11 Practical Travel Safety Tips.
Traveling to new destinations is exciting and full of adventure. At the same time, it is full of unknowns and possible dangers. Here are 11 practical travel safety tips that you can apply anywhere in the world:
1. Research Your Destination
Research your destination before even leaving your home. Learn which are the better/safe areas to stay in, eat, shop, and sightsee. Read blogs and forums about experiences from fellow travelers to get a bigger picture of your upcoming trip.
2. Make Hard Copies of Your Passport & Keep It In the Hotel Safe.
Make hard copies of your passport and travel itinerary (including hotel and flight bookings) and keep it in your hotel room safe. This is your worst case backup in the horrible chance you may lose any of your travel documents.
3. Take Photos of Your IDs
Keep photos of your passport page and visa pages on your phone in case you need it at any point during your trip. This is also useful for when you fill our immigration forms on the airplane so you do not need to take out your passport.
4. Don’t Wear Flashy Clothing
There’s nothing wrong will being stylish and fashionable while traveling, but if you plan to go to crowded touristy areas or conservative destinations dress less flashy as to not attract unwanted attention nor to disrespect the local culture.
5. Use Practical Purses or Wallets
When going to crowded areas, use practical purses like a crossbody or fanny pack so it remains close to your body. At the same time, wallets should never be placed in your back pocket (nor phones or any other valuable). Also, carry only what you need for the day and leave the rest in your hotel safe.
6. Be Careful about Opening Your Bag in Public
Stay alert when opening your bag or wallet in a public area. Try to not expose your cash and wallet either. Tourist attractions are prime target areas for a pick-pocketer.
7. Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Be aware and stay alert in your surroundings. Be cautious if someone may be walking too close to you. It is always better to walk away from back alleys and in well-lit areas at night.
8. Monitor Your Credit Card Online
Keep track of your credit card charges online or on your phone’s app to make sure the are no additional charges in case someone hacked your card’s number.
9. Post Your Location on Social Media After You Leave
Geotag your social media photos after you leave that location, especially if you have a public profile in which anyone can easily view it and possibly stalk you.
10. Don’t Share Too Much Info with Strangers
While it may be fun to may a friend or two while traveling, but wary of just talking to anyone whether that is a local or a fellow traveler. You never know if they may have bad intentions. If you do talk with others, but careful about not sharing too much information about yourself or your travel itinerary.
11. Drink With People You Know, and Don’t Get Too Drunk
Enjoy the city, have some drinks, but play it safe. Drink with people you know and don’t get too drunk in public that you can’t take care of yourself.
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