Travel may be an adventurous and enlightening experience. It’s all too tempting to get swept up in the adventure’s thrill. However, do not forget to take travel security and safety precautions when overseas.
Follow these seven travel safety guidelines to ensure you have an unforgettable trip.
1. Perform due diligence.
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Before you arrive, thoroughly research your destination. Consult visitor reviews and locals for information on the safest neighborhoods, lodging options, and crime statistics. You can get country-specific information from the State Department’s website. You can also sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
Another critical aspect of travel security is knowing who to contact in an emergency. Find out how to get in touch with the nearest embassy or consulate, police station, and other emergency services in your area.
2. Avoid arousing the public’s interest
Individuals who appear to be from another place are more vulnerable to crime, so make every effort to blend in. Select attire that is unobtrusive and will not draw notice. Maintain discretion when perusing maps and exercise caution when approaching strangers for instructions.
Invest in clothing and equipment that will make it more difficult for pickpockets to steal money and other valuables, too.
3. Make duplicates of important documents
You never know when you’ll require a duplicate of your passport, driver’s license, or another piece of identification. Scan these documents for online storage and print multiple physical copies. Make sure you have the right papers in case you need them in case you have to come back quickly.
4. Maintain contact with friends and family.
Whether you’re taking an overnight trip or a month-long overseas trip, it’s always a good idea to notify friends and relatives back home. Send a copy of your itinerary to a few trustworthy individuals who can monitor your location before you depart. Make frequent contact with your contacts to ensure that they are aware that you are where you should be.
5. Use caution when connecting to public wireless internet.
Allow your judgment not to be clouded by the convenience of Internet access. When you use public Wi-Fi, hackers trying to steal important data, such as credit card or Social Security numbers, can gain access to your data. If you do require a wireless Internet connection, configure a virtual private network (VPN) to enable secure Internet access while traveling.
6. Keep an eye on your hotel room’s security.
Even if your hotel employs robust security measures, there are steps you may take to make your room more secure. Secure your door with a deadbolt and close all windows. You can purchase a jammer, which is a little gadget that fits behind the door for added safety.
Even if you’re not in your room, give the idea that you are by posting a Do Not Disturb sign on the outside of your door and closing the blinds or windows.
No outsiders should be allowed access to your room, even if they claim to be hotel employees. You can always phone the front desk to confirm that someone has been summoned to your room by hotel personnel.
7. Maintain a conscious awareness of your surroundings.
Maintain vigilance when attempting to capture the ideal image for your social media sites. Maintain constant surveillance of your personal things and exercise caution when conversing with strangers. The opportunity to meet new people and learn about their cultures is a large part of the delight of traveling. As long as no one looks suspicious or makes you feel uneasy, get out of the area right away and move on.
While following these suggestions might assist you in traveling securely, no matter how many measures you take, the unexpected can always occur. Visit insurance from Nationwide protects you and provides peace of mind wherever you travel.
