While it is easy to get excited when you are planning your next overseas adventure, it is important to remember that staying safe on vacation is vital. Exploring new cultures, trying new cuisines, and experiencing life in unfamiliar places is a rush, but prioritizing safety should always be at the forefront of your mind.
The most important thing is keeping you and your family safe on cruise ships and airplanes in luxury resorts and backpacker hostels. Being on vacation means navigating unfamiliar places, languages, and situations, and knowing what to do or what to bring with you isn’t always obvious. So, to get you started and help you travel without worry, stress, or anxiety, here are four essential safety measures to take when traveling abroad.
Research Your Destination Thoroughly
Safety protocols should start before you set off and even before you book your flight! Doing in-depth research into where you plan to travel can help you avoid unpleasant or risky situations.
Understanding the local customs and culture, knowing about difficult political situations, and being aware of health risks can all help you plan a stress and danger-free vacation. Check the CDC and State Department websites for travel advisories and destination guides and advice, and do a little research into crime rates, stability, and health issues before choosing where to go. It is also a great idea to have more of an understanding of local etiquette to ensure that you don’t unwittingly make faux pas or cross any cultural lines.
Make Copies of Important Documents
When you travel, you are inevitably carrying a range of crucial documents with you, and losing any of them could turn your dream vacation into a nightmare. As a result, it is essential that you make digital and physical copies of all your important documents, including passports, visas, insurance policies, and medical documents, so that if something goes wrong, you will be able to replace them. Keep the copies securely and separate from the originals. It is also worth leaving copies at home with family or friends so that in the event of a total disaster, you can still get help from them.
Stay Aware of Your Surroundings
When you are on vacation, every day is filled with new, exciting things to see and do, and it is easy to be distracted when exploring your destination. However, you should always remember to pay attention to your surroundings and what is going on around you to avoid becoming a victim of crime. Pickpocketing and other petty crimes are very common in popular tourist areas, so keeping an eye on your belongings at all times is important.
It is also a good idea to avoid showing off expensive jewelry or gadgets so as not to look like an easy mark.
Learn Basic Phrases in the Local Language
Learning a few phrases in the local language wherever you travel is useful for a number of different reasons. Not only will it help you out in an emergency, but it will also make every other aspect of your trip simpler. If something goes wrong, being able to ask for directions, ask for help, or explain your situation can be incredibly helpful. But even when things are going well, making an effort to speak the language will help you immerse yourself in the culture of your destination and endear you to the locals!
Whether you’re asking for directions to a famous tourist spot in France or Italy, or simply greeting someone in their native language, these small efforts go a long way in building positive interactions. To help with this, you can easily access virtual French, Italian, or maybe virtual Japanese lessons for all levels, along with courses in other languages.
There are always risks when traveling overseas, but it doesn’t have to be overly risky. By planning ahead and taking a few simple precautions, you can explore the world safely in the knowledge that you have taken your personal security seriously, and you can enjoy your trip with peace of mind.
