Safety when traveling can be a huge concern for many people. Whether you are a solo traveler, part of a group, or traveling with children, safety is always paramount, especially if you’re venturing off a resort or want a more authentic experience in different destinations.
The following points have been designed to help you stay and feel as safe as possible when traveling and are all options you can use at any time to boost security.
Be Aware Of Surroundings
You need to know where you are and what is happening around you at all times, especially in more precarious scenarios, such as traveling in new locations after dark or in remote places. Tourists, especially, can easily be targets as they’re often distracted or unaware of how they can be targeted by unscrupulous people.
So, it’s about not walking around with your head in your phone or wearing earphones and earbuds and staying alert and aware of your surroundings.
Use Reputable Transport Options
Try to avoid using unlicensed transport options such as unmarked taxis or unregistered car services or jumping into a vehicle simply because someone said they’re a taxi service. Use public transport, book via the Uber app if it’s operational where you are, ask your hotel for reputable taxi services or travel options, and share your location with others whom you trust to give you added reassurance when using transport to a new destination.
Don’t Display Belongings
As much as you can, don’t carry too much around with you. If you have an early checkout and a late flight, for example, use services such as Radical Storage, a luggage storage network, to store your luggage so you can explore until you are ready to leave without taking your luggage with you everywhere you go.
Stick to Populated Areas
Sure, heading off the beaten track can allow you to find hidden gems, but it sometimes, especially in high crime areas, it’s not a great idea to go where others aren’t going unless you are familiar with the area and know what you are at risk of.
While high-populated tourist areas automatically mean you might be targeted, it can be safer to stay in well-lit areas with more people around, especially if you are alone or at night.
Respect Customs
When you travel to different countries, you must respect local traditions and customs, and failing to do this can lead to your garnering unwanted attention. Not only can you be hit with fines for dressing appropriately or flouting laws in some countries, but you can put yourself at risk of violence and even jail time for things like dressing inappropriately, inappropriate behaviors, driving offenses, or even disrespecting religious laws and customs.
Check Hotel Reviews
This can be especially important in areas that are known to be high-risk for tourists or you’re staying in hostels. For example, you can check their security features, read other guest reviews, look through pictures, and more to help you ascertain the safety of the hotel and what you can expect when you stay.
Be Mindful When Accepting Food and Drink from Strangers
Sure, you want to immerse yourself in everything your destination has to offer. But accepting food or drinks from strangers might not end how you think it will. At a minimum, you would be putting yourself at risk of food poisoning; at worst, you are leaving yourself open to being drugged or having your food spiked, leaving you more vulnerable to different types of crimes or assaults.
Have Location Services On
Enabling location tracking services means your loved ones who are with you or back home can track where you are at all times. As well as enabling location services on your devices, having regular check-in points with others can alert them of anything wrong if you miss this, they can get help faster. Or having a “safe” word you use to let people know things are ok or you need help can be a good idea, as well as sharing itinerary plans and bookings so people have points of contact should you need assistance in any way.
Staying safe when traveling is the culmination of many actions and, most importantly, being aware of what you are doing, where you are, and what is going on around you. While some potential or perceived threats might never materialize, it’s always better to be safe than sorry as far as travel safety is concerned. These tips can be instrumental in helping you protect yourself when exploring the world.