The world is
big and a lot of it can be unfamiliar but it isn’t necessarily dangerous or
unsafe!
Here are a
few common sense tips that should keep you safe on your travels:
Tell someone you are going away
It is
important to share your travel itinerary and flight details with your family or
a close friend, so they know where you might be in an emergency. This is
particularly important if you are embarking alone on an independent adventure.
Scan important documents
Scan all
your travel documents such as your passport, visas, travel insurance documents
and email them to yourself. This way, even if you lose your bags and the
original documents themselves, you still have a backup!
Don't keep your wallet and purse in your back pocket
The safest
home for your wallet/purse would be the inside pocket of your jacket! But if
this isn’t possible, then keep your wallet in your front pocket, preferably one
that can be buttoned up.
There are many different ‘money belts’ available which are a little bit more subtle and fashionable than ‘bum bags’ that can hang inside your shirt or wrap around your waist (under your shirt). It’s important to ensure that it’s waterproof because travelling can be sweaty work.
Separate your sources
Lost cards
while abroad can be very difficult to replace and being without money while
you’re travelling is the perfect ingredient for a miserable time. Rather than
keeping all your bank cards in one place, like you do at home, keep at least
one in a different place – so if you do lose your wallet, you won’t have lost
everything.
It’s also an
idea to let your credit card company and bank know that you will be abroad,
where and for how long so they don’t mistake overseas transactions as being
fraudulent.
Glance back
When
travelling, you are likely to be lugging around more bags and items than when
you are at home, so you’re more likely to leave something behind. Travel can be
very distracting so get in to the habit of looking back when you get up to
leave somewhere.
Don’t pet stray animals
Although stray animals might appear as
if they need looking after, they are more than capable of looking out for
themselves. They could also be carrying rabies and other travel-ruining
infections so keep your hands to yourself and don’t pet the animals!
Some things are best learnt at home
Many people are injured and even killed in scooter accidents in Thailand, almost every day. Teaching yourself something new such as riding a motorbike, without the help of an expert is not a great idea. Also, make sure you check what your travel insurance covers before you decide to try something risky.
Don’t give to beggars
Giving away money to people
on the street is a bad move because firstly, you are taking out your
wallet/purse when it’s not essential and secondly, it encourages begging. There
are exceptions to this rule, such as monks seeking alms however, if you want to
help out then invest your time in volunteer work or donate money to a local
charity in your destination.
Read the fine print
If you venture out to do something exciting such as bungee
jumping or scuba diving, check the operators have legitimate qualifications and
a good safety record. Saving money for a cheaper course isn’t worth risking
your life!
Be careful of the locals
One of the jobs of travelling, especially travelling alone,
is meeting new people from all over the world. There is a certain level of
trust you must have in order to get to know the locals but there are also
limits. Don’t compromise your personal safely by going to risky areas of town
with your new friends, or ask them to hold money for you. Don’t consume their
food or drink, particularly if they are not eating it themselves.
Don’t flaunt your valuables
While travelling abroad, depending on your location, you are
likely to be richer than most of the locals. Advertising your affluence by
wearing an expensive camera around your neck, carrying a laptop under your arm
or wearing gold jewellery makes you’re a prime target for thieves. Try to leave
your expensive items at home and carry items such as cameras and tablets in a
bag.
Trust your instincts
If you ever
feel threatened or uncomfortable but you’re not quite sure why, then follow
your instincts and leave the situation as quickly as you can.
Get vaccinated
We all have
those thoughts of “it won’t happen to me” but getting a serious illness while
abroad can not only be life threatening in a worst case scenario, but could
also end up costing a lot. Visit your doctor in advance of your departure to get
the vaccinations necessary for the destinations you are visiting, and to learn
what precautions to follow.
Get travel insurance
If you get
ill or injured abroad, hospital costs can quickly escalate to higher than you
imagined. Travel insurance is essential and it is worth it.
If you haven’t
sorted your travel insurance yet, be sure to get a quote with DiscountInsurance – call 0800 294 45221
Have a safe
and enjoyable travelling experience by following these tips!
