If you’re not a seasoned traveler, the idea of jetting off around the world seems pretty daunting. Even if you’re not going that far or maybe not even leaving the country, you can still feel apprehensive about visiting somewhere new. You might be dealing with a foreign language or at least facing unfamiliar streets and people. One of your biggest worries is about how to keep safe. If you’re not worrying about it, you don’t have to convince yourself that you should be, but it’s still important to pay attention to your safety. It’s only sensible. Use these key tips to keep your wits about you when you travel.
Do Your Research
How much do you know about the place you’re visiting? If you’re uninformed or misinformed, you could either underestimate or overestimate the dangers to look out for. If you’re not sure where to start, it’s a good idea to check the travel advice from your government. They will warn you if there are any issues to watch out for, ranging from civil unrest to local attitudes to women and minorities. You can also find much more information online or in guide books, although it is easier for online information to be kept up to date. If you can, learn from experiences of people who have visited or live in your destination.
Stay Safe on the Roads
Getting around when you’re traveling is sometimes a tricky thing to work out. In some places, you might decide to use public transport or perhaps private transfers. However, if you decide you’re going to drive or even ride a moped or motorbike, staying safe on the roads is vital. According to Craig Swapp & Associates, motorcycle crashes cause some of the most serious collision injuries, so it’s especially important to pay attention if you’re a rider rather than a driver. Different countries and even regions have their own driving laws, as well as different driving cultures. You should do your research before leaving for a trip.
Try Not to Look Like a Tourist
People who stick out in a crowd can easily become a target for pickpocketing and other crimes. In some places, it can be difficult not to look like a tourist or non-native, but you can still try your best to look like you know what you’re doing. Not looking like a tourist is partly about not walking around with a huge camera, dressed completely differently to all the locals. But it’s also about being confident and seeming like you know what you’re doing and where you’re going. Standing around looking lost isn’t going to do you any favors.
Stay in Touch
It’s not always easy to get a phone signal or internet connection when you’re traveling, but staying in touch with people back home or your fellow travelers is important. Even if you can’t contact people all the time, you should still let them know where you’re going and when you should be expected in a certain place. That way, if you don’t turn up when you’re supposed to, they’ll know to start looking for you. It’s also just reassuring for your loved ones and for you too.
Keep these top safety tips in mind for your next trip, whether it’s your first time traveling or you’ve already got some experience under your belt.