There’s a lot to think about when it comes to planning a holiday, and most people aim to tick off the essentials – tickets, accommodation and itinerary.
However, in order to truly enjoy a smooth and carefree holiday, there’s a lot more prep work that needs to be done prior to the big departure, and a lot of things to keep in mind when it comes to staying safer and more secure on your travels.
If you forget to pack something like your sun cream, it’s no big deal, and you can easily buy what you need on the other side. However if you forget crucial documents or don’t make certain arrangements you could jeopardize your safety and end up with real problems.
The following are four great ways for staying safer when you’re away on holiday. Following this advice will mean you’re much better positioned to enjoy your vacation.
4 Great Ways for Staying Safer on Vacation
Get Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is a crucial part of the essence of travel safety, and something you definitely need to make sure you get.
There are a lot of things to keep in mind when it comes to buying travel insurance. Have a look at the different travel insurance premiums available, and make sure you get the best one to suit your needs.
Remember that the most important coverage is for your medical expenses. This is because when you get sick or injured while traveling abroad, you should be able to get the best professional care and be able to pay for hospital bills. Medical care for foreigners in other countries can get expensive.
And check if the travel insurance provides extensive coverage for lost, damaged or stolen valuables. Valuables include jewelry, baggage, documents, and electronic gadgets.
Research Your Tour Guides
If you have tours planned, it’s important to research the reputation of the company you’ve booked with, and if you have information on the tour guides themselves, research them as well.
You won’t need to do this for a 1 hour walking tour, and most reputable companies have already fully vetted their staff, but if you’re heading on a 12 day trek, it’s not a bad idea to do some vetting yourself.
If you know your tour guide in advance consider carrying out a people search so that you know what sort of person they are and whether you need to look elsewhere. You can also search for them via Facebook, or look at the company Facebook page and read recent reviews.
If you’re really worried, you can get in touch with people who have written recent reviews on a company Facebook page and ask them if they have any advice from their experience.
Be Careful With Your Money
You’ve probably budgeted for this vacation, and doubtless have the luxury of burning cash, so it’s important to be careful with your money when you’re traveling.
It’s crucial that you’re aware of your surroundings when traveling overseas so that your money is safe throughout your trip. This means taking precautions like not carrying your wallet in your back pocket (it makes it easy for theft), and never leaving your bags unattended.
It’s also a good idea to divide your cash up per day, which is a great way to make sure you don’t overspend, but also means if you do find yourself targeted by theft, you don’t lose everything.
Divide your cash and credit cards and store these in different places. Split everything up into various pockets across different bags, and only carry your main credit cards and 1-2 days worth of cash with you in your wallet.
Always Travel Light
Traveling light is a great way to not draw unwanted attention, and this can either mean traveling light for the whole trip in general (ie traveling with carryon only), or if you do have a lot of gear, leaving it locked in the hotel, and keeping it light on your day trips.
It’s important to only carry with you what you think you’re going to need on that particular day. For instance the cash you need, a public transportation card, copy of your passport, your phone, and perhaps a map.
And keep everything on your person, as simply as possible. Never wear anything which draws attention to you as a traveler like a bulky money belt. This is a single point of failure.
If you happen to lose your wallet, purse or belt, you’ve just lost everything including your cash, credit cards, phone, passport and cash. Bulky money bags and belts are like a bulls eye for potential muggers. If you are going to wear one, at least wear it under your clothes.
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Megan is an Australian Journalist and award-winning travel writer who has been blogging since 2007. Her husband Mike is the American naturalist and wildlife photographer behind Waking Up Wild; an online magazine dedicated to opening your eyes to the wonders of the wild & natural world.
Having visited 50+ countries across all seven continents, Megan’s travels focus on cultural immersion, authentic discovery and incredible journeys. She has a strong passion for ecotourism, and aims to promote responsible travel experiences.
24 Comments
I don’t use tour guides, but one of my good friends does. He spends lots of time seeking out the guide of choice.
But, we both have wonderful travel insurance (when you travel to certain regions, you don’t want to rely on substandard health provisions- or a canceled flight). Since I never carry cash (ok, I had 20 Euros on my last trip- but that was it), that ain’t a problem for me either. But, I always scan my surroundings to make sure I am the only one going in my direction (ok- my companions are allowed to join me).
Sounds like you’re pretty on top of things then Roy :) Glad to hear your friend who goes on a lot of tours spends time checking into the guides, I think this is something that most people completely overlook, but it really can make or break a trip.
Happy (and safe) travels!
I think it’s very important to be aware. Take notice of things – well we should be doing that seeing we’re travelling. If being led around a strange place by a helpful local, take notice of landmarks like minarets so you can find your way back to your starting place.
I agree, I think having a sense of your surroundings and being switched on about what’s happening around you is one of the biggest keys.
Great tips. And also, watch your children and your surroundings!!
Totally agree! Glad you enjoyed the post :)
Thank you for the article, many good advices for a novice traveler.
You’re welcome, I’m glad it was helpful for you :)
Very good article. There a lot of bloggers and travelers out there writing about their journeys in exotic places but is very important not to create a false illusion of security. As a traveler in a foreign country, you must be careful and always be prepared.
Thanks Henry, absolutely, safety should always be our first and foremost priority :)
Travel is such a lovely experience, but to ensure the experience does not take turn for the worse, preparation for eventualities are a must, many of the steps are simple enough but we tend to overlook many a time.
Absolutely Sandy n Vyjay, I was raised on the notion that prior planning prevents piss poor performance (the 6 P’s)!
Good common sense travel tips.
Thanks Willer, glad you enjoyed the post :)
I love all of these tips. I would add though to also book your airport taxi ahead of time. I try to do this for a lot of destinations because it also just makes life easier and there’s less to worry about upon arrival! Thanks again, Meg.
Clever idea, especially as there are often so many taxi scams now these days too. Booking and researching ahead is a great way of making sure you’ve got a reliable service that won’t con you. Great tip!
You always have great tips. Travel insurance is so important when traveling, because the cost of an emergency medical issue could not only ruin a holiday, but cripple your bank account!
Thanks Drew, I’m glad the post was helpful :) Absolutely on travel insurance, I’ve read so many horror stories online by people who’ve gone overseas without it, ended up in hospital, and wound up with hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical bills :S!
YESS!! I love this post. I noticed when travelling India some of the travelers were not using common sense and it’s so important in a country like that.
So glad you enjoyed the post Anita! It’s so sad that common sense isn’t very common anymore!! I strongly believe this is one of the biggest keys for safety.
This was such an interesting read. Thank you for this. I learnt a lot.
Glad the tips were helpful :) Happy travels!
These are great tips! When travelling always keep in mind on how to take care of your important things.
Thanks Maria! Glad the post was helpful for you :)