Travel Safety Tips You Shouldn’t Take for Granted
by Carolyn Lee Jun 3, 2024
Travel can be an eye-opening experience filled with adventures and new experiences. The excitement of exploring new places, meeting new people, and trying new things can sometimes overshadow focusing on how to travel safely. If you’re planning your next trip, we have several travel safety tips you might find helpful.
Five travel safety tips you should keep in mind.
Research is crucial.
Most travellers typically research flights, hotels, tours, and transportation costs. However, your research should include familiarising yourself with the laws of your travel destination, currency exchange rates, emergency services (police, hospital, ambulance, etc.), and contact information for your country’s embassy or consulate.
You should also check the local newspapers (online) or connect with people you know at your intended holiday destination for safety updates. You can use social media to review videos and see updates from other travellers who have already visited or are currently vacationing in the area you plan to visit.
Plan an itinerary.
A thoroughly planned travel itinerary gives you flexibility, time management, and crucial information on places to tour. An itinerary also helps you focus on budgeting to avoid travelling with large sums of cash. You will know how to dress, make reservations early, and decide how much money (cash or card) is required. You can create an itinerary using online samples. However, if you are still trying to figure out what to do, a travel agent can help you.
Prepare documents and other significant items for your trip.
We know some trips might be a last-minute decision, but always ensure you adequately prepare for your trip. Some essential items to prepare before your trip include copies of important documents (printed and online), emergency contact information, travel insurance, ID, passports, visas, and vital medication or prescriptions. Properly preparing helps with awareness, so you enjoy a smoother process and can remain alert to detect if there is danger.
Other essentials include chargers, contact lenses, glasses, toothbrushes, wallets, purses, and other items that might be overlooked when rushing. While some items can be bought, having what you need can save time, eliminate the stress of trying to replace them and save you money.
Plan for the unexpected.
Although it may seem tedious, contact your country’s embassy or consulate to register your presence in the country you are visiting. Your embassy/consulate can assist you with obtaining an emergency passport if yours is lost, stolen, or missing passports. They can also help you navigate legal issues and inform you about safety conditions at your travel destination.
Be always aware.
Whether you travel for business or pleasure, it helps to practice awareness. Always dress appropriately, be observant, courteous, and agreeable. Wearing expensive jewellery, showing off large amounts of cash, or appearing intoxicated can make you vulnerable to people with nefarious intentions.
You should keep your friends and relatives updated, be wary of using public Wi-Fi, and safeguard your hotel room and valuables. Read up on travel scams and take some portable security items (whistles, door stop alarms, stainless steel locking cables, etc.) with you. Be mindful of what you discuss and with whom in public spaces (finances, relatives, where you’re staying) where it is easy for others to eavesdrop and access sensitive information.
Are you planning to hire a travel agency for your next trip?
Use the Guernsey Directory to search for travel agents, stores, hotels, and related services.