Many of these tips may seem obvious, but even veteran travelers can gain from being reminded about travel safety. Be sure to inform trusted family and friends of your itinerary, and check in regularly with them.
Be wary when using social media - sharing your whereabouts may alert criminals of your presence.
1. Don’t carry too much cash
Money management may not be top of mind when thinking of travel safety tips, but its significance cannot be overstated. Being prepared and having some cash on hand is an effective way to navigate unexpected situations without falling victim to financial traps.
Keep a stash of emergency cash separate from your main stash. Stashing it in an undisclosed compartment in your luggage or an undisclosed pocket in your clothes can help prevent theft or loss while giving you access to funds should any unexpected issues arise.
As well as keeping cash on hand, it is wise to scatter any additional cash or credit cards you possess among multiple safe locations. One successful robbery can wipe you out completely; therefore, dispersing wealth throughout multiple secure places makes it harder for thieves to access valuables. You could also wear a money belt, which looks similar to regular belt but features zippered pockets specifically designed to store cash or credit cards.
2. Dress like a local
Dress like the locals when traveling - this can help protect you from being targeted for theft or scams, while making you more comfortable during your travels.
Avoid wearing clothes that immediately signal you as a tourist, such as brightly-colored t-shirts or college spirit wear. Additionally, watch how much jewelry you are carrying as it could give away that you are American; additionally it could offend locals.
Be mindful of where your food comes from; it is best to choose a restaurant over street food. In addition, bring along bottled water if traveling abroad where tap water may not be safe to drink.
3. Don’t be afraid to ask for help
Travel can be both exhilarating and scary at the same time; many travelers tend to lower their guard when away on vacation, making themselves vulnerable targets of crime. Luckily, there are a few simple tips you can follow that will keep you safer while on the road.
Likewise, when traveling abroad don't be afraid to ask locals or fellow travelers for directions; they may be able to steer you toward safer neighborhoods or transportation alternatives. Also keep plenty of hand sanitizer with you so as to remove germs and reduce chances of sickness during your journey.
One key tip when traveling overseas is registering your plans with the US State Department, so they can contact you in case of emergencies. Sharing your itinerary with friends and family members so they can alert authorities should any arise; additionally having a code word and meeting place ready in case anyone gets lost can also help keep everyone together and safe.
4. Don’t be afraid to ask for directions
Navigating unfamiliar terrain may seem intimidating at first, but travel should still be enjoyable without compromising safety. By taking certain proactive and in-flight precautions you can help to stay safe during your journey and adapt quickly to any situations which arise.
As part of your preparations to visit any area, it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with its maps. Also asking locals or those who have visited previously is also beneficial, since they will know which neighborhoods are safe or not, what scams may exist and any location-specific warnings.
Food and beverage selection is also an essential safety measure, with drinking unclean water or undercooked or unpackaged food likely to lead to travelers' diarrhea and other illness that will impede your travel experience. Eating hot, packaged or bottled meals and snacks is one way of protecting yourself; packing an emergency health kit including basic first aid supplies, travel-size insect repellent, sunscreen lotion, alcohol-based hand sanitizer and water disinfection tablets is also wise.
5. Don’t leave your luggage unattended
Petty theft can happen more frequently than you realize, particularly in unfamiliar settings. Be wary when entering public areas and be sure that your luggage remains within sight at all times; never leave it behind at the beach, hotel room or while dining or drinking!
Leave an unattended bag or suitcase behind and it can trigger an immediate security alert at an airport, train station, restaurant, etc. Unattended bags will be reported to staff and security and subjected to searches or inspection. This can create great strain for travelers as their belongings could even be confiscated from them!
Travel with valuables such as expensive camera equipment or jewelry is especially crucial, even with a slash-proof backpack; thieves are still likely to gain entry through gaps. Therefore, it is wise to travel with someone you trust who can watch over your luggage on your behalf; additionally, writing down contact details on it would allow for easy reunion if lost luggage occurs.
6. Don’t accept food or drinks from strangers
Staying safe when traveling means keeping a safe distance from strangers - keeping away from scammers, thieves and any other dangers can prevent scams, theft or any other issues arising out of unexpected encounters; and protecting personal boundaries and privacy as well as cultural misunderstandings or dangerous situations.
Each region presents different health risks, so proper vaccinations can help protect you when traveling. Consult a travel clinic or doctor prior to leaving home to get all necessary immunizations and ensure food and water safety - you should wash your hands frequently while avoiding contaminated foods and beverages to lower the risk of illness and use hand sanitizers regularly and practice good hygiene to stay healthy!
One important tip to keep in mind when traveling abroad is not accepting food or drinks from strangers, since it can be hard to know if these items have been altered by poisonous agents. Instead, decline free items offered from strangers, and instead keep your drink within sight at all times.
7. Don’t leave your phone unattended
Unknowingly leaving your phone unattended while traveling can result in identity theft. Even if you only leave it for 10 minutes, someone could use your device to access your social media accounts and other vital personal data.
This is especially important in places with strict security regulations, like embassies and government buildings. If you need to leave your device for short period, use tamper-evident bags (available online or from hotels) or store it safely within the hotel safe.
Notify your bank of your travel plans so they can identify any suspicious activity for you, and place a hold on your card should it go missing or stolen - although this might seem cumbersome, it could help safeguard against losing money or further fraud.
Do not forget basic medical supplies, including aspirin, aloe vera gel, antacids, water disinfectant tablets and insect repellent. Also ensure you get any vaccines required ahead of time as well as comply with any travel advisories issued by the Department of State for countries you will be visiting.
8. Don’t travel alone
Traveling overseas can pose some risks. While you should always remain alert, there are also several proven measures you can take to mitigate potential danger.
Always remain aware and trust your instincts; if something doesn't feel quite right, it likely is. Just as it would be unwise to approach an unknown stranger or walk around unfamiliar neighborhoods at night back home, traveling requires that the same rules are observed when out and about.
Staying hydrated and washing hands often will help protect against illness and bacteria entering your system, while complying with local food safety recommendations is also key to staying safe on any trip. Lastly, refrain from sharing too much personal information during your travels as that could put you at greater risk of scammers and thieves targeting you; share your itinerary with family members prior to departing so they know where they can find you in case something unexpected comes up during your adventure.
