Safety is a top priority when it comes to travel. We’d like to give you some useful advice for upcoming travels along with these universally applicable travel safety tips.

Since crime occurs everywhere, there aren’t really “good” or “bad” nations; however, taking a few simple safety measures will increase your security and make your trip more enjoyable.

1) Get to know the language.

Learning the language is highly advised if you plan to stay longer in a particular location. It will not only enhance your travel experience, but it will also be helpful if you run into problems.

You’ll always get lost in translation if you don’t understand Spanish because there aren’t as many English speakers in South America as there are in other regions of the country.

2) Know where you’re going before you go.

You should be aware of the locations in big cities that are safe for tourists and the locations that are unsafe. In urban areas where the rich and the poor coexist, if you’re traveling to Africa, Asia, or South America, you should research which neighborhoods are safe to stay in before making travel arrangements.

Speak with the front desk staff if you are staying at a hotel, hostel, or apartment because they are more knowledgeable about the area than you are and can recommend places to visit.

3) Get travel insurance

We strongly advise purchasing travel insurance if you are considering a lengthy trip abroad in order to ensure access to emergency medical care, evacuation assistance, and around-the-clock support.

 

4) Keep a close eye on your possessions.

Always keep an eye on all of your possessions, especially when you’re in transfer mode and carrying all of your luggage from one place to another. Using a rain cover will help keep you safe from pickpockets when traveling with a backpack.

You should never leave your luggage unattended in crowded places like large stations, airports, or other congested areas because these are frequented by pickpockets.

5) Bank withdrawals are the only option.

Skimming, where ATMs are tampered with and your card’s data is copied without your knowledge, is a common occurrence all over the world.

You can only withdraw money from ATMs inside banks because they are most likely to be skimmed during non-peak times and in public places like malls.

6) Choose a reliable travel card

You should have a card from a bank or provider that offers emergency service around-the-clock and has some sort of security feature. Read the safety section of the credit card or inquire with your bank if you intend to apply for one.

7) Don’t flaunt your valuables.

Carrying a $1,000 DSLR around your neck might be difficult in some places, especially when you consider that the camera may be worth three times the average monthly salary.
This allows you to store your valuables, such as pricey technological equipment, in a daypack and only use it when absolutely necessary.

8) Know the phone number to call to get your cards blocked.

Contact your credit card provider right away to have your card blocked if you are robbed or discover a card misuse. Make a separate note of this phone number, which is typically printed on the back of your card.

9) Keep your passport and credit cards close to you.

With a money belt, you can conceal your most priceless items beneath your clothing, out of sight and virtually unreachable to pickpockets.

10) Pay out of your wallet.

After reading the previous tip, it might seem strange, but you should always use a regular wallet and only bring the money you’ll need for the day when making purchases in shops, on the street, or at markets. You will still have something to offer thieves if you are robbed.

11) Be wary of con artists

There are many different types of scams around the world, so you should become familiar with the most prevalent ones in the place you plan to visit in order to prevent being pickpocketed.
The mustard scam is very typical: after getting your shirt or jacket sprayed with mustard, some kind men show up and offer to clean it for you while stealing your valuables.

12) Bring just what you need for the day.

Your credit cards and passport can be kept in the hotel or hostel’s safe or locker if you are not in transfer mode. The only things required for sightseeing, day trips, or a day at the beach are cash and a copy of your passport.

13) A copy of your passport as well as your login details

Since losing your passport could land you in trouble, you should only carry it with you if you absolutely need to (for example, when crossing borders or using transfer mode). In most cases, you only need a copy of your passport (for example, for hotels and tour operators).

Additionally, you should write down all of your login credentials for Facebook, Email, and other websites. This will come in handy if your laptop is stolen or you forget your passwords.

14) Pack light.

You are less likely to get lost if you bring less. It’s much simpler to keep track of your belongings on trains and buses when you only have a small bag or backpack to manage and have your hands free if you frequently travel through congested areas.

15) Don’t try to be the hero.

If you discover that you have been robbed, act responsibly and adhere to the instructions. It’s always easier to give up your camera than your life in these situations, where resistance only leads to increased aggression.

16) Go out with a group, including the ride home.

Many places become more dangerous after dark. If you want to have a good time, it is always a good idea to go out as a group and take care of one another.

17) Avoid getting blackout drunk.

Drinking too much alcohol while traveling can be problematic. Take it easy and avoid drinking excessive amounts of alcohol; otherwise, you risk becoming an easy target for criminals.

18) Be careful with your drink

Keep an eye on your drink or keep it close to you if you’re drinking out because it’s not uncommon for people to put drugs or “roofies” in other people’s drinks.

19) After clubbing, take a cab.

Plans frequently change, leaving you at the bar alone. You should go the safe route and take a radio taxi to get back to your hotel, hostel, or apartment (see the following).

20) Radio taxis that have been registered

Let’s take a look at South America. There are many unregistered taxis there, but it can be challenging to spot them because they still bear the “Taxi” tag. Avoid using these private taxis as they are more frequently used in muggings.
It is safest to use so-called licensed radio taxis. At your hotel, restaurant, bar, or club, you can call them or have someone else call them on your behalf. Although they might cost a little more, they are much better.