Staying Safe While Traveling

05 Dec Staying Safe While Traveling

Traveling the world is a rewarding and exciting adventure, but as with any adventure, there is some risk involved. If you don’t travel right, it can be dangerous. Crime happens everywhere, and in some places, tourists are a common target because they are usually easy targets. If you’re planning on traveling, you want to minimize the risk of danger and do what you can to make sure your trip is memorable for good reasons, not bad ones. Here are a few things you can do to stay safe while traveling.

Learn About Your Destination

Do research to find out the potential dangers associated with your travel destination. Pay close attention to political conflicts and areas that are known for being dangerous. Get any necessary vaccines and fulfill all visa and other travel requirements.

Don’t Act Like a Tourist

If you look lost, confused or overwhelmed, you make yourself an attractive target for pickpockets, muggers, and other thieves. Here are a few things you should do or avoid doing while you travel.

• Don’t ask for directions. Plan your routes ahead of time or look them up on your phone as you go.
• Learn the language. If you go somewhere where they speak a different language, speak that language as often as you can before and during your stay.
• Don’t hold dictionaries or maps. Nothing says “I’m not from here!” like carrying a language dictionary or map.

Protect Your Valuables

• Never keep anything in your back pocket. Back pockets are the easiest to pickpocket.
• Only carry what you need. If you don’t need to carry your passport with you at all times, leave it in your hotel safe. The same goes for any extra cash and other valuables.
• Keep an eye on your belongings. Never leave your luggage or other belongings unattended. Keep any purses or backpacks in front of you or tucked under your arm.

Prepare for the Worst

If you do become a victim of a mugging or theft, you’ll want to be prepared. Situations like those can be extremely dangerous and it is important to play your cards right to minimize the danger.

• Give them what they want. First and foremost, give them whatever they ask for and don’t try to be a hero.
• Carry a decoy wallet. Carry an extra wallet with some money in it to give to any muggers.
• Know how to cancel your cards. Save the numbers you’ll need to cancel any cards so you can cancel them immediately after they are stolen.
• Keep a digital copy of your passport and login info.

Author: t6admin