Civil wars, country vs country wars, famine, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, fires and terrorist attacks are just a few of the things happening in countries around the world at any given time. And, these things can affect you travelling safe. Not everything is preventable and sometimes you are in the wrong place at the right time. From my years travelling the world, I have encountered some unsafe situations, so, before I travel anywhere I have devised a list of tips for safe travel, which I give some thought to. And now, I am passing on my best tips for safe travel to you.

My tips for safe travel are divided into two sections. The first section has safety tips to consider before you travel, and the second section has safety tips for when on the road. And the tips can be adapted to all sorts of ways to travel. No matter if you will be doing solo travel, family travel, travel with a friend, in a couple or within a group we always need to consider our safety. And it doesn’t matter if its a day trip, a weekend escape, a 2 week beach holiday or a 1 month country itinerary there will always be, albeit in the back of your mind, your safety.

 

Safety Tips Before You Travel

 

During the planning stage for any holiday many things can cross your mind. What will you wear on the plane? How will you do laundry? What meals you can cook in your hotel room, if there are cooking facilities at all? How will you stay fit and healthy while you travel? Will you take a backpack or suitcase? Should you travel with a powerbank to power up your tech devices? I could easily go on. Sometimes we may not consider our safety during our travels, but you should. So factor into your trip planning thoughts some actions to stay safe during your travels?

 

1. Research your destination

 

The more research you do of your destination, you can better plan how to stay safe. Of course you want to visit the tourist spots, but cameras and maps identify you as a tourist. This is why researching your destination is a good idea. Research things like how are you going to get around? And what do you want to see and do? Once you know these things you can work out your plan of being a tourist without actually looking like a tourist. This will help you look like you know where you’re going and what you’re doing (even if you don’t). Investigate using apps with maps of your destination on your device.

 

2. Plan your accommodation

 

Research the types of accommodation available. Booking your accommodation in particular in advance is the safest option. If you wait until you arrive you may not make the safest choice in desperation to lay your head somewhere. I like to stay in a variety of accommodation when I travel and usually match the type of accommodation to my trip. If I’m having a week long beach vacation I might choose an all inclusive resort to stay at, like I did when I visited Cancun, Mexico. If I only want to get some sleep for a night I may book a budget hotel room or a bed in a hostel. Either way I choose accommodation based on a number of factors. How close to the major sights of the city I’m in. Is it close to public transport? Are restaurants nearby? Read more on how I choose a hostel or how I choose a hotel to stay in for my safety and for all the services I need. And I use trusted websites and apps like HostelWorld, Booking.com and TrustedHousesitters to book my accommodation.

 

3. Plan your transport

 

Consider your safety on the transport options you choose. When carrying lots of luggage or sorting kids while you travel can sometimes distract you from what is around. So pre-book that airport transfer to your hotel. Or know about the public transport options and how much they might cost to avoid having to get out your valuables in front of strangers. I always try to plan to arrive during daylight hours as there are more people around.

 

4. Share your plans

 

Another safety planning tip I offer is to share your plans. Tell family and friends by leaving with them a detailed itinerary including contact details of places you will be staying. Possibly even a copy of your passport – just in case it is every lost or stolen.

 

5. Packing

 

Just a quick word on packing for your trip. You will need to pack things suitable for your trip. Different things are needed when packing for a 2 week beach holiday compared to packing for a working holiday abroad. A safety measure to consider is the dress code of the country or countries you will be visiting, particularly for women. For instance, in some countries it is required women cover your head before you enter a mosque. So consider dress codes when packing because the last thing you want is to be abused for not wearing appropriate clothing. I often travel with a sarong or large scarf for this very reason as both help you to cover up.

 

6. Buy Travel Insurance

 

My last safety tip I offer is to purchase travel insurance. Yes, you really do need travel insurance. You just don’t know what might happen, you could lose your luggage, find yourself in a natural disaster or need to be hospitalised while travelling. Your travel insurance should cover you for things like this and reimburse you for out of pocket costs – hopefully 100%. There are many on-line providers so shop around and get a policy that suits you and your aspirations. I recommend WorldNomads Travel Insurance for general travel insurance including extreme sports. And SafetyWing for longer term travel insurance. I have taken out insurance with both of them a number of times. However, I do suggest you get a few travel insurance quotes from different providers before you make that final purchase.

 

Safety Tips for When on the Road

 

While travelling, you need to consider your safety. Your life could depend on it!

 

blend in – don’t look like a tourist – limit use of maps

 

7. Blend in

 

Looking like a tourist means you may attract unsavoury types so try to blend in. Which, can be pretty hard if you have fair skin and blonde hair in a country where people are predominantly dark-haired and dark-skinned, or vice versa. Unfortunately, there are some unscrupulous people in the world who like to target travellers. So not looking like a tourist when you travel abroad, but an invisible tourist is a good idea. This is particularly apt if you will be a solo female traveller. Unfortunately, solo female travellers can be harassed with unwanted male attention. Some solo female friends often wear a wedding ring to deter males.

Blending in can also mean wearing appropriate clothes. Although it might be normal to wear shorts and a t-shirt at home some countries have dress codes and it is advisable to adhere to those. Not adhering to dress codes makes you stand out and could trigger unwanted attention. And on t-shirts, we often like to wear t-shirts with logos of where we have been or are from. Limit these as these make you stand out!

 

8. Know where your valuables are at all times

 

You should be conscious at all times of where your valuables are. Firstly, it is advisable to only travel with what you need, (passport, credit cards, money, devices, etc.). You will need an appropriate way to carry these. A small bag will suffice or try a money belt which could be worn around the neck or waist. Ensure you don’t expose this when a lot of people are around. Always have funds for the day readily available. Be wary not to put wallets in back pockets as they can be snatched.

If you don’t want to carry your valuables with you all the time find a secure spot to leave them. Many hostels/hotels have lockable lockers/safes where you can leave your items.

 

9. Be careful of the way you carry bags

 

Unknowingly, how you carry your bag can be a safety issue. Bags can easily be slit open without your knowing sometimes. A suggestion is to wear the bag with the bulk of it in front of you. This will be hard with a large backpack so take it off and leave it in front of you so you can watch it. If carrying a handbag drape it diagonally over the body with the purse part in front. This can be uncomfortable but slinging it over the shoulder could see a moped driver grab it from you as they can do it so quickly they will be gone with your valuables before you know it. Definitely don’t leave your luggage unattended particularly with anyone you have recently met.

I like to wear a messenger bag or cross body bag during the day as I sightsee. It is the right size to fit in my valuables and has the RFID blocking technology.

 

10. Be wary of your surroundings

 

Now I’m saying don’t drink while travelling, but when travelling you may over indulge in local experiences. This is why you should ensure you know where your valuables are and also be wary of your surroundings. Because if you have had too much to drink you may become disoriented and/or lose control and not be able to protect yourself and/or your valuables. And drink spiking can happen so watch the bartender make your drink.

Also be aware of your surroundings and adhere to any signs such as ‘danger ahead’. Or ‘crocodiles – do not swim’. ‘Beach closed today’. Think of your own safety and those you are with and follow the signs.

 

11. Check in regularly

 

My last tip on this list of tips for safe travel is to check in regularly. It is a good idea to have at least one designated friend or family member who you will check in with. This could be with a brief call, a text message or a post on social media to show you are safe. It can be a good idea to register your contact details with the local Embassy/High Commission/Consulate in case anything happens to you or at home so you can be located.

 

What to Do if Something Happens

 

If something happens to you while travelling abroad hopefully you have phone numbers handy to contact for help.

Safe travels.