Travel Safety Tips: How To Stay Safe When Traveling

Safety is always a top factor that anyone traveling must pay attention to. 

How to stay safe when traveling, especially if you’re traveling alone? Here are my to-go travel safety tips. 

Know your destination

Before traveling anywhere in the world, make sure you know about the place you’re going to.

Proper research will help you understand possible dangerous situations and prepare contingency plans. 

The best way to find the information and tips is on official travel websites and travel guides.

Before going, you should check the map to learn the terrain of the area and the most attractive places to visit in that area, avoiding getting lost.

Also, do some research about the means of transport or the traffic situation at your destination to ensure safety.

Bled Slovenia travel safety tips.

Always have a plan

Plan A is not enough when traveling, especially if you travel alone. Never force yourself into one option in case the situation does not go as planned.

Always have plans B, C, or even Z if that’s necessary.

Buy travel insurance

Many travelers often overlook travel insurance, but you shouldn’t make that mistake.

Before each trip, you should get travel insurance to have a certain peace of mind and avoid financial problems when encountering unexpected incidents.

You can get many benefits from travel insurance, such as damage to luggage and personal belongings, missed connections,  support for loss caused by fire or in the event of a terrorist attack.

I lost my phone when traveling in Copenhagen, and thankfully, I got compensation back.

Be open but careful with your personal information

One of the things I love about traveling is meeting new people on my trips. There are so many new stories and exciting characters to know about. 

However, these new friends are still strangers, so be open, approachable but be careful when talking about your personal information.

Have emergency phone numbers available

Before visiting a new place, it’s necessary to know and write down all emergency phone numbers.

For example, the numbers you need to save include phone numbers of local police, hospital, hotel hotline, etc.

Take notes in Notes, Evernote, or any apps you’re using. When needed, you can open it and call right away.

Tips: I also check the location of hospitals, clinics, and police stations before traveling. 

Always book hotels and tickets in advance

Booking a hotel in advance helps you get a place to stay early, not having to wander from place to place to find a place to stay, especially late at night.

If you arrive at your destination after dark, make sure you already have a place to stay. Nothing is worse than needlessly roaming the streets at night with your backpack.

It’s also instrumental if you travel in a high season or national holidays. 

Similarly, to ensure a smooth journey, you should book tickets in advance: train tickets, airline tickets, bus tickets, boat tickets, attraction tickets. 

Please don’t wait until you need it to buy it. Nothing can guarantee that there are tickets for you.

hotel room

Research carefully if you’re going on a road trip

I love road trips, and I’ve done several ones. 

Whether it is a mountain pass or a road along the sea, you should research the route, how long, and what safety precautions to take.

For example, this section X has a sharp turn or an accident, or the road is slippery and easy to fall here, or you can take a shorter route. 

And if you see a place that is too dangerous, skip it! There are many other great places to explore.

Hai Van pass Da Nang Vietnam.

Separate your money and bank cards

Money is always the most important thing when you travel. Unfortunately, if you lose your money or credit cards, it will be a difficult situation.

The best practice is to split the money you have. Keep some in your wallet carefully at the bottom of your bag or backpack. And the rest should be kept at the hotel with a safety lock. 

Also, I find having more than one card is excellent in case you lose one. Then you can quickly block your card and still don’t have to go through all the procedures and wait for a new one to arrive. 

Photocopy all documents before you go

You need to photocopy all the necessary documents such as passport, tickets, bank card, driver’s license, and other essential documentation.

Keep these copies separate and make electronic copies on your phone or tablet.

So if there’s any bad situation such as your bags getting stolen, it’ll be easier to prove your identity or, in the case of redoing the original documents.

Don’t get too drunk!

I know that vacation is time to get drunk and relax, but don’t go overboard with alcohol. Also, don’t walk home alone drunk if it’s possible to take a cab.

Choose the right travel time

Traveling at the right time is one of my go-to travel safety tips.

There is nothing worse than planning your visit and then discovering the place is closed in that period when you get there.

Many attractions are not open all year due to weather or other reasons.

Also, if you’re going on a beach vacation or to mountain areas, you should choose the right time of the year to avoid storms or heavy rain and wind, which is both unsafe and dangerous.

Bai Xep beach Quy Nhon Vietnam

Dress appropriately

Find out the culture, religion, and how the people usually dress before your trip. 

When traveling, try not to look like a tourist. The more you stand out, the more thieves and criminals you attract.

Try to dress like the locals. It will save you a lot of trouble.

Don’t follow a stranger somewhere (unless you trust them)

Anyone trying to get you to follow them somewhere should be treated with suspicion.

If a stranger spontaneously singles you out and tries to isolate you, you may be dealing with a scammer or worse.

Take taxis at night

This is particularly advisable if you’re traveling to developing countries where you might not want to walk the streets at night (unless you know the area is safe).

Be sure to take official taxis only or use ride-sharing apps with trusted drivers.

Stay in touch with your family and friends

You also should make sure family and friends know your plans and where you’re going.

Especially if you’re traveling alone, staying connected with family and friends will help you stay safer in any situation.

Be careful if you sleep on public transport

When relaxing on public transport, or even a quick nap, you should keep your bags or suitcase nearby so you can feel it if they move.

Pack light

Don’t make your trip an awful experience with dozens of items. Make a list of the things you really need, and don’t regret leaving behind unnecessary stuff.

Keep your luggage as light as possible so you can avoid the hassles when on transportation or at hotels.

At the same time, with lightweight luggage, you can move and run away if there is danger lurking.

travel safety tips

Pay attention to your luggage

Always pay attention to your luggage. Never leave them out of sight, especially when traveling abroad.

Consider buying a suitable bag or suitcase with solid locks to ensure your luggage’s safety.

Especially never give your luggage to anyone except someone you completely trust. You may be arrested for being found carrying any illegal substances or items without your knowledge.

Don’t be misled

Pickpocketing is a common occurrence, especially in popular tourist destinations.

A person may try to give a flyer, seemingly innocent, but they may be trying to distract you from your wallet.

If someone suddenly approaches you, be on the lookout for possible tricks and try to protect your valuables.

Trust your instincts

Always trust your instincts. Don’t let the excitement or stress of traveling cloud your judgment.

Suppose a situation doesn’t feel right, too good to be true, or just plain weird, bail. Never feel bad about bailing from a situation you’re not comfortable with.

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One Comment

  1. Taylor Hicken says:

    I liked it when you shared that it is important to book a hotel in advance so it helps you get a place to stay early. My friend just mentioned the other day that she is going to work in another state for a few days and she is looking for accommodation for her trip. I will suggest to her booking a nice hotel in advance so she has a place to go once she arrives there.

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