Top 10 safety tips when you're travelling abroad
Travel Safety
by Alan (merrionsq)
This article was written by Global Graduates, published on 10th October 2011 and has been read 30264 times.
Moving abroad, for any amount of given time, can be quite scary, especially for first-timers. You’ll have lots to think about, from where to stay to how to commute, with plenty of ups and downs in between. Travel, for the most part, will be done on weekends and/or during the holiday season. Regardless of how far you get to go, here are a few pointers so as to keep your belongings safe (as well as your person), avoid accidents abroad and most important of all, try not to get ripped off...Although most countries are safe, it’s still advisable to keep these tips in mind, just in case. After all, better safe than sorry (Ok, enough with the idioms...).
1) Keep an eye on your belongingsYes, you’ve seen posted throughout the UK and barely pay any attention to the signs, but although an old adage amongst the travelling community, it is very true. If you’re inclined to take a backpack out with you, make sure you twist the lock so that it’s harder to undo; try and keep your wallet or other important travel documents in your front pockets and don’t trust anyone who gets a little too close. A cheeky smile or tale might just turn out to be a fancy way of getting you distracted.
2) Wallets and purses
We’ve mentioned this in the previous paragraph but it is of utmost importance not to keep your money/travel docs/valuables in your back pocket, no matter how deep it is. Thieves have a habit of spotting travellers and will see the buldge coming through (we are still talking about your back pocket, by the way). Keep it safe and sweet up front.
3) Put it away!
Although you might feel more comfortable carrying your camera or camcorder on your arm or across your neck, don’t. An expensive camera shines like a ruby piece to the trained mag-pie thief. It might be less hassle to take out of your bag if you’ve got it strapped around your body, but the extra effort of pulling it out will be worth it, should you find someone trying to rip it off you.
4) Choose your travel buddy carefully
Although you may not be much of an adrenaline junkie, your travel buddy might just be; as well as doing some pretty cool things, it might also mean you will be putting your belongings (or life) at risk, unnecessarily. Way up the pros and cons and think carefully before you decide on that white-water rafting trip especially if you haven’t got...
5) Insurance
If you haven’t got any already, get some. Whether you’re looking to protect your valuable, get yourself off the hook in case something goes wrong at work or make sure you’ve got medical expenses covered, should you need it, insurance is a must for anyone going abroad, regardless of how long for.
6) Watch this space
Some people (not giving any names, here) decide to live life on the wild side. They go to underground parties and downbeat neighbourhoods, meet incredible people and make friends for life. We are no party-poopers, nor are we averse to doing a bit of exploring to get off the beaten track. However, if locals/year abroad graduates/friends/guidebooks have warned you not to go to a particular neighbourhood or watch your belongings more closely in some areas, there is bound to be a good reason. Think first, before losing something special.
7) Scan your important documents
What happens if you lose that all important piece of paper certifying your study abroad program, your flight ticket or worse, your passport? It’s a good idea to get some copies of your travel documents, however many there are and also emailing them to yourself, just in case you happen to misplace them on your merry way.
8) Get a health check-up
If you’re going away, check out the FCO’s website for travel warnings, news and info, and possibly most important of all, a list of the vaccinations and medicine you may need to go to your dream destination. It’s important you get most, if not all, your vaccinations done before hand. Although most countries will offer similar medicine, it may not be as potent as the stuff you can get back home and besides which, we doubt it’ll be your idea of fun to have a yellow fever jab on the highway in Peru, just before you hit the jungle. With debatable hygiene from the nurse. Your call.
9) Keep your cash and cards separate
It’s a good idea to invest in a money belt when you go away - though it may remind you of your Dad/1990s plane magazines/a bit of an old fart. In all seriousness, you could get away with having various stashes of money conveniently located for you, badly located for a thief, scattered around your person or belongings.
10) Typing in your personal details online
If you’re planning on sharing your personal details, think well before you hand over your account details or passport number. Check the website before you buy and look for the ´Secure Visa’ sign. Don’t use your card in an internet café, even if you trust the owner. Viruses, scam devices and trojans can easily pick up your details and use them to ill effect.
Comments
If you would like to comment, please login or register.