10 Travel Safety Tips You Should Know!

Preparing for a travel adventure is exciting, time consuming and stressful. A person has to plan the itinerary, book flights, hotels, tour guides, and make plenty of travel arrangements. Planning a trip can be a very busy time for people and sometimes people forget about the importance of going over travel safety and precautions before they leave.

Here is a great list of travel safety tips. Read this over before you leave, so you are prepared for an exciting and safe journey. 

1. 'Let a brotha know'

Tell a close friend or family member where you are traveling to, leave them with an outline and itinerary so that they know where you will be staying throughout your trip. This will help your friends and family get a hold of you, in case of an emergency.

2. Very Important Documents

Be sure to photocopy all important documents before you depart. Get two copies of your passports, credit cards, and drivers license. Pack an extra set  in case yours gets lost or stolen. Keep things you cant afford to lose with you in your carry-on. Try to avoid bringing more then one credit card, and always check the limit and balance before you leave.

3. Traveling with Kids

Kids are fun, cute and small. Small being a key characteristic. It is very easy for a small child to wander out of your sight. Put yourself at ease by preparing your kids beforehand.

Things to prepare before leaving:

• A recent photo of your kid (s)
• Bright colored clothing that will be able to notice in a crowd (take note of the outfits you pack)
• Pre-mark clothing tags with a first and last name and contact number to call
• Place a business card with your child's name and your hotel number, and contact information in your kid (s) shoes

Remind your children of what to do in case of an emergency. Locate a meeting spot for them, and point out the strategically placed information so that if they are lost, they can show someone.

4. Keep the Bling at Home

Don't wear anything that projects affluence. No expensive clothing,  jewelry, watches, rings, purses, luggage or paraphernalia. This will help you from drawing the wrong attention. Even a fake gold chain can be ripped off your neck. Swallow that pride and dress down.

5. Ladies Beware

It is inevitable that female travelers are an easy target in foreign counties, especially when traveling alone. Get comfortable with the location of your hotel, and always take precautions to avoid bad situations ( have you watched Taken?). Don't tell any strangers where you are staying, and who or who you aren't traveling with.

• Carry a small flashlight on your keys and even a whistle.
• Wear a wedding ring to avoid unwanted attention.
• Never accept a drink from a stranger, and keep an eye on your glass at all times.

6. Walk Hard

Study a map and get familiar of your surroundings. Try not to carry a large map with you once on the streets. A pocket-size guidebook will prevent looking like a lost tourist. Always walk with a purpose and confidence to avoid being noticed by locals.

Even if you are lost, act as if you know where you are going.  Try to ask for directions only from individuals in authority, or persons who look trustful such as families with children.

7. Lock that Luggage up!

Stolen or lost luggage is a huge pain. It is the last thing one would want to lose while traveling. Go out and purchase bright stickers, and masking tape to decorate your suitcase with. It may look cheesy, but no one will mistake your suitcase for their own.

Label the inside and outside of your luggage with covered tags that are not easily viewed by casual observation. Instead of putting your home address on the tags, put your work address, your name, and telephone number.

Lastly, Don't rely on the stingy lock that comes with your luggage, if you want to get your case back in one piece, go out and buy a padlock.

8. Don't put illegal drugs in your prescription bottles

If you need to bring medicine with you on your trip, make sure that your prescriptions are filled properly and labeled accurately. Make sure you check the policies of the country, because some medicines are forbidden in certain places.

Avoid problems at customs by keeping all medicines in their original bottles. Bringing a copy of your written prescription or note from a doctor attesting to your need to take the drug will also help.

If you are traveling for a longer period, make sure you have enough medications for your stay. Carry information about your needed medication just in case you lose or need to buy more and always wear your medicare bracelet or necklace if you have one.

9. Shunning a person is acceptable when traveling

Unfortunately when you are traveling you have to be wary of people and trusting someone you have just met is like swimming in a sea of sharks. Petty crimes such as stolen wallets, passports, and cameras are becoming a regular occurrence. You need to be weary of anyone who approaches you, to avoid being victimized.

When out exploring, only carry a minimum number of valuables. Bring what you need for the day, and conceal valuables such as passports, credit cards, and travelers cheques when they are not being used in a hotel safety box. If you wish to carry them on you, wear a sturdy shoulder bag with the strap worn across your chest or a money belt under your clothing.  Avoid using handbags, fanny packs, and outside pockets which are easily accessible by people.

Beware of pickpockets, who usually have an accomplice such as a child.

They will often

• jostle you,
• ask you for directions or the time,
• point to something spilled on your clothing,
• or distract you by creating a disturbance.

If you don't feel safe when someone approaches you, it is okay to ignore them and walk away.

10. Do your research

Log on to the internet and research the country (s) in which you will be traveling to. Review the customs, cultures, and safety of the country. It is good to take note of traditional dress, and laws. ex. Women wearing shorts in public. Find out if there is special documentation needed to travel to that particular place, such as a visa. Research the health office to see if any vaccinations, immunizations or other requirements are necessary.

If you have friends and family that have been to the country you are going to,  make sure to get their personal take on their experience, they will be happy to tell you about their trip to ensure your personal safety.

Safety is as simple as ABC..... Always Be Careful

Cheers,
Amanda

Additional Resources

• 33 Travel Safety Tips
• A Safe Trip Abroad
• Travel Safety Tips for Women Travelers
• Safety Tips by Hotel Fun 4 Kids
• Travel Safety Tips and Travel Health Advice
• Solo Travel and Female Traveler Safety
• Travel Safety by CCOHS

Comments

[Daniel at 12:16 PM on Thursday, September 3, 2009]

Cool, we've been compiling safety tips all week. Will be sure to link to this post during our next 'safety blitz'.

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[Ritika at 2:11 AM on Thursday, September 24, 2009]

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[Shenandoah bed and breakfast at 6:16 AM on Tuesday, October 13, 2009]

Here are some more tips:

1. Never list your home address on the luggage tag. If on business, put the company’s address on the tag; if visiting friends you can list their address. Use covered luggage tags as well.

2. Stay with your luggage until the luggage is checked. If you must put your bag down, keep one foot on the handle.

3. Carry important papers with you; NEVER check anything that you simply cannot afford to lose. Photocopy your passport, driver’s license and credit cards.

4. Bring a small flashlight. You never know when you’ll suddenly be “in the dark” and find yourself in unfamiliar surroundings. At night, keep your flashlight by your bed.

[Adam Decker at 6:09 AM on Tuesday, December 1, 2009]

These travel tips are very useful. When one implements these tips while traveling, it will avoid facing problems.

[Jaxon Markell at 4:20 AM on Thursday, December 3, 2009]

These travel safety tips are very much required for someone who plans for a long trip. Although we come across various safety tips for travel, many people never mind to imply them in their practical life.