3 Ways to Ensure Your Safety When Traveling Abroad

Getting Prepared For Travel

There is nothing quite like embarking on a travel adventure to the other side of the country or even to the other side of the globe. You've been preparing for months, your bags are packed, and you're so excited you could burst. However, before you head to the airport and jump on an airplane, run through this safety checklist and ensure you have all the basics covered.

Unfortunately, the danger exists in every single country, city, and charming seaside town on earth. Don't let this fact discourage you though! The simple trick is to prepare yourself prior to leaving and to stay vigilant throughout the trip. While there are always nightmare scenarios involving tragic human trafficking stories, most trip disasters can be avoided by staying mindful and following our travel tips below.

Keep It Simple

This is a wonderful rule of thumb to bear in mind across the board. We all know what happens with big trips. You pack two dozen incredible ensembles, but you only end up wearing a few. You bring several full pieces of luggage, but you barely crack them open throughout the trip because you are too busy enjoying the sights.

Keep it simple, folks. Remind yourself of this adage before you begin making your packing lists. You'll have less stuff to keep track of, less stuff to potentially lose or get stolen, and less stress altogether. Do you know who never loses their luggage? Someone who has one or two bags and keeps them nearby.

Tell A Trusted Person Where You Are At All Times

This is an absolute must for every traveler whether you are flying solo or in a large, monitored tour group. It is essential that you leave your itinerary with at least one other person who is keeping track of your movements from afar. Set up check-in times with this person every few days and hold yourself accountable to honor those times.

So many people have been brought back to safety because they took these types of precautions. When you let someone know you'll be checking in and then miss a correspondence, they will be able to get the wheels in motion much quicker than if you simply missed your return flight. Sometimes those precious hours can make all the difference. You might feel like it's cramping your style to have to check-in, but it makes good logical sense for your safety.

Remain Aware Of Your Surroundings

A good idea is to develop “eyes in the back of your head” while you're on vacation. Sure, you're relaxing and enjoying the pleasures of your destination, but don't completely lose track of where you are and where your belongings are. Of course, you've begun by not bringing everything and the kitchen sink from home (i.e. no valuables), but you should still know where your most important items are all the time.

Specifically, keep your essentials on your physical person or with your travel partner at all times. This means no swimming or running to the bathroom while leaving your wallet behind, not even for a moment. Also, watch your back. Don't be so swept up in the attractions that you wander off into unfamiliar neighborhoods alone or fail to notice someone following you. Stay in crowded areas when possible, and wear or carry a safety whistle when you're off on your own. In your hotel room, consider locking up all your valuables including your passport. Know the hotel or guest accommodations you are frequenting and whether they have a good reputation for safety.

Other good things to bring along:

A money belt

Luggage padlocks

Contact information for emergency services, consulate, embassy, etc.

One Last Thing

Don't let the fear of the unknown prevent you from experiencing all the wonders that regular travel has to offer. Yes, there are occasional horror stories, and it is crucial that everyone remains mindful and aware. However, most vacations end up being just a lovely experience. Following these helpful tips will increase the odds that you will have a memorable and safe trip.