Nothing is more devastating than getting scammed, injured, robbed, or sick while on vacation. You left home to get away from problems, not add-on any more stress to your life, primarily on a trip. We all try to take precautions while we are on vacation, whether we are traveling light, have several locks, hide our valuables, or look out for sketchy behavior or places. It’s always better to be prepared to minimize the risk of something terrible occurring during your travels. Here are our safety travel tips.
Travel Insurance
I know what you’re thinking but hear me out first! Now insurance to me seems like a big scam; you pay money to get reimbursed/covered in case something happens. The majority of the time, nothing happens, and you wasted your money. BUT wouldn’t you want to pay a few dollars to get your items covered versus hundreds/thousands of dollars to buy/replace those items again?? Do yourself a favor and get yourself INSURED, please!
Being a Target
On vacation, we always want to look our best and bust out the best jewelry, clothes, and accessories, but please don’t do that in public. You’re just putting a huge target on yourself for muggers. Pack those items in a backpack, and when you’re ready to take pictures, put them on. Camera gear, drones, and other pricey gadgets also apply to this concept. It’s better to be safe than sorry! If you get lost during your travels, try not to look lost, distressed, or at your map; instead, go to a close-by store and ask for direction. Also, act like you know where you are going and beware of SCAMS!
Public Transportation
We always rent a car wherever we go but, if you are riding public transportation, then PACK LIGHT! It’s much easier to maneuver around and keep up with your belongings. Keep the important things such as cash, passport, cards, etc., hidden. Whether it’s underneath your clothes or in your bra or socks or something, keep it hidden.
Know your Surroundings
Research the areas you will visit, especially the safe and unsafe areas! Knowledge is key! Sometimes you have to pass by certain areas to get to your destinations or even shortcuts. Please take precautions. Speak to the locals about your destination and ask for tips such as what to avoid and what to keep an eye out for. Speak to the hotel receptionist or Airbnb renter/owner about suggested places you should visit. Download google maps of your area AHEAD OF TIME. You never know if you will have service or not. Be sure to have that region/area emergency number already stored on your phone(international travels).
Be Smart while Partying or out for Drinks
I don’t like traveling alone, so I definitely won’t party alone. Not saying you can’t, but be aware! Never get drunk at a party while on vacation, especially when alone. Your mind isn’t right at the moment, and no one wants to baby you while they’re partying either, so be mindful. Drink responsibly! Never accept drinks from strangers. Free or not, you do not wish to be taken advantage of or feel obligated to someone else. Get your drinks at the bar so you can watch the bartenders make the drink in front of you. Always keep your drink in your hand/ or at your sight at all times! You don’t want anyone slipping anything in your glass. People are slicker and smarter nowadays. Always let someone know your whereabouts at all times, especially when you are alone. Share your location with your loved ones (perks of having an iPhone ;). )
Eating Out
Trying local cuisine is usually on everyone’s list while traveling but please be mindful of what you eat. Whenever we eat red meat internationally we get sick, so we typically stay away from red meat during our travels. Choose healthier fulfilling meals. Pack snacks such as nuts, fruits, etc to avoid late-night cravings and searches for food. Always choose bottled water every time and avoid getting ice in your drinks! One cost-effective solution can be filtered water bottles.
Not Everyone Has Good Intentions
You’re excited about your trip and want to tell the whole world where you are going and what you want to do. Don’t do that at least until after the trip is over. Not everyone has good intentions and a public announcement via social media can be a blueprint to your demise. That also includes strangers trying to engage in conversation. Never tell them where you are staying, heading to, or that it’s your first time. You do not know who’s listening and you do not want to be a target.
Not everyone has unlimited cell service so at times people tend to search for wifi. Whatever you do avoid, using public wifi! Wifi allows hackers to hack your personal information from your electronic device without you knowing.
Defending Yourself
You never know when you will be vulnerable to any physical attack or harm especially in an area you are not familiar with. It’s better to know a few self-defense moves to neutralize the threat and to get out of harm’s way. You can also carry self-defense keychains that can aid you in your time of need. However, if someone has a gun or knife and wants something from you, just give it to them. Your life is worth more than your valuables. Also, trust your instincts. If it doesn’t feel right or you feel some type of energy from someone, go with that gut feeling instead of ignoring it.
Sources of Payment
The only time we honestly use cash wherever we visit is only for TIPS! We usually withdraw the cash at the ATM at the airport. We also split the cash up and hide them in our belongings. You can easily misplace, lose or get cash stolen from you. Never withdraw cash late at night or in a questionable location. Keep aware of your surroundings. Other than that we typically use a debit card or a credit card preferably a credit card. If anything happens you can also just block your cards but in most cases, debit/credit cards have fraud protection. Make sure to let your bank know ahead of time of your travels.
Taking Risks
We are in the era of Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok and people often take extreme measures to ensure likes on social media platforms. DO NOT DO THIS. There are countless stories of fatal deaths all because those individuals wanted the perfect picture. IT IS NOT WORTH YOUR LIFE! Heed the warning or beware signs that are posted and be smart around your surroundings. Be respectful around other’s property and do not trespass.