Traveling opens up a world of adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories. However, the journey to these remarkable experiences can sometimes come with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to staying safe in unfamiliar territories. These challenges are typically manageable and should not create fear around traveling.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first international trip, understanding, and implementing key safety measures can make all the difference. From securing your luggage to blending in with the local crowd, this blog post will guide you through the 25 most important safety tips to ensure your travel adventures are fun yet also secure.
25 Most Essential Safety Tips While Traveling Abroad
- Research Your Destination Thoroughly: Understand the local customs, laws, and current political climate. Familiarize yourself with the area’s safety conditions through travel advisories and blogs. Lucky for you, Safety Traveler is a great source of information for things you’ll need to know while traveling in certain countries that will include a lot of this information. For more up to date information on a country, you can use the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This will notify the local embassy of your arrival in another country and will keep you informed on safety conditions.
- Secure Comprehensive Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is relatively cheap, typically costing around 7% of the total cost of your trip. That price depends upon the location you’ll be visiting, the total length of the trip, and the cost of the local health care at the location. Ensure your policy covers medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and any specific activities you plan to undertake.
- Manage Your Finances Wisely: Carry a mix of cash, credit cards, and possibly a travel money card. Keep emergency funds separate and inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid card blocks. I always do research on where I’m traveling to, to ensure they accept credit cards as payment. Most countries nowadays do, so there’s not much of a concern there as there used to be. Remember, if your card gets stolen or lost, you can cancel it to prevent fraudulent charges. If you carry a lot of cash on you and it gets lost or stolen, it’s gone for good. I carry two credit cards on me, in case I end up having to cancel one, then I’ll have the other as backup. I also choose to carry a small amount of cash on me, in case I run into a situation where card is not accepted. The amount of cash you carry on you is at your discretion but be wise and don’t carry too much.
- Pack a Well-Stocked First Aid Kit: Include essentials like bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any personal prescription medications. Sunscreen is also beneficial to bring. Also bring anti-diarrheal medications, such as Imodium, just in case you eat a certain food or drink contaminated water and wind up with food poisoning. I would only take these if you needed to be mobile somewhere and don’t have time to spend the whole day sitting on the toilet. Otherwise, it’s good to get it out of your system and let it run its course. If you visit places like Bali, or Delhi, you’ll understand.
- Keep Digital Copies of Important Documents: Store digital copies of your passport, visa, insurance policy, and emergency contacts in a secure online location. This is critical in case the physical copies of these documents get stolen or lost. This way you have some proof of documentation if you must consult the embassy or any person requiring identification while abroad. I also keep a vaccination card on me that lists all the vaccinations I have had, which is about 20 thanks to the military. It’s not necessary, but the more medical information you can have on you the better should you need it.
- Check Your Government’s Travel Advisories: Stay up-to-date with the latest travel advice and warnings from your government. The U.S. Department of State has a travel advisory section on their website which covers every country. You can visit Travel Advisories (state.gov) for all of this information. It’s worth noting that some of the advisories can seem a little extreme. You’ll see a lot of “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution” for places you are probably wanting to visit. Don’t be afraid of traveling to places with this label. Even some places labeled as “Level 3: Reconsider Travel” have a lot of tourism and even expats. Remember, certain areas within a specific country may have issues, while the rest can be safe.
I personally think that you should always exercise increased caution everywhere you go. Never become completely complacent when out in public in a foreign country. With my safety guides, you will always have some level of awareness that can help prevent some of these common issues from occurring.
- Learn Key Phrases in the Local Language: Knowing how to ask for help, directions, or communicate in an emergency is invaluable. Safety Traveler will provide you with Quick Reference Cards on each country’s travel page. These cards will be a resource that will include a few key phrases or words in the local language to know when traveling abroad. You can save these cards on your phone or print them out to have on you, so you won’t have to memorize these words. If an emergency arises and you need to communicate with someone who may not speak the same language as you, you can utilize this card to quickly assist you.
- Be Mindful of Food and Water Safety: Eat at reputable places, ensure your food is thoroughly cooked, and drink filtered or bottled water where tap water isn’t safe. I always recommend using Google or TripAdvisor to check ratings of a place before eating there while traveling abroad. Choose restaurants with high ratings over the ones with lower ratings. I also like to read the reviews and get a glimpse into other travelers’ experiences at a location. If they mention that they got sick eating somewhere, I avoid going there.
Doing this research beforehand is especially important in places where there is a higher chance for foodborne illnesses. Places such as India, Indonesia, Thailand, Nepal, for example. But don’t let that stop you from enjoying the delicious food all these places have to offer! Just be smart about where you choose to eat, and never drink water from the tap! According to the CDC, you should avoid raw foods while traveling, including fruits and vegetables.
- Use Reputable Transportation Services: This is huge! There are scammers everywhere abroad, and many of them come in the form of taxi drivers. Opt for official taxis or well-reviewed transit options such as Uber if it’s available in the country you’re in. Avoid unregistered taxis and always agree on fares upfront. Also clarify if they accept credit card as payment. BEWARE: Some taxi drivers will tell you that their card machine or the meter isn’t operable AFTER they go to drop you off. They want you to pay cash so they can raise the price to their liking without you knowing how much it should really cost. Stand your ground and tell them that you agreed to credit card as payment, and you will not be paying cash. Then watch how the card reader miraculously begins to work again!
Some countries have their own apps for secure transportation. For example, in many Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, etc. There is an app called Grab. Grab is similar to Uber and you pay beforehand for transportation. The prices are usually cheaper on these third-party apps than taking a local taxi, and more secure. Beware that some cab drivers or drivers of unmarked transportation vehicles will pretend to be your Uber driver or the driver of whatever third-party transportation app you used to book a ride. ALWAYS VERIFY the vehicle information from the app itself. If the vehicle description and/or the tag number do not match the vehicle that is designated to pick you up, DO NOT get in the vehicle. This is for obvious safety reasons, but also because the driver may gladly give you a ride to where you’re going and charge 10 times the price of what you would have paid on the app.
Always do your due diligence and verify it is the appropriate vehicle before jumping in. Apps like Uber have a safety feature where a unique code is given to you to give to the driver that picks you up. They must ask for the code before driving off to confirm that you are the correct passenger. A quick google search will tell you what transportation services are available in the country you’re visiting, so make sure to do so beforehand.
- Secure Your Accommodations: Choose well-reviewed accommodations and ensure your room has functional locks. If you choose to stay in a hostel, use websites like Hostelworld – Explore the world’s best hostels to see options as well as reviews. Make sure to choose one with higher ratings if they’re available.
If you are choosing a hotel, I recommend using Google to search for places with high reviews in your area, and then switching to a third-party app such as Agoda or Booking to price-compare. Sometimes hotels will match the price of the third-party app, but that is rarely the case. Choosing a hotel or accommodation with a high rating will ensure a comfortable stay for you and your traveling partners. Remember, you get what you pay for. It’s usually better to spend a little more for the peace of mind of staying somewhere nice, and more importantly safe.
- Blend in with the Local Crowd: Dress appropriately to the local culture to avoid drawing attention and respect local customs. Do not draw attention to yourself as a tourist. I recommend wearing plain colored clothes, with no outrageous designs or colors. This will allow you to blend in and not stand out as a tourist, or someone who has money. And please, do yourself a favor… Do not wear anything with an American flag on it! Believe me, as someone who is proud to be from this country, and has served this country, I still don’t wear anything abroad that identifies me as an American. Remember, this is a country that is seen as wealthy to a lot of the rest of the world. Wearing anything that identifies you as an American instantly makes you a target to scams, and even worse for those who are not too fond of our country and its people. If you avoid wearing anything that stands out among the rest of the population, you will find yourself in a safer position than the alternative.
- Secure Your Belongings in Transit: Keep your bags close, use locks, and be cautious with your belongings in crowded places to prevent theft. This is important when traveling on planes, in vehicles, and on trains. I recommend bringing a TSA approved lock with you to secure your checked bags at the airport. You should also bring another lock from a reputable company if you decide to stay at a hostel. Hostels will typically have a cubby or locker for you to store your personal belongings. They do not generally provide locks, so that’s why it is imperative to bring your own. You will more than likely be sharing a room with a bunch of strangers, so always keep your belongings locked and secure.
On trains, there is usually a storage area for bags near the doors to enter and exit. There is also overhead bag storage in most cases (like the ones on airplanes, just without the doors). If you choose to leave your bag in the main storage area, remember it will be around other people’s belongings as well. Keep your bag locked during this time and sit somewhere you can keep an eye on it if possible.
- Avoid Flashy Jewelry and Expensive Items: Displaying wealth can make you a target. Keep expensive items discreet or leave them at home. Wearing expensive items immediately makes you a target for theft. Use common sense when traveling abroad and the things you choose to wear on your body. You wouldn’t want that fancy Rolex to get stolen, nor put yourself or family at risk of being robbed, so choose what you wear in public wisely.
- Stay Aware of Your Surroundings: Be vigilant, especially in crowded or unfamiliar places. Distractions can make you an easy target for pickpockets. Pickpocketing is unfortunately a common occurrence in countries around the world. Always be aware of your surroundings, especially in a public place. I recommend carrying important items in a low-profile container such as a money belt that can be concealed under your shirt. Some of these pickpockets are good at what they do, and you won’t even realize when they do it.
- Trust Your Instincts: If a situation or person makes you uncomfortable, calmly remove yourself from the situation and seek help if necessary. Always trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is. This is important when traveling because you will be around many unfamiliar environments and strangers. Your intuition could save your life, so listen to it!
- Keep Emergency Numbers Handy: Know the local emergency services numbers and have the contact details for your country’s embassy. These numbers are important to know when traveling abroad in case you find yourself in an emergency. These will be included on the Safety Traveler Quick Reference Card as well for you to utilize if needed.
- Use Cross-Body Bags or Money Belts: These are safer options for carrying valuables and reduce the risk of theft. Keeping your important belongings such as cash in a concealed manner will prevent you from becoming a target for theft. Don’t keep valuables in your pockets as those can be swiped quickly by pickpockets.
- Don’t Overshare on Social Media: Posting real-time updates can make your home a target for theft or let potential thieves know you’re not around. This is something a lot of travelers don’t think about. It is always exciting to be in a new country, and you want to post real-time updates so people back at home can see how awesome you are! (It’s okay, we all do it). But be mindful that when you announce to the world that you are not home, you can become a victim of theft. If this is not a concern of yours, then post away! It is just something I think people should be aware of that could happen while you’re traveling.
- Avoid Risky Behaviors for Photos: Steer clear of dangerous activities or stunts, especially for the sake of social media likes. We’ve all seen the crazy images or videos of people “doing it for the gram.” While these can be cool and exciting, sometimes the risk just isn’t worth it. Be smart when posing or setting yourself up for these kinds of pictures and videos. I have read stories and seen videos of people taking selfies near cliffs or edges of buildings right before they accidentally fell off. Awareness is key, especially when capturing footage for social media. Know your surroundings and weigh out the risks before doing anything that may be harmful.
- Stay Informed of Local News and Events: Awareness of local conditions, events, and weather can help you make informed decisions and stay safe. Go to the official government website of the country you will be traveling to for any local advisories. Also go to their news channels to see any updates that may impact your travel. Remember, don’t always trust what you see on social media. Sometimes it can make things seem worse than they really are. Use a reputable source for up to date information when traveling abroad.
- Don’t Divulge too Much Information to Strangers: While abroad, many people may be curious about where you’re staying at or how long you’ll be visiting. Other travelers or locals may inquire about the name of the place you’re staying at. A good practice in this instance is to be nice but be vague. If they continue to inquire and you don’t feel comfortable telling them, you could always just say that you cant remember, or give them the name of a place you’re not really staying. Some people may ask if it’s your first time visiting there. Sometimes people ask this to gauge your level of experience. Scammers may use this tactic to see how vulnerable you are. Even if its my first time visiting somewhere, I always tell them I’ve been there before and I know the lay of the land already. Some people may even try to show you around, and then when they’re done, they’ll ask you for money for the “tour” they just gave you. This happened to me with a local in Iquitos, Peru, even though I told him I didn’t need a tour and I had been there several times before. He still insisted on me giving him money and was offended when I refused.
- Ensure Transportation Safety: Verify the reputation of transport providers, especially for longer journeys or in remote areas. If you are going to be on a tour that will have some form or transportation, I recommend using TripAdvisor or Get Your Guide to book these. On these platforms you can see other people’s reviews for each tour to make you feel comfortable about taking a journey to another area. You will run across many third-party tour companies offering you a “great deal” on a trip, but I always err on the side of caution and book through one of those apps I mentioned above. That way I know exactly what I’m getting into. It’s much safer that way.
- Learn Basic Self-Defense: Knowing how to protect yourself can be invaluable, especially in unfamiliar environments. Take a local kickboxing or Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class to learn some basic striking and ground defense skills. If you’re traveling to places like Thailand, I recommend taking a Muay Thai class to learn some of the fundamentals of striking from some world class instructors. Remember, always avoid confrontation when possible. Sometimes it is unavoidable, so it’s good to know how to protect yourself and your loved ones.
- Have a Plan for Medical Emergencies: Know where the nearest hospital or clinic is and have a plan for how to get there. Any time I arrive in a new country, I look up the nearest hospital to where I’ll be staying in case I need to get there quickly for whatever reason. Luckily, I have only needed to use this information one time, when I ended up with Pneumonia in Portugal. I was happy to know where the hospital was and fortunately it wasn’t too far from where I was staying. Pneumonia sucks, by the way… It’s even worse when you’re trying to enjoy the beauty of another country such as Portugal.
- Stay Connected with Loved Ones: Regularly update a trusted person about your whereabouts and plans. This will allow them to know your whereabouts should something happen. Keeping someone close to you up to date on your travel itinerary is a good practice when traveling anywhere.
Embarking on international travel is an adventure that broadens our horizons and enriches our lives. However, the key to truly enjoying these experiences comes from traveling smart and staying safe. By incorporating these 25 essential safety tips into your travel routine, you empower yourself to explore the world with confidence and peace of mind that travelers without this knowledge simply don’t have.
Remember, the essence of travel is not just in the destinations we explore but in the memories that we create and the safety with which we return home. So, pack your sense of adventure, but also your vigilance and preparedness. The world awaits you, and now you’re more than ready to meet it safely.
Safe Travels!