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20 Essential Travel Safety Tips You Need To Know

Travel is one of the most exciting, enriching, and fascinating experiences that a person can have. For those who wish to travel, there are some essential tips and guides that they should never forget. It is vital to take precautions and learn how to ensure one’s safety and well-being. Here are twenty essential travel safety tips that all travellers must know, to have a safe trip.

 

  1. Getting Awareness

Before visiting any area, tourists must get the necessary information about the region’s crime rates and lifestyle to ensure that they can act accordingly. By knowing how locals treat guests, or what behaviours are discouraged, one can avoid potential risks and distressing situations.

 

  1. Staying Vigilant

Staying alert and aware of one’s surroundings at all times is vital, especially in unfamiliar areas. Travellers should never let their guard down, and be careful and cautious when interacting with strangers. They must always keep an eye on valuables and personal belongings.

 

  1. Trusting their Gut

Sometimes, our body just senses that something is wrong. This gut feeling is important, and should not be ignored, as it is better to be safe than sorry. As soon as one begins to feel unsafe or uncomfortable, they should seek help or leave the area as soon as possible.

 

  1. Keeping Belongings Safe

In public areas and public transport, it is very important to keep belongings close. People should take measures to safeguard their hotel rooms, by locking the door and windows, and safely storing valuables in safes or lockers. Try buying luggage that comes with locks, which can be used to keep items safe.

 

  1. Keeping Safe Contacts

It is a great idea to save emergency contacts, such as the police or ambulance, in a phone or diary, in case the need arises. When going to an unfamiliar country, one can find a contact through a friend or acquaintance, who can provide support in case of emergency.

 

  1. Sharing Plans

As a preparation for worst-case scenarios, people should share their booking information, location, travel plans, and itinerary, with trusted people. In the event that a disaster occurs, the traveller can be located quickly.

 

  1. Carrying Important Items

It is absolutely essential to carry your ID and passport wherever you go. One should also make extra copies of important documents. Packing items such as flashlights, and extra batteries can help in unfortunate situations.

 

  1. Preparing for Medical Emergencies

Travellers must always carry their necessary medication, and if required, the paperwork to transport it. They should find out where that medicine can be found locally, and if not, know the alternative medication. It is recommended to carry a card that provides information such as blood group, allergies, and past history of disease, to help in emergency cases. It is a good idea to carry mosquito repellant, band-aids, and sunscreen, as they may be needed.

 

  1. Eating Healthy

Falling ill in a foreign country is a huge risk, so visitors should try their best to avoid such a situation. Tourists should ensure that they drink clean water and eat hot, clean and healthy meals, consume a balanced diet, drink bottled or disinfected water, and avoid things their bodies are sensitive or allergic to.

 

  1. Wearing Gloves and Masks

As seen in the current covid-19 pandemic, many viruses are spread through particles and infected surfaces. In areas with unfamiliar climates, masks and gloves can protect from disease transmission.

 

  1. Maintaining Good Hygiene

New locations have viruses and germs that are bodies are not immune to. It is necessary to maintain good hygiene; wash or sanitize hands frequently, avoid touching your face, and clean yourself every once in a while.

 

  1. Learning Self Defense

Learning basic self defense is not difficult, but can prove to be life saving! One can enroll in a class, or find tips and instructions online. Everyone must know how to physically protect themselves, and escape from certain scenarios. It is also advisable to carry items such as tasers and pepper spray for protection.

 

  1. Avoiding Attention

More often than not, being discreet allows people to stay safe, as criminals such as pickpockets are less likely to notice and target them. One should try not to dress or act in a way that would draw unnecessary attention.

 

  1. Avoiding Solo Travel

To stay on the safe side, it is also advised that one should not travel alone, especially at night. Most spots are unfamiliar, and being alone at night makes the tourists an easy target for criminals and troublemakers.

 

  1. Getting Travel Insurance

Travel insurance allows travel lovers to enjoy a stress free trip, as belongings and expensive equipment is compensated for, in case of loss or damage. For those who do not travel a lot, some companies offer short term insurance.

 

  1. Being Appropriate

While inappropriate behaviour might not always attract genuine danger, it is still an uncomfortable and unfortunate situation to be in. Travellers must educate themselves about the customs and culture of a region, to ensure that they do not hurt or offend the locals, e.g. as Zanzibar is a Muslim region, it is not acceptable for people who run around drunk and immodestly dressed.

 

  1. Avoid Suspicious Areas

If a certain location seems to be potentially dangerous, it should be avoided, or trusted persons or authorities should be consulted regarding it. Travellers should try to avoid small, deserted streets, and stick to main locations only.

 

  1. Learning the Language

An English speaker in a remote Kenyan village could face inconvenience if a language barrier arises. When visiting remote and secluded areas, one must try to learn a few basic words of the language, to prevent getting in trouble if they can not find anyone who understands or speaks English.

 

  1. Wearing the Right Clothes

To avoid getting sick or injured, one must pack appropriate to the weather and the terrain. All travellers must have extra layers in case of cold, slippers, comfortable walking shoes, hats and sunglasses to protect from the sun, and a scarf or jacket to cover up in regions where locals value modesty.

 

  1. Choosing Credible Companies

When making bookings for transport, accommodation, car rentals, and other facilities, it is essential that one should check the credibility of the company and ensure that they are not being scammed or exploited in any way.