There is always a story in the news about a criminal taking advantage of tourists. These criminals can be less dangerous, like purse snatchers and identity thieves. Or much more dangerous, like kidnappers and sex traffickers.
So far, I’ve been lucky enough to travel without any major problems, and most people who travel will never face anything worse than being pick-pocketed. Even so, I make sure to remember these safety tips whenever I go somewhere new, and I strongly suggest that you do the same. If you are planning your next vacation and want to know how to travel safely, you don’t need to look any further than these 14 tips for travel precaution. They are a complete guide to safe travelling.
14 Tips for Travelling Precaution
1. Do not wear jewellery that shines too much!
Putting on flashy, expensive jewellery is a sure way to get the attention of thieves! Friends, if you want to go to places with a lot of people, you should really leave it at home.
2. Please don’t drink too much!
This has got to be one of the most important safety tips anyone can give for travelling.
A lot of people make it a point to check out the local nightlife when they travel.And, there’s nothing wrong with that. Also, it is even more important to drink alcohol responsibly when you are away from home.
When you are away from home, you are more likely to get lost or end up in a dangerous area. If you’re obviously drunk, you’re an easy target for cons, robberies, and even more serious crimes. Oh, and women, don’t forget the most important safety tip when it comes to drinking in public: always keep an eye on what you’re drinking.
3. Be a good steward of the things you have!
You should never carry around a lot of cash. You should instead open an account with a credit card company or a foreign bank. This will ensure that you could use a nearby ATM! If you have to withdraw a lot of money at once, you should leave most of it in a safe place at your hotel or hostel and only take out what you need for the day.
When using ATMs, it’s best to use ones that are connected to banks. This is because scammers are less likely to have messed with these machines.
Don’t put all of your money in one bank account or investment. Keep your cash and credit cards hidden in at least two different places. This way, if someone breaks into one of your stashes, you won’t lose everything.
4. Be careful and keep an eye out for common scams!
Do some research on the place you want to go so you can find out what scammers are up to there.
Scams can range from those that use RFID scanners to those where someone pretends to be a child to get you to feel sorry for them. If you know about these cons ahead of time, you will be less likely to fall for them when they happen.
5. Know the number to call for help in case of an emergency!
You should look up the number for the local emergency services before you even get to your destination.
Moreover, you should also look up the number of the embassy of your home country that is closest to you before you leave. Furthermore, you should write them down or put them in your phone so you can find them quickly if something unexpected happens.
6. Choose the right bag!
Cross-body bags are safer than shoulder bags or handbags because people can’t steal them as they run or drive by.
Handbags and shoulder bags are not as safe. There are a lot of bags made just for travellers that have safety features like locking zippers, RFID blockers, and straps that can’t be cut. Invest in a quality bag that meets both your needs and your preferences.
7. Bring travel locks with you and use them!
If you want to stay in a hostel, you might save some money if you bring your own lock instead of buying one there.
Even if you’re not staying in a hostel, it’s still a good idea to bring a travel lock so you can lock your bag to your chair or seat while you eat or travel. This will help keep people from taking your things.
8. Keep digital copies of critical documents!
When you go somewhere, your passport is probably the most important thing you bring with you. If your passport gets lost or stolen, having a digital copy will make getting a new one much easier.
9. Try to fit in!
Tourists are easy targets for scammers because they usually have a lot of cash and things with them. Avoid looking too obviously like a tourist.
Dress like the people who live there, don’t stop in the middle of busy streets to take pictures, and try not to look lost even if you are. If you need help finding your way or want to look at a map, you should go inside a store or a cafe.
10. Use transportation companies you can trust!
Do some research before you go there to find out which taxi companies have a good name, and only use those. You can also choose airport transfer specialist for a faster and safer transport option.
Before you get in the car with your driver when using a ride-sharing app like Uber or Lyft, make sure the information about their vehicle is correct and that you’ve checked their name.
11. Keep in touch with family and friends often!
Make sure to tell someone about your plans to travel before you leave, and keep them up to date on any changes. At the end of each day, make it a habit to call or text a close friend or family member back in your hometown.
I know this may seem like a hassle, but in the long run, it’s better to be safe than sorry. If someone knows where you were supposed to be on a certain day, they will be able to help you faster if something bad were to happen.
12. Ask the people who live there for advice!
When you check into a hotel or hostel, ask for advice about which areas are safe and which are not so safe. Then, mark on your map the places you should try to avoid going to.
13. Be aware of what’s going on around you at all times!
Whether you’re at a busy tourist spot or just walking down a quiet street, you should always be aware of your surroundings.
Criminals often try to take advantage of people who are busy with something else or who aren’t paying attention to their surroundings. This is very important for tourists who are travelling alone, especially women who are travelling alone.
14. Whenever you can, go with your gut!
Almost always, there is a reason why you feel uncomfortable around a certain person, situation, or place. Our so-called “gut feelings” come from our subconscious minds picking up on information we aren’t aware of. Our minds work like this. Pay attention to how you feel. They will help you make sure you stay safe.
Also Read: Top Things to Consider while Travelling in Covid – 12 of the Most Important Ones!
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, travelling can be a fun and rewarding experience.But, it is important to take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
By following the tips in this article, you can help to reduce the risk of experiencing any problems while travelling. Have a great trip!