There are very few things in life more exciting then going for a trip abroad. However, many people believe that travelling abroad is dangerous. Although there are no guarantees in life, there are safety precautions that every traveller can take to minimise their risk. Here are some safety tips to observe when travelling abroad.
1. Go for a medical checkup
Always consult your doctor and get a checkup before you travel to ensure that you are fit enough to travel. Also make sure that you know and comply with the health requirements of the country that you will be visiting. Some countries require that you get certain vaccinations before travelling there. So make sure that you get the necessary vaccinations before you go.
2. Make electronic copies of your travel documents
Create an electronic backup of your itinerary, travel insurance, passport, plane tickets, travel insurance, and visas before you leave. Email the file to yourself and leave it in your inbox so that you can access the information from your smartphone in case you lose or damage your original documents.
3. Leave your valuables at home
You don’t need to impress anyone while on your travels. So leave the designer handbags and expensive jewelry at home, you don’t want to attract unwelcome attention to yourself. Just keep your style simple and appropriate for the place that you are visiting.
4. Carry only what you need
While travelling, you might think it is more convenient to keep your cash, credit cards, and identification all in your bag with you everyday, but don’t do it. Bring with you only what you need to use for the day, and leave the rest, e.g. extra money, credit cards and IDs, locked in the hotel safe. Separate your money and passport and carry them on different parts of your body so that you won’t lose everything if your bag gets stolen.
5. Don’t put things in your back pocket
Pickpockets are at work all over the world and they especially like to target tourists. Do not keep anything in your back pocket, especially your wallet, purse, and hotel room key. Don’t make yourself an easy target for pickpockets!
6. Check before leaving
Wherever you are, check carefully before you leave the place. For example, before you check out of your hotel, check the bathroom, closet, drawers, and under the pillows and bedclothes to be sur that you haven’t left anything there. Before leaving a restaurant, check under the table to make sure that you didn’t drop anything there. Look back at where you were sitting as you’re leaving to make sure you didn’t forget your purse, shopping bags, or anything else of importance.
7. Don’t Talk to Strangers
I don’t mean that you mustn’t meet new people or make new friends – after all, that’s the best part about traveling! Just don’t get carried away, and begin telling your life story and personal information to complete strangers. Remember the advice that you give your children and apply it to yourself. Don’t be trusting of strangers, don’t accept food or drink from them, and do not go anywhere with them.
8. Be careful when using computers and public networks
If you ever need to use the computer at a Internet cafe, or logon to a public network, be careful what type of information you key in. Never conduct any financial transactions over public network or on a public shared computer. Don’t key in your credit card details either. If you need to pay for using the computer, pay in cash.
9. Don’t be a hero
If unfortunately, you become the victim of a mugging, don’t be a hero. Instead of putting up a fight, just give up your cash and valuables quickly. Your belongings are not worth risking life and limb for. Then when you’re out of danger, proceed to your embassy or appropriate authority to report the incident.
10. Be Properly Insured
Many people think that travel insurance is not necessary, but really, nothing could be further from the truth. Your health insurance at home will not extend to international coverage i.e. you won’t be covered should you get injured or pass away while you are abroad; your belongings will also not be insured. Therefore, do make sure that you buy that travel insurance before you leave home.