Safety First When Traveling: 3 Key Tips That Will Make Your 2021 Holiday More Enjoyable and Safer

It’s always a great experience to go to different places, whether local, domestic, or international. Yet, you should always remember to think about safety first when traveling, including placing top priority on you and your traveling bestie's health and safety.

Besides, if an incident occurs, it could definitely make the rest of your holiday miserable. So, here are some travel health and safety tips so that you have a more enjoyable and safer vacation wherever you go.

Safe Transportation

If possible, book your on-site ride or coordinate your transportation in advance. Even when you are still in your own country, airports and bus stations are notorious for pickpockets, robberies. And, in 2021, crowds.

Huddling in spaces with large groups of people is certainly not advisable and safe. So, before you arrive at your destination, determine where the shared-ride waiting area is via the airport website, or by asking a police officer or the information desk at the airport.

Another safe option includes taking public transportation during the day to steer clear of any potential issues late at night, especially if you’re unsure of where you’re going.

As a rideshare or bus passenger, your duty is to protect yourself and others. Your trip would be more enjoyable and definitely safer by following protocols and regulations.

Personal Protective Packing

2021 holiday travel isn’t like before. Packing only your outfits, toiletries, and shoes is so 2020 Pre-COVID (PC).

Yet, 2021 After-COVID (AC) has taught us to be more thoughtful of our packing list. Regardless of your destination, think about how you pack and what you carry.

A safe packing list includes items, such as face shields, extra face masks, gloves, Lysol wipes and/or spray, and bottles of hand sanitizer.

To take your personal protection an extra step, consider packing medical and/or health documents in case of an emergency. With so much uncertainly in the world, it’s okay to be overprepared than caught off guard during your holiday trip.

Money, Money, Money

Planning holidays or your trip is much more than about planning which places you should visit, it’s also about being prepared for things that may occur. This includes your money and financial preparedness.

For example, emergencies can happen to anyone. Have a backup credit card or funding source in case your card is stolen, your hotel/Airbnb/hostel doesn’t work out or you’re asked to leave your accommodations for purposes of health and safety.

Stranded doesn’t look good on anyone and having a backup plan can help avert this situation.

If you’re feeling financially secured and have your emergency plans in place, here are some other quick tips to staying prepared for your holiday trip this year.

Avoid using cash at all times. As much as possible, use your credit card. Some businesses are using contactless methods and require you to pay by card. If you have to hand over your card, do not immediately return it to your wallet or purse, snatch out a wipe and clean the surface of your card.

By keeping health and safety on your priority list when traveling, you and your travel besties will have a great time during your vacation or your holiday trip wherever it may be.

By: Adriana Smith

Author's Bio: As the Founder and CEO of Travepreneur, Adriana Smith experienced both good and bad traveling, thus deciding that part of her mission would be to help people transform their fear and confusion into confidence and purpose through travel. With personal experiences that went from excitement to homesickness, she reminds us that in 2021 it's ok to travel black, woman, and solo by overcoming obstacles, building resilience, and setting goals through her annual event, the Big Leap Travel Summit. She has been featured in over a dozen media outlets, including Essence, USA Today, SELF, Hello Giggles, Mic, and Cheapism.