12 Travel Safety Tips

When you’re having such a great time abroad, it’s easy to put your personal safety at the back of your mind and let your guard down. This can lead to all sorts of issues that may disrupt your travel plans. The best way to have a fun and safe tip is to be prepared and take precautions. Make sure you travel safely by checking out our top 12 safety tips for travelling abroad.

Know Who to Call in an Emergency

Make sure you know what all the emergency numbers are, where the nearest police station is, where the nearest pharmacies and hospitals are, and where the nearest British embassy is. You never know what will happen when you’re travelling, and having this information on hand when you’re having an emergency will make it much easier and quicker for you to get the help you need.

Back Up Your Travel Documents

Take photographs and photocopy all of your travel documents. Email some of those copies to your family and friends and keep a copy in the cloud. Take printouts with you and put one copy in your hand luggage and the other copy in your suitcase. Having physical copies and digital copies that are quickly available will help you if one of your travel documents gets lost or stolen and you need to make a police report and contact the nearest embassy for a replacement.

Tell Your Family About Your Travel Plans

Give your family a copy of your travel itinerary before you leave for your trip. Call them and text them each day to keep them up to date with all your adventures. Let them know if you change your travel plans at any point. If something should happen to you while you’re away, your family will be able to provide detailed information to the embassy, medical professionals, and police in the country you’re travelling to.

Don’t Choose a Hotel Room on the Ground Floor

Many quality hotels have a concierge at the reception desk 24/7 and a security guard stationed at the entrance. Smaller hotels and B&Bs may not, so having a room on an upper floor may be safer. If you have a room on the ground floor, someone could easily see which room you go into.

Use Your Hotel Safe

If your hotel room has a safe, then you should use it. Put some spare cash in it in case of an emergency, and keep your travel documents and valuables in it. Don’t share the code with anyone. In the event that your room gets broken into or if someone goes in there without your permission, you will have peace of mind knowing that your possessions are safely stored away.

Get Travel Insurance

If you purchase travel insurance before your trip, you’ll be covered for all sorts of situations. For example, if you become ill or get injured during your trip, your travel insurance policy will cover your emergency medical and expatriation expenses. You’ll also be covered if your travel documents, money, gadgets, or personal possessions are lost, stolen, or damaged. Just make sure you pay the additional premium for hazardous sports and activities cover if your trip is a little more adventurous.

Inform Yourself About Travel Scams

There are travel scams all around the world. The best thing you can do before your trip is to inform yourself about the common scams in the country you’re travelling to. Beware of taxi drivers who take you the long way around or who have “broken” meters. They will charge you a much higher rate. Avoid people who ask you to sign a petition. If it’s a scam, they’ll then demand a donation once you sign it. Many tourists are unaware of the friendship bracelet scam. Someone may put a friendship bracelet around your wrist and harass you for payment, whether you wanted the bracelet or not.

Be Cautious When Speaking to Strangers

One of the best parts of travelling is meeting new people and making friends, but remember, not everyone has your best interests at heart. When getting to know new people, try not to provide them with too much personal information, like which hotel you’re staying in, what your room number is, what your daily plans are, or if you’re travelling alone.

Stay Aware of Your Surroundings

Scammers and thieves are more likely to take advantage of tourists who are distracted and oblivious to what is going on around them. Keep your guard up and always be aware of your surroundings. If you’re going to have a couple of drinks with a meal or if you plan to go partying while you’re away, then drink sensibly.

Don’t Draw Attention to Yourself

Many tourists stick out like a sore thumb which makes them easy targets for thieves and scammers. The best way to avoid drawing attention to yourself is to dress like the locals to blend in. Leave your expensive, flashy jewelry at home and keep your valuables tucked away in your bag or in a zippered pocket. If you’re carrying cash, be discrete when getting it out of your wallet.

Avoid Travelling Alone at Night

You’re more vulnerable when you walk alone in a quiet place at night, so avoid it at all costs. If you must, stay in a well-lit area and ask some friends to escort you to where you need to go. If you have to walk a considerable distance, consider getting a cab or taking public transportation instead.

Chose Transportation Wisely

Look online for the most reputable cab companies in the city you’re travelling to. If you hail one on the street, you could risk getting into a stolen cab or being overcharged. If you travel by train, avoid getting into an empty carriage and if it’s busy, keep and eye on your belongings. Pickpockets often hang around crowded train carriages to steal from unsuspecting tourists. When getting the bus, sit closer to the front or stand near to the driver. If you’re hiring a car, make sure you know the city’s travel regulations and the quality of road safety there.