12 Tips To Be Safe When Traveling Abroad

It is important to know how to stay safe when traveling abroad. There are actually many benefits to exploring cultures that are different from our own as it opens our minds and eradicates prejudices.

The flavors and aromas found in other ways of living can teach us to appreciate other ways of living. We also learn the many things we all have in common. However, the reality of life is completely different elsewhere, so it is a good idea to know how to stay safe.

Being safe while traveling is the first thing to consider when deciding on a destination and when visiting it. The list of precautions is long and you need to remember the limitations and requirements of each country as well as their traditions, gastronomy and residents.

This article contains 12 tips to be safe when traveling abroad, to keep your peace of mind. Most of these are just common sense, but everyone knows that you often overlook or take it for granted.

Let’s see!

12 tips to be safe when traveling abroad

Be informed about the destination

Try to find as much information about the destination that you want to travel to as you can. Ideally, you can browse reliable sources like the pages of the government of the country or the official pages of your own residence. It is actually quite easy to find information about any part of the world online.

Maybe there are no diseases like cholera, typhoid fever, yellow fever, rabies or Zika where you live. However, you should know that they are a problem in other nations.

2. Have the correct documentation

In addition to an identity document, some countries also require passports, visas and even international driving licenses. Check with the consulate or embassy at the place you are going to visit.

It is extremely important to check the expiration dates of all your documents. It seems logical, but people often overlook it.

Buy travel insurance

Travel insurance is indispensable when traveling to another country, no matter how optimal your health may be.

In fact, the insurance policy should be as comprehensive as possible and include medical evacuation. Many of them also include canceled flights or connections, theft, emergencies and civil liability.

Always keep the contact details of the consulate or embassy of your country of origin. This is because it is through these devices that you can handle an emergency or any other unforeseen event – attacks, natural disasters, coups, etc. We are not fatalistic or negative here – only realistic.

Having the right currency and a mobile phone is important to be safe when traveling abroad

We suggest that you travel into your destination country with a local currency, as you may be able to get better rates outside the airport. In fact, credit and debit card transactions are common all over the world, but many places only accept cash.

As for your phone, you need to enable it for data usage abroad. Always check the cost of this service in advance as in some cases it is quite expensive. Use the local wireless internet as much as possible.

5. Pay attention to your surroundings

Let’s get away from the bureaucratic problems and continue with the more practical part of being safe while traveling abroad. Always pay attention to your surroundings.

Yes, some monuments and tourist sites are dazzling and you will give them 100% of your attention. However, you should always be aware of what is going on near you.

Crowds are particularly practical situations for criminals and they tend to go after the careless. It is not a matter of being paranoid, but only of maintaining a basic vigilance and keeping an eye on someone who is getting too close.

6. Your attitude can protect you

Body language is the key when it comes to attracting or rejecting possible attacks. According to a study, criminals choose their victims according to their degree of vulnerability, which reflects the way they walk and behave.

No matter how much fear or insecurity you may feel, keep it to yourself. Act and walk as if nothing is happening. You may not be aware of it, but most criminals study their potential victims beforehand while you are distracted and enjoying your surroundings.

7. Forget it

Ok, so all your precautions did not pay off and you have been the victim of a robbery. Do not confront or chase the thief, do not start a fight and do not resist. Your life is more valuable than any of the items they may steal from you.

Remember: You have the best travel insurance and they take care of everything.

8. Money and documentation are important to be safe while traveling abroad

Never keep all your money, cards and documents in one place. This is because you lose everything if someone steals them. Pay attention to the payment preferences of your destination and know exactly how to pay for hotels, restaurants and excursions in advance.

For example, you can share cash and cards between your handbag, backpack, suitcase and even your laundry bags. Another suggestion is to have two purses or wallets on you. Place a small amount of cash and some expired cards in one and hide the usable cards and the rest of the cash in the other. Then give the useless wallet to the thief if you are the victim of a robbery.

Also, make copies of all your documents (visa, passport, vaccination card, driver’s license, identity card) and keep them on a USB key or in one of your emails. This way, you can easily access it if you need to.

9. Keep a low profile

Do not take your camera and mobile phone with you anywhere, but keep them hidden until the moment you use them, if you do. The same goes for expensive watches, computers and all other electronic equipment that may be desired by the wrong type of person.

10. Be careful with your backpacks and bags

Similarly, try not to carry backpacks with zippers that are easy to open on your back. This is because anyone can open them in a second without you noticing. Use padlocks to close the compartments where you store important items.

11. Beware of scams that are specific to your destination

Each country has its own types of scams and you need to be aware of them beforehand. For example, a street beggar might only approach you to get you to find out where your wallet is, or to distract you while someone else is stealing something from you.

They really ask for help, so trust your instincts and do not run risks.

12. Use your personal instinct to be safe while traveling abroad

As we just mentioned, you need to listen to your gut feeling to be sure. Always listen to the little inner voice that tells you that something is wrong or that it is too good to be true.

Your sixth sense never fails!

It is possible to be safe when traveling abroad

Traveling is a very enriching activity that reduces stress and anxiety and promotes a healthier relationship with yourself and those around you.

Never let fear of the unknown remove your desire to travel. Fear is not bad as long as you know how to control it without letting it overcome you.

You do not have to be suspicious of everyone or be friends with everyone who approaches you, but it is important to know how to balance any degree of friendship you create with strangers. Relax, but keep your eyes open at all times.