Travelling abroad can be exciting, but you always exercise caution and common sense. Unfamiliar places and people, along with the challenges of navigating a new culture, can add to the stress of being away from home.
It’s important to keep your safety in mind wherever you’re travelling. Whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure, being smart means a safer trip.
From researching your destination to booking a reliable airport limousine, we’ve provided some tips to keep you safe when travelling to a new country.
How to Stay Safe When Travelling Abroad
In this blog, you will find useful tips on avoiding danger when travelling.
1. Do Your Research
Every place has areas that are safe and unsafe for tourists and residents alike. Read online travel reviews before you arrive, including places to stay.
When you arrive, ask locals which neighbourhoods you should visit and which to steer clear of. This will allow you to feel more confident and comfortable.
2. Find Out About Scams
Thieves are great at inventing new ways to rob tourists. While scammers may not endanger your life, they will rip you off. Google local travel scams and ways to avoid them. Alternatively, speak to your hotel manager.
3. Book an Airport Limousine Service
Booking an airport limousine in advance is a good way to ride safely from the airport to your hotel (and vice-versa) in a new country. Their professionally screened chauffeurs will know the best (and safest) routes, so you don’t have to stress about being pressured into taking a rogue taxi whose driver you don’t trust.
4. Don’t Use Public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi networks make it easy for thieves to hack private information stored on your laptop or mobile phone. Instead, consider investing in a portable router to use as your Wi-Fi hotspot. You may need to buy a local SIM card which you can likely find at an airport kiosk or local electronics store.
5. Get Travel Insurance
You might think it unnecessary, but the right insurance coverage will help should anything go wrong.
Good travel insurance will cover your belongings and health. Keep in mind, however, that property insurance is typically limited to a particular price per term. So, for instance, if you’re thinking of carrying expensive camera gear, make sure your policy covers everything.
Remember, too, that not all travel insurance operates in the same manner. Look for clauses and loopholes that affect certain aspects of your travel. For instance, if you fail to declare pre-existing illnesses, will this void your health coverage insurance? Do your research to opt for the most reputable company.
6. Don’t Always Go Cheap
Travelling can be expensive so it’s natural to cut costs wherever possible. This can include insurance, flights, and accommodation. However, cheap isn’t always good.
Backpacking hostels offer inexpensive accommodation but may not have trained staff or locks to secure your room. Certain safety hazards you should research in advance include low balconies, faulty gas appliances, poor maintenance, and exposed wires.
Regarding budget flights, most depart and arrive late at night – not the most convenient (or safest) time to hail a cab to your hotel.
By spending a little extra, you can enjoy decent departure times and safe airport transfers and accommodation.
7. Keep Your Credit Cards and Cash Separate
If you’re thinking about visiting a busy area, only take a small amount of cash and keep the rest in your hotel safe.
If you must carry a lot of cash, put it somewhere secure, like an inside pocket or a daypack. This way, when you open your wallet, you can access your cash but won’t flash it around.
The same applies to credit cards. Keep one in your wallet and the rest in your luggage, or, better, yet, your room safe.
Travelling somewhere new should be fun, enjoyable… and safe. Follow these tips and you’ll make lifelong memories while being able to focus your energy, time, and money on things you want to do.