Travelling safe internationally

Traveling abroad can be super exciting and adventurous. The rush of meeting new people, trying new cultures, and visiting new places are all unbeatable experiences. But trouble could be lurking behind a corner, ready to rain on your parade just when you least expect. We have put together a list of steps for you that you can take to stay safe when traveling internationally.

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1. It all begins at home

Your first step to being safe when traveling abroad begins even before your travels. Research is vital because what you know can protect you from dangers. Before you leave, research the following information on your destination country:

  • Safe areas that you can visit. Also, unsafe areas you must avoid.
  • The currency used, and the amount you might need to spend. See our helpful destination guide for more details.
  • Vaccinations to protect yourself from diseases that might be rampant there.
  • The local authorities whom you can approach for help if you lose your money or documents.
  • The documents you must carry with you (bring copies as well the originals).
  • Common crimes and scams in the destination country.
  • Likely dramatic weather changes such as hurricane or tornado season.

2. Keep people you trust informed of your whereabouts

Always let your family and friends know your travel plans. Once you reach your destination, keep in touch with them to let them know where you intend to be - and do it each day. Check with them regularly to let them know you are where you are supposed to be. It goes without saying to always have your mobile phone with you and make sure you know te local emergency numbers for police and ambulance.

3. Always travel with your documents

Even after you have reached your destination country, you must continue to carry your documents at all times. Keep your original passport in the hotel, but carry copies in your wallet, purse, pocket, and backpack. Other important documents to have always include:

  • Contact information of family/friends back home.
  • Information about your hotel or with whom you stay.
  • Contact information of your country’s consulate.
  • A list of medications you are on.
Passport and travel documents with stamps, set on a world map illustrating adventure and exploration.
Image illustrating rules to be followed, symbolizing the importance of compliance and obedience to established guidelines.

4. Know the rules and law

In many countries, it's essential to dress modestly at historic sites and religious places. Buddhist Shrines may require shoe removal, but floors can be dirty. Disregarding rules can lead to expulsion. Defamation laws, like criticizing the Thai King, can result in long jail sentences for foreigners. Public kissing in Dubai can lead to imprisonment. Several countries still criminalize LGBTQ individuals, and owning chewing gum is illegal in Singapore. Avoid photographing sensitive areas or people without permission, and respect local laws. Drone flying often needs a local license and follows strict regulations in many countries.

5. Stay alert and trust your instincts

When traveling abroad, you are a walking target. Stay alert and walk with a purpose - don’t allow yourself to get distracted. Stay away from lonely and isolated areas If you sense danger, trust your instincts and get yourself out of that situation. If you think someone is following you, report it to the local authorities. If you can, avoid walking the streets alone. Always follow night-curfew orders.

6. Keep your valuables and money safe

Always carry cash with you for emergencies - just in case your cards are blocked for some reason. However, avoid carrying all your money in your wallet. Split up your cash and store some in your pocket, wallet, suitcase, and backpack. That way, if someone stole your bag, they wouldn’t get away with all your money.

Avoid traveling with expensive jewelry and other valuables – leave these at home. Or keep them safe in the hotel’s locker.

Note: Are you worried about contracting Covid19 when money exchanges hands? Don’t be. According to a European Central Bank study, you are at a much higher risk of getting covid when you touch door handles, carry groceries handled by others, or even touch shopping basket handles than bank notes. While it’s true that the virus can thrive on all surfaces, they thrive on porous surfaces like bank notes only for a very short time. Also, it is very difficult for the virus to travel from one porous surface to another. So you are much safer using cash than a card.

A person inserts money into an automatic safe, illustrating the security of financial transactions.
Insurance for small businesses, protecting assets and guaranteeing business continuity in the event of a loss.

7. Eat & Drink Safely

Here are some things you can do to protect yourself, drink and brush your teeth only using bottled water, don’t have ice in drinks as this is often made using regular tap water, don’t leave your drink unattended especially in bars or clubs in case someone tries to add a drug to force you to lose control. Avoid eating uncooked foods like raw salads or food that is not properly cooked, avoid open buffets, wash your hands well with soap and water. Don’t just rely on sanitizers when soap and water are available as several bugs including norovirus are not killed by alcohol sanitizers.

The last thing you want is to find yourself injured or sick in a foreign country. You might have to spend a lot on high medical bills or will have to head back home to get treated. If you don’t have insurance to cover you for medical or personal possessions overseas, buy insurance that does.

Adventure is in the air…

Happy travels!