Do you have a heart for adventure? Do you dream of going abroad, where the sights and sounds are completely different from what you’re used to? Traveling can be a great way to escape and explore new places.
But it’s essential to take some safety precautions before going abroad. Here are eight tips for being prepared!
1. Research Your Destination
Before you go, do some research about the place you’re traveling to. Are there any customs that are different from what you’re used to? What’s the best way to get around? How should you act while visiting?
Your country’s government website will typically have all this information available, or else a quick internet search can help uncover it.
2. Pack Accordingly
Make sure to pack clothes that suit your destination and the style of travel you’ll be doing! If you’re going on a trip where you’ll be hiking through mountains, for example, make sure to bring appropriate gear like sturdy hiking boots and warm clothing.
You should also consider bringing things like bug spray, sunscreen, and traveler’s cheques — they can be lifesavers if you get lost or stranded.
3. Have an Emergency Plan
Make sure to plan ahead for the emergencies that could happen while you’re overseas! Be sure to bring a first-aid kit, put important contact information in your wallet, and let people at home know where you’ll be going.
You should also consider carrying around some kind of personal protection device like pepper spray or a pocketknife — just make sure that it is legal in your travel destination!
4. Make Sure Your Home is Safe
Before you leave, think about what could happen to your home while you’re gone. Ask a trusted neighbor if they can keep an eye on things, or hire a house-sitter to come over while you’re away.
Ensure that nothing is left vulnerable in case of theft — secure windows and doors! You can contact banner solutions to choose from different residential locks and get your home safety system upgraded.
5. Use Public Transport with Caution
While it may be the most affordable option, taking public transport while you’re abroad can be very dangerous! Avoid walking around alone at night, and always keep an eye on your purse or wallet.
Make sure only to use well-lit areas if possible, and ask local residents who are safer options if you aren’t sure yet!
6. Trust Your Gut Instincts
If something feels off when you’re traveling, trust your instincts! If someone is giving you strange vibes or making you uncomfortable, don’t ignore that feeling — leave the situation right away.
You should also trust your gut instinct about people who seem too eager to help or offer unsolicited assistance — they might have bad intentions!
7. Avoid Becoming a Victim
Unfortunately, there are still criminals and scammers in every corner of the world. Luckily, you can take steps to prevent yourself from becoming their next victim!
When meeting people for the first time, please don’t give out personal information like your phone number or email address unless you completely trust them. Avoid being too friendly with strangers — they might have bad intentions! Also, be wary of people who try to pressure you into giving them money or valuable items.
If something does happen while you’re abroad, remain calm. Shout for help and pay attention to any details that could identify your attacker — these details will be important later if you decide to report the crime to the police. You should also attempt to take a photograph or video with your phone if it’s safe to do so.
8. Prepare Yourself Mentally
Before going abroad, you should prepare yourself mentally for all the different experiences that might come your way.
People in other countries have different values and beliefs than what you’re used to — this can lead to misunderstandings if you aren’t prepared! Make a list of things that make you uncomfortable so that you know how to avoid them while traveling.
For example, being stared at or having someone touch your hair without asking permission could be considered rude in some cultures. By preparing yourself mentally beforehand, you’ll feel more confident about everything that comes your way!
The internet is an excellent resource for travel safety tips, and with these eight steps, you can make sure that you’re prepared before going on your next trip! If you want to learn more about staying safe while abroad or what to do in an emergency, consider contacting your local Red Cross chapter. They typically offer free courses that teach people how to react to various emergencies, whether they’re at home or abroad.
