut
Your body's instincts can help you sense danger before your brain figures it out. When something feels off, pay attention.
25. Travel Safety for Women vs Men
The safety tips in this guide apply to everyone, regardless of gender. Women are sometimes targets for harassment and assault, but they can minimize their risk by traveling in groups, carrying a personal safety alarm, and avoiding questionable neighborhoods at night. Men, on the other hand, should be aware of their tendency to put themselves in potentially dangerous situations, like getting involved in physical confrontations or getting ensnared in romance scams.
A Few Words About Risk...
You can never eliminate all risk when you travel, but you can manage it and minimize your exposure to danger. The world is safer than the media may make it seem, so go out there and explore with confidence! ★
HI, I'M MATTHEW KARSTEN
Hey! I'm a travel blogger sailing the seas of the world with my family. Join us on our adventures as we share useful travel tips from over a decade of gallivanting around the globe!
BOOKING A TRIP SOON?
These resources will help you score great deals, stay safe, and create unforgettable memories!
- The Ultimate Packing List
- How to Score Cheap Flights
- Renting a Car Abroad Basics
- Hotel Booking Tips
- Why Travel Insurance is a Must
- Essential Travel Tips for a Dream Trip
Keep your belongings secure and your destination research up-to-date to minimize troubles, for a memorable travel lifestyle. While navigating the world, blend in with the locals' fashion and avoid showcasing expensive items to deter unwanted attention. Additionally, staying informed about common travel scams and local customs can help ensure a pleasant, trouble-free journey.
