7 Safety Tips to Travel Safely Everywhere

A woman sits in a white walkway in Greece. She covers her face with a hat. This article covers 7 Safety Tips to Travel Safe Everywhere.

7 Safety Tips to Travel Safely Everywhere

Traveling the world is one of life’s unique experiences and should be on everyone’s wish list.

When you’re out exploring the world, you are exposed to some of the most extraordinary experiences the world has to offer and should not be feared.

There are but a few things to be cautious of when traveling, but not as bad as it may seem.

Sometimes you will be traveling solo, so be sure to do your homework on the desired destination before you book your trip.

Especially if it’s your first time visit to a city or country.

To ensure you stay safe, you need to take all necessary precautions and leave nothing to chance.

Although you can’t know every little detail, when you do prior research and plan your trip, you are more prepared to face any possible safety scenarios.

Here are a few safety tips for traveling safely, no matter the destination.

Make Copies of Travel Documents

When traveling, you never think you might lose your all-important travel documents—ones like your passport and supporting paperwork.

However, it is only wise and responsible to prepare for the worst and make copies of every document.

That way, you’re covered in the event of losing your belongings.

Not only keeping hard copies, but you can scan and save everything on email, or cloud platforms like Google Drive, for access on any smartphone device.

Get Immunized

Once you’ve decided on your next travel destination, visit your local doctor at least a few months before you depart.

Depending on your chosen destination, it is advisable to get all relevant vaccinations and get immunized.

Many countries around the world are notorious for disease infections from insects and sometimes unpurified water.

There are destinations infested with malaria, and your doctor may insist you get Hepatitis A and typhoid.

At the same time, many African countries need travelers to have a valid Yellow Fever vaccination as a requirement to visit the country.

Bring items like mosquito repellent, a personal medical kit, and different purifying water as an extra safety measure.

Research Common Scams

Many destinations around the world have a story or two about tourist scams by locals. But, unfortunately, thieves have a knack for noticing foreign visitors.

Since, sometimes, it’s hard to disguise your awe of a new destination.

Before setting off to your vacation oasis, do a bit of research online.

Having this information won’t necessarily change your mind about visiting a country. However, you will be more prepared to survive anything similar.

Watch Your Valuables

When you’re traveling abroad for vacation as a tourist, packing expensive jewelry is not part of your travel kit list.

It’s best to leave your collection safe at home.

However, there are other expensive items we seem attached to, particularly when traveling as a tourist.

Technology is everyone’s best friend, in the form of a laptop, tablet, smartphone, drone, or multiple cameras. But, unfortunately, all these items may attract thieves.

As tourists, thieves are aware that we have expensive belongings. Therefore, your belongings may be the target given an opportunity.

Whenever in transit, on the plane, bus, or train, avoid leaving your belongings unattended.

Avoid looking like a typical tourist with your camera hanging around when not used. Instead, tuck it away.

Another great way to avoid being a target is to get random unbranded bags to stow your belongings.

That way, no famous logos are displayed, making it easy for thieves to spot you.

When in doubt, having a safe personal alarm can help prevent thieves from getting away with your valuables.

Safely Store Your Cash

Sometimes when you’re visiting a new country, carrying a large amount of cash is convenient. So instead of keeping the whole stash in one pocket or zip compartment, stow it in multiple places.

You can opt to get a money bag, keeping your cash, and other small items like a cellphone for added security.

Although it’s essential to have emergency cash on you, keeping a greater bulk of your money in a secure safe in the hotel is safer.

Many travelers have adopted a trick to mislead thieves by carrying dummy wallets with no significant value.

When thieves pickpocket you, they come up empty.

However, being logical is also essential; avoid counting a large amount of money in crowded areas and stay away from ATMs at night.

This is important to travel safely.

Blend In

When visiting a new city or country, try to blend in and avoid standing out as a tourist. As part of your homework, study how locals act and dress. Try to find the rules and customs like a local.

A classic example is when you’re visiting Italy; locals rarely wear shorts, even on a hot summer’s day.

Try to blend in and do as the locals do; you’d be surprised how many people mistake you as a local.

Sometimes, how people act in their countries is about more than just how they do things, in maybe as deep as a culture and standard requirement.

When visiting a religious country, be mindful of how locals dress and behave in and around religious sites.

Be prepared when packing for your trip. It goes without saying, as a foreigner, the last thing you want is to be on the wrong side of the law.

Abide and respect the rules of the country.

When navigating the city, use a mobile app, and keep your large city map in your bag.

Keep in Touch

One of the best ways to stay safe in a foreign country, even if something terrible happened to you, is to keep in touch with your friends and family.

Someone needs to always know your whereabouts.

This can be in the form of an emergency contact. The designated person has full knowledge of where you are located, activities itinerary, and the best way to communicate.

7 Safety Tips to Travel Safely Everywhere