Well, almost anywhere. If you’re an Indiana Jones type who likes to plunder ancient ruins in war-torn countries up against cannibals and headhunters looking for mystical, forgotten antiquities… maybe these aren’t the safety tips you’re looking for. For the rest of us, taking a plunge into a foreign land can be pretty intimidating. Luckily, it doesn’t take much to plan, prepare, and stay safe when traveling. Contrary to popular belief, safe trips are MORE fun! And you can leave the bullwhip and fedora at home.
Safe Travel & Health Advisories
When researching your destination, you should take some time to look up any health and travel advisories. As of this writing, the biggest travel advisories are COVID-19 related. In many cases, only essential travel for work-related purposes is permitted and most countries are mandating a 14-day quarantine upon arrival. While that may be great for jet lag, it doesn’t help you have fun or save money on your trip. Other common advisories are terrorist activity, travel bans, local epidemics, and natural disasters – definitely things you’d want to know about when planning safe travel.
COVID-19 Disclaimer: It’s not safe to be traveling during a pandemic. Period. There’s no reason to risk getting seriously ill for the sake of a temporary escape. For those who really wish to travel in the near-term, I’d suggest traveling nationally to beautiful, remote locations, far away from crowds. Practice social distancing, wash your hands and wear your mask MORE than usual. For the rest of us, now is a great time to focus on planning and saving for your first big trip post-pandemic.
In addition to travel advisories, some countries and regions require specific vaccinations for entry. The CDC Travel Advisory site is VERY thorough and informative in this regard.
Purchase Travel Insurance
This is a recent addition to my travel musts. For years, I swore I didn’t need travel insurance. I simply thought it was coverage in case I had to cancel my flight, but it’s a WHOLE LOT more than that. Travel insurance can protect you, your belongings, and your health abroad. My go-to when it comes to Travel Insurance is World Nomads. Their coverage is comprehensive and affordable. Frankly, it’s better to have and not need, than to need and not have. Here’s a link to check them out (https://bit.ly/2GYFIpS)!
Make A Trip Folder
Print out all of your airline, hotel, rental car, a map of your destination, and tour bus/group reservations ahead of time and place them in a folder to take with you. This prevents the possibility of being stranded abroad without a room or ride. Yes, your phone can do the same thing, but a hard copy doesn’t need a battery or a signal to work. This also prevents shady price or rate changes, which aren’t common, but definitely happen. Hopefully, you don’t have to use your trip folder, but they don’t weigh much and they’re invaluable when needed.
Have A Communication Plan
While you’re finalizing trip details, take some time to set up a communication plan with your family and friends at home and hold yourself to it. A strong communication plan should include:
- At least 3 different ways you intend to communicate abroad (e.g. Email over WiFi, FB Messenger/iMessage over WiFi, Phone calls over an international roaming plan, etc.). Remember, it’s not always easy to tell which system will work best for you before your trip.
- A consistent schedule for communication to let family and friends know you’re safe and well. If they don’t hear from you, it should be OK for them to suspect something. Be sure to factor in differences in Time Zones and try to find a time that’s good for both parties. Odds are, you’ll want to share your experiences anyway, but by scheduling it, your travel safety significantly improves.
- Provide your family and friends the phone numbers and email addresses for your accommodations, any tour groups you’re with, the police department at your destination(s), and the American Embassy at your destination(s).
- Provide your family and friends a copy of your rough itinerary, so they know what cities and countries you’ll be in and when.
- While this sounds obvious, your family and friends should also have a current photo of you and anyone else traveling with you, along with copies of your passport/identification. Make sure they follow you on social media to see the latest posts from your trip.
Safety In Numbers
While there’s nothing quite like the freedom of traveling solo, I would never recommend doing it if you’ve never safely traveled to your specific destination(s) before. If you’re ever in real danger, having a travel companion could be your only lifeline. Always travel in groups, even if it’s just you and someone else. Make sure the other person is someone you can really count on and is also fun to be around, but ideally aligned with your travel interests and expectations with regard to safety. You’re not traveling to be somebody’s babysitter. Once you’re comfortable visiting a particular locale, then at least you’ll know what you’re getting into when you decide to travel solo.
Pack A Safe Travel First-Aid Kit
When it comes to personal safety on your trip, don’t forget the basics. Obviously, if you were to sustain a major injury or fall seriously ill you’d be going straight to the local hospital, but there are many scenarios where a little first-aid can go a long way. Check to see if you have the following in your house before you travel and be sure to pick up anything you need. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Be sure to pack additional emergency medications here, in case something happens to your regular supply. Lastly, always be prepared for any potential medical situations specific to your destination. Going to the desert? Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat! Going to the snowy mountains? Bring gloves, hand warmers, and an appropriate jacket. Going to a heavily polluted city center? Don’t drink the local tap water!
Prevent Loss & Theft
That being said, that coffee is way too close to that laptop and passport.
If you don’t already, form a routine around keeping track of your personal items. Hold yourself accountable and check that you have everything you came with before leaving anywhere.
Keep Your Passport Safe
When traveling, your passport is essentially proof of your identity. Don’t leave anywhere without it, even for a short period of time. Don’t damage it, dirty it, or spill coffee on it. You should always know where it is and it should never be anywhere it could possibly be stolen. It costs precious time and money to replace and you can’t travel internationally (even coming home) without it!
Use Safe Money Strategies
To a slightly lesser extent, but still very important, protect your money! Luckily, in the modern digital age, it’s fairly easy to spot suspicious activity on your credit cards and bank accounts, but don’t turn a blind eye just because you’re on vacation. If you brought physical cash, you’ll need a way to protect it as well. I suggest keeping all the cash in an envelope in your hotel room safe or an inconspicuous secure location in your room. Then withdraw what you’d like to spend each day with regard to the day’s activities.
If you’re visiting a place that’s known for pickpockets (*ahem* Paris), consider buying a neck wallet like this one on Amazon (https://amzn.to/2DKLWbz), especially if you plan on taking public transportation or visiting crowded monuments. Sure, they’re a bit goofy, but with the right outfit, they aren’t visible and the peace of mind is unbeatable.
Protect Your Tech
When it comes to laptops, iPads, iPhones, cameras, and the sort, ask yourself if they’re absolutely necessary to bring at all. Then, of the items that you must bring, keep them safe in your room as much as possible. Then, of the items that you must take out of the room, keep them on your person at all times. Lastly, be sure not to set them down or let others borrow them, leave them unattended, or even out of eyesight. These items are very portable and can be easily and quickly resold for a substantial price.
While we’re on the subject, be sure to check the voltage requirements of your destination(s). Make sure that any electronics you bring are not only compatible but use the correct adapter. You eliminate the risk of electric shock, sparks, and ruined electronics. Many hotels now feature USB ports directly in the walls, which charge most electronics just fine without the need for converters. However, I still suggest having a converter just in case. Here’s the one I use (https://amzn.to/3hy9rTj). It works beautifully but does emit a high pitched sound, which can be a little annoying if you’re trying to sleep.
Keep Your Data Secure
Always make sure your data is backed up before going on a trip! If you were to lose a device, the last thing you need is the lost data as well. If it’s been a while since you last backed up, expect the process to take some time. I use Apple’s Time Machine software on my Macs and iCloud backup on my iPhones and iPads, personally. As for external hard drives, I prefer Fantom drives (https://amzn.to/3bWk01i) for my backups. They offer great quality at a great price, what more could you want?
Also worth mentioning, be cautious using open public wi-fi networks (like in coffee shops, hotel lobbies, etc.). Hackers frequent these areas to glean sensitive data from unsuspecting patrons. For Pete’s sake, PLEASE set a password to log in to your user on your computer. A hacker’s first guess is always ‘no’ password! Use private windows or ‘incognito’ windows to keep renegade cookies and internet files at bay. In addition, I strongly suggest using a VPN to completely secure your internet activity. The easiest to set up and use is ExpressVPN, hands down. Click here to learn more (https://bit.ly/3hwFq6g).
Safe Travel Behavior
If you’re really new to traveling, it’s important to consider that countries are not theme parks. You’re responsible for your own safe travel. Nations aren’t there for you, you’re there for them. Always remember, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”
Customs & Etiquette
Part of becoming a global citizen is simply recognizing that people act and behave differently around the world. It’s important to understand these different national customs and what they mean in regards to your safety. It’s easy to be ignorantly disrespectful in pursuit of your own individuality. This is why Americans tend to get such a bad reputation when traveling. Something as seemingly innocent as stopping a local bill of currency from flying away with your foot could be misconstrued by authorities as extreme disrespect to the country’s monarchy and could lead to your arrest, as is the case in Thailand. Blowing your nose on the subway in Japan is literally frowned upon. These customs and more are addressed in detail in this lovely article by TripAdvisor (https://bit.ly/2DWwbOS).
Hand Gestures
55% of all communication is body language! You can learn a lot about communicating in a foreign land by studying the local hand gestures. Also, take the time to check if the gestures you tend to use have an alternate meaning at your destination. Wikipedia’s list of gestures (https://bit.ly/2GYyK4f) is a great place to start if you’re looking for a comprehensive list. Ideally, you want to avoid offensive or insulting gestures, whether ignorantly, or even intentionally. However, being mindful of the offensive gestures can help you spot a bad situation before it starts.
Dress For Safe Travel
Blend in! I know, telling people to conform is sure to ruffle some feathers. Still, if you stick out in a crowd in a foreign land, you’re not going to get the attention of adoring locals envious of your haute couture and elegance. You’re going to get the attention of people who professionally scam and rob tourists. Take some time to research what the locals tend to wear doing the things you want to do. Yes, what the locals wear when hiking may be different than what they wear to the mall. Maybe not! While you’re at it, leave the fancy watches and flashy jewelry at home. It’s just not worth the risk.
Learn The Local Language
Learning a language is hard work, but is universally appreciated, even if your accent isn’t great. Once locals know that you speak their language, you’ll be surprised how quickly they’ll open up to you and welcome you. This is key when it comes to safe travel for three reasons. First, shady locals can’t speak their language behind your back without you understanding them (you’ll make yourself a less desirable mark). Second, you’ll need less help from fewer people if you’re able to read, opening you up to fewer shady locals trying to take advantage. Lastly, real locals who open up to you will help you more and steer you away from shady situations.
There are many language learning tools out there. One of my favorites is Duolingo (duolingo.com). It offers many languages for study, gets you in on the ground level, and teaches you the vocabulary AND grammar! Definitely a great way to spend your 10-minute breaks at work!
Learn The Local Laws
It’s funny how often people travel with the intention of checking out things that are uniquely legal at their destination, but fail to research what might be uniquely illegal. Yes, every country has weird historic laws, but some are actually enforced by local authorities. Certain hairstyles in Iran, chewing gum in Singapore, running out of gas on the autobahn in Germany are all examples of why it’s important to research the laws enforced at your destination. And no, being a tourist doesn’t grant you diplomatic immunity. If you want to stay safe when traveling, think about the activities you want to do (driving, hiking, drinking, shopping, etc) and check to see what regulations are in place.
Research The Safe & Unsafe Areas
Every city has good and bad areas. It’s a fact of life. Before you book your hotel, always research the particular district it’s located. Make sure that the district has your best interests at heart. When I first visited San Francisco in my 20’s, I learned about ‘The Tenderloin’ district. It’s a small area of the city, but was once the city’s main drug center. A lot has been done to improve the area, but I would still consider it largely unsafe, especially at night. Though some of my favorite San Francisco bars happen to be located in The Tenderloin, I’ve always made sure that a ride was immediately outside before ever leaving. High crime areas exist and a safe traveler acknowledges them, plans around them or avoids them.
Learn About Common Scams
There are as many scams in the world as there are people who fall for them. It’s sad, but if you look at the problem from afar, you can clearly see that tourists come with money to spend. If the place you’re visiting features a significant amount of income inequality, there will be individuals and businesses clearly designed to extract as much money as possible with varying degrees of legality waiting for your arrival. Keep your eyes open and your guard up.
Expert Vagabond does a great job detailing most of the common scams in different parts of the world. To my mind, most scams tend to feature these 7 traits:
- Urgency – Scammers don’t want you to think about what they’re saying for long. They want you to make a decision quickly.
- Distraction – Scammers like to keep your focus so that an accomplice can do their dirty work.
- Incompletion – Scammers don’t want to tell you the important parts of a deal that would affect your willingness to go along.
- Redirection – A scammer always wants to point you in directions that only favor them, but make them appear like they only favor you.
- Deregulation – Scammers don’t like measurements, fixed rates, written contracts, or comparisons when it comes to their business model. Look out for inflated prices, ‘broken meters,’ false authorities, and verbal contracts.
- Detention – Scammers like to ask and hang onto your belongings, passports, wallets, money, etc. to control the outcome of a deal. Don’t give them ANYTHING.
- Emotional Surreality – Scammers like to cater to your emotions and your ego to earn your trust and lower your guard. They will appear overly friendly, overly eager to help you, or even overly infatuated with you.
How do I know I’m being scammed abroad?
When in doubt, SLOW DOWN. Stop and ask yourself what’s going on. Why this person is talking/dealing with you? Look around and see if there are accomplices nearby. Verify their authority with something other than their word and an object in their hands – are they really who they say they are? Does the deal appear too good to be true? Are they trying to change your mind, direction, or agenda? Are they simply being friendly or are they getting involved? If you feel they are a scammer, do you have everything and is there a safe exit? Get your things and leave. It’s not important to know for sure – if you’re uncomfortable, just go.
Locate Your Embassy or Consulate
Embassies and Consulates are diplomatic missions between nations. They are powerful allies when it comes to safe travel. You don’t have to stay near one, but it is important to know where they are in relation to your destination(s). Here’s a shortlist of reasons why you would visit an Embassy or Consulate:
- You’re visiting the country long-term and need information about work, healthcare, driving laws, etc.
- You’ve lost your passport and need a new one
- You’ve been arrested and need access to an English-speaking lawyer along with information about the law, trials and sentencing
- You’re getting married and need access to legal documents and notary services
- There’s been an attack and you’re seeking protection and assistance
Don’t Get Blackout Drunk
There are more dangers abroad than a bad hangover.
Don’t get me wrong, you should totally enjoy yourself when you’re on vacation. Having a drink or two, or even three can be fun, relaxing, and enjoyable, ESPECIALLY if it’s a local beverage! However, there are people who like to take things a little too far and end up blackout drunk. Getting blackout drunk at home is dangerous enough, but doing it abroad opens up new dangers. Criminals prey on drunk tourists because you’re more willing to give them money, sensitive information, or even access to your room. Waking up with no memory of the night before can have you scrambling for your belongings, searching for your travel mates, or worse.
If the purpose of your visit is to party hard, be mindful of your surroundings, where and who you’re getting your drinks from, keep track of how many you’ve had (even if you have to write a tally in pen on your arm), and don’t be ashamed to retire early if you’re tired or not feeling well. Being safe is more important than getting ill for the perception of “having fun.” Your body will thank you as well.
Conclusion
Safe travel doesn’t have to be boring and uninspiring. You can totally have a fun, life-changing vacation and still manage risks safely abroad. Know yourself, know the risks, and plan accordingly. Simple checks, print-outs, supplies, and open-minded awareness go a LONG way and help keep the focus of your trip on the amazing experiences that await you.
Did I miss anything? Please feel free to share your tips and best practices abroad in the comments below!
Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I earn a small commission if you make a purchase. If you have any questions about the companies or my status as an affiliate, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
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