Taking steps to remain safe while you’re travelling cuts down on the amount of downtime you might have if you get sick or injure yourself. That’s just common sense. However, many novice travellers don’t really know what they should do to remain safe while they’re on the road (we’ve all been there). With that in mind, we’ve compiled three of the most common things that can cause safety issues if you’re travelling. Implementing these safety tips allows you to experience more carefree travel. They also prepare you in the event that things go awry.
Familiarise Yourself with Where You’re Going
If you know where you’re going when you’re travelling, you’re less inclined to look like a bumbling tourist and therefore, less likely to catch the attention of street thieves and other con artists who may want to take advantage of you. You’ll also be less likely to end up in unsafe neighbourhoods because you took a wrong turn. If you have any questions about the destination you’re going to, try to ask important questions ahead of time. For example, you could ask hotel or restaurant staff about it or ask questions through social media/forums and read blogs and reviews before you go. If you are renting vacation accomodations from a local, then they will typically have activity recommendations for you. ECBYO.com explains that one of the major benefits of booking with a local is that the owner can answer questions about what to do and where to go. With these recommendations you can plan where to go, avoid looking lost along the way and stay safe while travelling.
Maintain a First-Aid/Emergency Kit
Few things cause as much distress as having an accident on holiday, especially if no immediate medical attention is available. In light of this, savvy travellers keep a well-maintained first-aid/emergency kit with them. Kits can include simple items, like bandages, aspirin, antibiotic sprays and ointments, personal medications, gauze, and tweezers. As Emroch & Kilduff points out, even if you yourself don’t end up needing it, you may encounter others who benefit greatly from the supplies you might be keeping in your kit.
One final note about this as well: It’s as important to know how to use the items in your kit as it is to have them in there. Taking a first-aid class before you leave gives you the tools to perform basic first aid in the event of an accident. Also, don’t forget to check the things in your kit once in a while as some items may have an expiry day.
Mind Your Electronics
There are two pieces of advice that every traveller should keep in mind when taking along electronics: Hostel Geeks suggests using password lockers and travel with fewer electronics. Travelling with fewer high-end electronics allows you to cut down on the likelihood of losing them to theft. Password lockers keep all of your passwords for whatever electronics you do bring safe in one easy-for-you-to-find place (in the event that you do lose your computer, phone, or tablet).
According to BT, a password locker (also known as a password manager) requires you to only remember one password—the one that opens the locker. The password locker keeps the rest of your passwords safe and remembers them for you. If any type of breach does occur, your password locker account will alert you, allowing you to change the password(s) in question before too much damage can be done. If you do have a breach, be sure to make a new password for each password you replace. Don’t reuse old passwords.
Nothing puts a damper on travel faster than finding yourself in harm’s way. Planning for your personal safety to ensure you stay safe while travelling makes you less vulnerable to thieves and injury. Getting directions ahead of time, carrying a first-aid kit and minding your electronics are three of the best things you can do to keep you and yours safe while you travel.
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