Author: Carter Lowry

As I planned my following travel plans, I thought about travel safety tips for abroad. If you are like me, you want to know how you can stay safe. So I figured I would provide you with safety tips I use while traveling.

Travel can be a stimulating and mind-altering adventure. It is effortless to get caught up in the thrill of the experience. But do remember travel security and safety references while you are abroad. Following some simple safety tips for traveling abroad is essential to keeping yourself safe.

Follow these ten travel safety tips to assist you in making a memorable trip for all the right reasons.

Top 10 Travel Safety Tips

1. Do your research

A deep understanding of your destination before you arrive will help you stay safe. Knowing some safety tips for traveling abroad will make your trip more enjoyable. Find Facebook groups where you want to travel and ask questions. Also, read traveler reviews. Consulting these resources for information will provide you with the safest neighborhoods, places to stay, and incidences of crime. 

Lastly, check the State Department’s website for country updates and enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).

Another essential travel security safeguard is understanding whom to call in an emergency. However, this travel safety tip probably is obvious but so many do not know who to call in an emergency situation. Acquire the contact information for the nearest embassy or consulate, police station, and other local emergency departments.

2. Do not draw attention.

Travelers who appear to be from out of town are particularly vulnerable to crime. So attempt to blend in as much as you can. Select unobtrusive clothing that will not attract attention. Be cautious when examining maps and approach people attentively when requesting directions.

Also, this travel safety tip should have you investing in protective clothing and gear to help prevent pickpockets from stealing money and other personal items. One example is crossbody bags and purses with built-in wire mesh.

3. Buy a local SIM card.

Acquire an unlocked cellphone and purchase a local SIM card or minutes as soon as you reach your destination. Memorize the necessary emergency numbers, and always maintain a fully charged phone charge on you.

4. Make copies of important documents.

You may not know when you are required to provide an important document. A copy of your driver’s license, passport, or another form of ID or covid vaccination record is some examples of documents you might need. Scan these documents to print out several hard copies and save them online. Therefore, you will not be racing to locate proper documentation if you need to get home.

5. Keep friends and family updated.

It is a wise judgment to allow friends or family back home to know whether you are heading on an overnight tour or a month-long international journey. Send a copy of your itinerary before you leave to a few trusted people. Therefore they know where you are supposed to be in an emergency. 

Check-in often with your contacts. This way, they know you have made it to different checkpoints in your journey.

6. Do not update social media posts in real-time.

Upload those iconic photos you took for your social media posts after leaving your location. When you are traveling solo, don’t post photos in real-time. If you’re tagging locations, you never know who’s following you. It’s best to post after you leave the site to be safe.

7. Be wary of public Wi-Fi.

Do not let the comfort of easy Internet access cloud your judgment. Hackers who seek to steal valuable information can access your data using public Wi-Fi. They can swipe credit cards or Social Security numbers on these networks. Set up a virtual private network (VPN) if you need wireless Internet service. A VPN will permit you to access the Internet while traveling securely.

8. Safeguard your hotel room

Even if your hotel has robust security measures in place, you can make your room securer. The door should at least be locked and deadbolted along with your windows. You can buy a jammer, a portable device that slips under the door for another layer of protection.

Try to give the impression you are in your room even when you are away. Minor touches include placing the Do Not Disturb sign outside your door and keeping the blinds or windows closed.

Do not allow any strangers into your room. Even if these individuals say, they are hotel employees. Remember to always check with the front desk to see if the hotel staff ordered someone to come to your room.

9. Keep money in separate places.

Split your cash and cards between different bags. Leave some money at the hotel/hostel/Airbnb you are staying. Do not carry all of your money and cards with you when it’s not completely necessary.

10. Be aware of your surroundings.

As you are traveling, you might let your guard down at certain times. You might get lost in the moment taking selfies in iconic locations. Do not let your guard down to snap the perfect picture. Simply be aware of who is around you as you find the particular content for your social media platforms. 

Meeting new people is fun and making new friends is beneficial. Use good judgment as you are talking with strangers. At all times, watch your personal belongings. But if an individual near you is acting suspiciously or feels uncomfortable, leave the area immediately.

Observing these tips can assist you in traveling safely. No matter the numerous precautions you take, the unexpected can always happen. 

General Travel Safety Tips

Here are some broad tips to protect yourself while you are out traveling. Some of these should be common sense, but these tips need repeating. 

• – Follow your intuition — trust your feelings. If you sense a situation is unsafe, move out of the problem. 
• – Be aware of your surroundings. Awareness of high-risk social places and conditions will help secure your safety. 
• – Walk confidently and alert. You will appear strong and a more difficult target to hit.  

Being Safe On The Street 

Walking on the street can present similar dangerous situations. However, the environment on the street is inherently different than inside buildings. Here I will discuss specific travel safety tips to protect yourself while walking down the road.

Walking Safety Tips While Traveling Abroad

• – In some locations, walking alone at night is dangerous. So consider walking in a group This travel safety tip can be used abroad or in your hometown.

Safety from Unwanted Encounters

• Keep your back towards a wall while waiting for public transportation. Keeping a wall behind you will prevent being ambushed from behind.

• – If you feel uncomfortable because you are being followed or see a person or group further down the street, cross the street. You can also walk in different directions. Lastly, if people nearby appear less sketchy, ask them to walk a short distance with you. 

• – Walk away from obstacles. Walking near the curb away from buildings, trees, and shrubbery can further distance you from potential hiding aggressors. 

• – When you are nearby vehicles on your way home, carry your house keys in your hand. Do not stand in a doorway and fumble in your purse or pocket for your keys. Have them ready to use. 

• – When your arms are full, you make a good target. Use a grocery cart or an IKEA bag when you have many packages. 

Clothing Safety Tips

• – You should consider what you are wearing with this next travel safety tip. When alone dress in unrestrictive clothing. If you can not move, you can not defend yourself. Also, loose clothing can become a weapon used against you. 

Travel Route Safety Tips

• – Try to vary your usual routes of travel. Most rapists study their victim’s regular routines. 

• – Understand your paths. Notice abandoned buildings, lighting, alleys. Prepare a safety measure before the danger occurs.  

• – Pick out places that you consider safer. These are places where you can make a stand. Ensure your safety measure will prevent you from being followed or watched. Look for the safety found in bus stops, lit porches, or stores.

• – If you are visiting an unfamiliar part of the city, check a map and know where you are going. Looking lost increases vulnerability. 

If Confronted

There are some simple tips to keep yourself safe if you are confronted. Dangerous situations can be handled quickly and effortlessly. These travel safety tips will help you out in an emergency.

• – It might seem like a reasonable idea to tell a robber you have no money. However, this technique might backfire. Giving a few dollars might help the situation. Carry a little cash in a “fake wallet.” Therefore, this will help protect your money, credit cards, etc. 
• – Do not resist if someone orders you to give them your property or implies they have a weapon. 
• – Attract attention if someone tries to grab you. Scream, kick, fight! Do what you can to get away and make a scene.

The Bottom Line on Safety Tips

You never know when trouble could be hiding around the corner. It is not easy to present a hundred percent safety. However, you can be prepared for emergencies and problems you might encounter with these street safety tips. The safety tips for traveling abroad presented will help keep yourself safe.

If you are an assault survivor, know there are many resources available. Resources can be found both locally and online. If you need help with residual fear, depression, or panic attacks, please seek help. Never be afraid, to be honest about the lasting effect your event has had, and reach out.

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