Travelers with a lot of experience have a lot of suggestions and tactics to assist us stay safe and secure on our excursions. And whether you’re travelling on your first vacation or have a little more experience, we should all know how to travel smart. That is why there are certain things we should be aware of in order to stay safe and enjoy our travels to the most.
1. Do not allow your children to dig holes at the beach.
Beach holes may appear harmless, but they can injure unsuspecting visitors. Whether it’s a runner or someone walking on the beach, there’s a chance they’ll step inside and twist or even break their ankle. Worse, some holes may collapse and imprison someone within.
2. Always take official taxis and ask for identification.
When arriving in a new country, it’s always a good idea to make arrangements for someone to meet you at the airport. If this is not an option for you and you must take a cab, be sure the taxi is legitimate. Have your Google Maps open and ask for the driver’s taxi ID so you can follow along. Always believe your senses and don’t get in the car if something feels fishy.
3. Learn about the most typical travel frauds.
Unfortunately, many people have learnt how to take advantage of unsuspecting tourists and defraud them of their hard-earned money. As a result, it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with some of the most typical frauds. The most common is the “broken taxi metre,” in which the driver informs you that the metre is broken and then charges you a ludicrous rate. Negotiate the fee ahead of time to avoid this.
4. Make a list of your emergency information and take photos of it.
You never know when you’ll need to contact an emergency contact, but you won’t be able to since you don’t have service where you are. Alternatively, you may be concerned that utilising your mobile data would result in a large phone bill. In those circumstances, it’s essential to take screenshots of everything you’ll need, including Google Maps routes, so you don’t get lost and can follow along in a taxi.
5. Purchase anti-theft backpacks and totes.
Theft is a widespread occurrence all throughout the world, and travellers make ideal targets for cunning thieves or pickpockets. To avoid this, you might consider investing in anti-theft backpacks and bags. There are also slash-proof backpacks on the market that could keep robbers away from your valuables.
6. Ask locals for advice.
No matter how much research you do before visiting a new country, you will not be familiar with everything, and you should always seek guidance from locals. Only they can tell you which neighbourhoods to avoid and which are safe, for example. Front desk staff at hotels and hostels are usually your best and safest source for advice.
7. Notify friends and family of your whereabouts and plans.
It’s critical to have someone in your life who is aware of your whereabouts, plans, and expected return date. If something horrible were to happen to you, you’d want someone close to you to know about it so that if they don’t hear from you, they can alert the authorities.
8. Try to dress in the style of the natives.
Tourists may usually be identified by their apparel in most situations. This can attract unwanted attention to you, making you a target for criminals or scammers. It’s a good idea to try to blend in with the locals so you don’t end up attracting the wrong crowd. It’s worth noting that some countries have specific dress codes to which you must adhere.
9. Keep emergency cash hidden.
You can never predict everything, no matter how hard you prepare to avoid any potential complications, therefore it’s always a good idea to have a backup plan. In the event that your money or credit card is taken, save emergency cash in a safe place. It might be tucked away in your purse or on your person.
10. Take advantage of ATMs during the day.
As a tourist, using an ATM might be risky because you never know who is monitoring or ready to steal your money. As a result, it’s best to use them during the day when there are other people around. It’s also important to inspect the ATM thoroughly before using it to ensure that it hasn’t been tampered with.
What other travel safety recommendations do you have? Please pass them on to everyone you know, because a little more security never hurts.
