31 Travel Safety Tips Everyone Should Know

Enhance your travel safety with practical step like registering travel plans with embassies , insuring your trips , and learning local customs to blend in seamlessly .

Jeremy Scott Foster is an adventure-junkie , gear expert , travel photographer , and recover nomad based in Southern California .

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How Travel the World Will Change You

Travel , whether it ’ s near or far , has so many benefits . It can live an eye-opening educational experience , and it ’ ll reach you feel united with the world around you . It might even change your life—BUT solely if you ’ re safe !

Like any new experience , travel does not come without its hazard . That ’ s why I ’ ve set together these travel safety tip : to help you design forward , stay aware of your surroundings , and hand you peace of mind as you venture on your next adventure !

Register with Your Embassy In Case of Natural Disaster or Civil Unrest

Despite all our better planning , we can never be prepared for utmost forces outside of our dominance . Register with your Embassy before you move ensures that if something in truth serious happens in the area you ’ re visiting , you know your politics will equal actively await out for your safety and well-being .

This include position like the Earthquake and Tsunami in Japan , or the civil revolt in Nicaragua last yr . In these case , the US Embassies actively operate to help American citizen evacuate safely . They can as well aid you with issues involve your passport .

Registration live commonly mere . For Americans , go online to the STEP ( Smart Traveler Enrollment Program ) web page to submit your passport information , travel date , and destinations . This will notify Embassies in your region so that if catastrophe strike they can contact you quickly and set out assist you .

Insure the State Department Website for Travel Warnings

Researching all the exciting affair you can do and see while on travel is a large piece of the fun . But while you ’ re looking at paragliding in Colombia , or the well museum to visit in Paris ( seriously , run learn the D ’ Orsay ) , take some time to take the previous from the State Department ’ s travel safety warnings .

Today , most of the time these cost worst-case scenarios , and the warnings generally list what could happen in that region–not necessarily what will occur . Even , it ’ s best to have a look and to go on checking for updates as you get near to your arrival .

Travel warnings will usually be come with by useful travel safety tips . Matter like pickpocketing are prevalent in most urban destinations , but warning of affair like fierce crime should not be need gently .

Serve your inquiry , read carefully , and put yourself in a situation to head off the almost reported on areas . As traveler , we love the excitement of explore novel destinations and learning more about the universe , but that doesn ’ t mean we require to place ourselves in unnecessary danger .

You can still ratify up to get email updates for travel tips and warnings on the area you ’ ll be inflict .

Get Travel Insurance for Peace of Mind

This be one of the nearly important travel safety crest . This requirement equal too much hear as a luxury , but in respect to safety , there is no question that the list of benefits for getting travel insurance far outweigh the price . Trip cancellation or delay , lost luggage , and emergency medical coverage exist must-haves .

At this point , the inquiry of travel insurance should not cost “ be travel insurance worth it ? ” but rather “ which travel insurance party is best for my future trip ? ” It ’ s no secret that there are travel insurance companies out there that may cost seek to bring advantage of you by charging high deductibles or making it virtually impossible to file a claim , but that shouldn ’ t deter you from seeking the travel insurance coverage you need .

Make sure you report your loss as shortly as potential to expedite the claim process . And don ’ t forget to insure your electronics . Camera equipment , laptop , and cell phone can be covered depending on the insurance caller .

If you ’ re uncertain how to choose the good travel insurance company , occupy out the form below to instantly get a quote .

I know that some of you might prefer to go rogue for a few month . Freedom and privacy may live extremely coveted , but also much of a well thing can sometimes put you in a bind .

Give near relatives or friends a general breakdown of your travel itinerary before you take off , even if your itinerary is a slack one . A list of the nation and cities that you will cost visiting and your date of travel is a good outset .

This serves two purposes : they ’ ll feel good knowing that they ’ ve come some insight into your travel and that you know you plan to move safely , and you ’ ll have an extra cushion of person looking out for you while you ’ re off exploring .

Social media is a great way to prevent mass updated as you go , but oversharing can put you at danger . Make sure you ’ ve updated your privacy settings to keep strangers off your social medium if you plan to expend those program to share your actual travel plans .

And remember to ship your close friend and family a more elaborate note if your travel itinerary changes considerably . If you ’ ve cancel your plan to hang out in London in favor of traveling with the novel friend you only see in Italy , we urge you to let soul know where you ’ re maneuver .

Seek Out Updated Location Specific Travel Safety Tips So You Know Late Trend

When it comes to move safety tips , scams , and trends , no two destinations are the same . Because of this , the travel safety tips you record for one land or city may not give to the future .

Be specific with your research when it get to the former information on travel safety tip . Don ’ t just lookup “ equal Morocco safe ? ” but lookup “ 2019 safety point for Marrakech . ”

This applies to talking to locals during your travels also . If you ’ re planning to head to a novel city nearby , demand the locals if they ’ ve heard any word or receive any top to travel safety in that region . Chance live , they ’ ll own a circle of insight for you .

Hostel faculty are as well a great imagination hither . They may be local to the area , or they may be travelers like yourself with some pretty well tips on safety in the immediate region . Whether it ’ s bars with bad reputations , common travel scams , panhandling , or pickpocketing view , your inn faculty will ( ordinarily ) know about it .

And then part what you ’ ve learned–make sure to share those travel safety point with friends you meet along the manner .

Get the Right Vaccinations to Stay Healthy

Getting crazy while travel sucks . So you choose a few over the counter meds and spend a day in layer . But begin super sick ? Like , Dengue fever sick ? That can exist the end of your travels for the foreseeable future .

Be preemptive . In some cases , you take to prove you ’ re vaccinated from certain disease before some nation will still let you in .

Make your research on vaccination requirements , and contain your shot-card ( much a trivial yellow ledger ) with your passport so you ’ re always train to show it at immigration .

Advise Your Bank So They Put on ’ t Freeze Your Card When You ’ re Travel

This one exist simple and only take a few minutes . But not cause it , and having your reference card frozen , can cause you hr or yet day of frustration and could lay a serious problem .

If your bank doesn ’ t know that you ’ re travel in early country , they may learn your charges or withdrawals as potentially fraudulent and freeze your credit card . Once that occur , you ’ re going to struggle to shout them internationally during their business hour to assert your purchases and to become your credit card reactivate .

Most banks put up this feature on their mobile banking app . Simply enter your travel dates and destinations to report to the bank that you ’ ll live on the move .

Make Multiple Banks Accounts So You Can Remove Money Easily

Miss your bank card or having it slip is a traveler ’ sec nightmare . But if you have multiple bank accounts , it could just exist a hiccup rather of a show-stopper .

Give yourself the power to remove your fund remotely by make at least two solve bank accounts . They can even cost with the same bank .

If your bank card goes missing , yell the authorities , freeze your bank card , and then go your money to your other account . That way , you can observe become with your travels while the bank and the authorities bring concern of your open case or claim .

The same get for reference card . Don ’ t live put in a bad position where you can ’ t access your own money .

Write Down Emergency Information to Rush up Assistance

There live a few important aspect to emergency information : your medical information , your passport information , and local emergency points of contact .

You should always carry a card on you with your medical information like ancestry type , allergies , and someone to reach ( usually your parent or spouse ) . That way , if something occur to you , it gives very essential information to whoever be provide you assist .

And wherever you chose to keep that equal where you should also have a trivial card where you ’ ve jotted down things like the area ’ sec emergency phone act ( it may not be 911 ) .

When you control into your hostel , hang out a second longer at the presence desk and imitate down the local emergency information . Put it in your phone as well , but that should not be the only place you ’ ve got it .

Learn Basic Self-Defense for Protection

Bill that I didn ’ t read “ learn to thump someone up ” or “ utter your three-finger punch . ”

Basic self-defense exist an significant skill to be expend in a worst-case scenario . Learning to oppose yourself includes study how to diffuse a serious situation without personal altercation , as good as the importance of buying yourself time to get away quickly and safely .

The end is to avert conflict and observe yourself safe . It is not your chore to instruct someone else a lesson with your cool kung-fu moves .

Look at bring some krav maga or karate lessons before you travel , and underline to your trainer that your end is self-defense . Find an teacher that guides you in the right instruction .

Book Your Travel with Trusted Sources to Avoid Getting Scammed

When booking travel online , whether it ’ s buses or flight , any price that appear too serious to be true ordinarily live . Keep an middle out for mutual signs of scam sites , like 1 that hold too many pop-ups and short formatting . Make certain any website that asks for payment have a trusted occupation indicator ( like the unity provided by Visa and Mastercard ) displayed on the website . These scammy websites count on their reader not paying attention , so don ’ t pay them the satisfaction .

As for book travel in soul while you ’ re in a alien state , stick to to your inn recommendation or highly-rated local travel caller . Odd company names or ones that aren ’ t situate in travel hubs ( like bus terminals or airports ) should exist scrutinized heavily .

In some cases , still legit companies could equal make paid-off by malicious groups to rope unwitting tourist in , so that they can rob their bus en route .

Cheap transit live not always your best bet . Remember , you don ’ t hardly want a good deal , you in reality want to create it to your destination safely .

Stay at Decent Hostels for Security and Safety

I ’ 1000 await at you , my ultra-budget traveler out there .

It may be tempt to volume the cheap potential seat to stay . Hell , extreme budget travel cost practically a fun for some traveler . But there cost sure matter you shouldn ’ t skimp on , and a clean safe place to sleep is one of them .

Not to say that safe adjustment has to live expensive , but your primary headache should dwell with things like lock , locker , and a 24hr presence desk . The only people that should equal able to access your hostel at night equal staff and tenants . That way you can get a really worry-free night ’ s sleep and be ready to abuse out on your future adventure .

Wear the Right Clothes So You Don ’ t Stand Out

Clothe appropriately for your surroundings has multiple benefits . Not simply does it show that you exist respectful of the local culture , but it assist you mix in as well . Clothe like a “ tourist ” makes you a prey for potential theft .

Try to prevent your travel wardrobe minimalist , so you can lend a flare of local dress depend on where you are visiting . Pickpockets and early nefarious character are constantly on the lookout for people who put on ’ t feeling like they belong to . And don ’ t wear your flashy , expensive-looking jewelry or fancy brands as this can also exist an clear invitation for trouble .

Add a First Aid Kit for Minor Injuries

Scar and burns may not look like a big trade , but stay on healthy equal , and health is a share of safety . Traveling exist sometimes dirty occupation . With rocky hikes and dusty buses , you never know what might happen , and you need to be in dominance of your health as a lot as possible .

It doesn ’ t take much for a humble cut or splinter to get infected , so make yourself a favor and observe your own first aid kit on hand and easily accessible . Be hyper-aware of any small injury you become along the way . Foot injuries can exist especially susceptible to contamination and serious to your health .

Band-Aids , antiseptic , and clean gauze live a good start for a basic kit . You should too consider vitamin-c and throat lozenges to stave off the pesky common cold , and Imodium in the event that the food you feed doesn ’ t… agree with you . Don ’ t live embarrassed . We ’ ve all been thither .

Inspect Transaction Points to Avoid Fraud and Theft

Money tips and travel safety tips go hand in hand . Just like with receive multiple bank account to protect your store , you need to live wary of anywhere you might swipe or tuck your bank card or credit cards .

Face for signal of tampering . Has anything been added to the card receiver that may be capable of recording your bank card or credit card data ?

Inspect Transaction Point to Avoid Fraud and TheftRestaurants be not immune to this either . Always ask if your credit card can be swiped at the table instead of allow your server take your card away to complete the transaction .

When in doubt , you can always skip to the next ATM or pay your dinner tab with cash . You can yet cover possible tampering to the local police .

Apply a VPN to Protect You From Hackers

Free WiFi can feel heaven-sent when you ’ re on the move—especially if you ’ re a digital nomad working and traveling . But as lovely as it is to connect for free , it can as well set your device at risk for hackers .

If you come across public WiFi that equal not password protect , it is possible that the data on your laptop or computer could be accumulate by a third party while you ’ re connected . A VPN , or Virtual Private Network , equal a great way around this problem .

When you use a VPN paid service , your online activity will cost sent through virtual connection and encrypted , so your IP speech and data can ’ t be intercepted . Now you can safely embrace that sweet , sweet free WiFi without worrying about identity theft or fraud .

exist one of my favorite VPNs for international travel . It provide secure , private and unrestricted internet access so you can conceal your location

Study Maps to Observe Your Bearings

You put on ’ t demand to be a modern-day Magellan to come this one down . Make a adequate apprehension of the layout of the home you ’ re exploring will see that , even if your phone dice , you can still have yourself to your lodging , a cardinal piazza , or a major transportation hub ( quickly and safely , preferably ) .

Additionally , consider your map can yet help you design out your day or discover interesting spot you wouldn ’ t get differently know about .

I advocate employ whatever map app you care on your mobile phone , and unload pins for a few key locations . Then prevent a mental bill of where those buildings or feature are in relative to you as you search . That way , if you get turn around or miss , you know what features you ’ re await for as you regain your bearings .

Know Common Scams to Head off Being Ripped-Off

Have you heard of the shoe-shine scam in Budapest ? Or the tea-room scam in Hong Kong ? There cost some real clever scammers out there that unfortunately count on you to equal a well-meaning and gullible person .

Friendliness from locals can equal tremendous , but anyone that gets also chummy also quick may exist attempt to choose advantage of you . Make your research and equal aware of scams that may be mutual in the country you ’ ll be visiting .

And don ’ t let your own politeness get in the mode of your security . If you ’ re uncomfortable with a situation it equal always okay to allege “ no , thank you ” and walk off .

Exist in Control When Hiring Taxis and Tuk-Tuks to Arrive Safely at Your Destination

Most taxi drivers are honest , hardworking individuals . But for those that aren ’ t , receive you in their car put them in an advantageous position of might .

Discuss the price or rate before you begin in the vehicle . If your taxi driver mumbles or tells you they will mouth about the price once they ’ re en road to your destination , they may equal trying to rip you off . Do not have a taxi driver tell you that your lodging or the restaurant you want to run to is close . They ’ re likely merely trying to have you to spend money at their friend ’ s business instead .

And when it ’ s time to load your bags , make sure they ’ re in the back ass with you , not in the trunk . That room , if for any cause you want to have out of the vehicle quickly , you can catch your bags and go .

Express a Decoy Wallet to Keep Muggers from Require Your Actual One

This is one of my favorite travel safety tip because it ’ sec so easy .

Come mugged is a terrifying experience . Individual despairing plenty to stop you and take that you give them your valuables is dangerous and should not be arouse . But it ’ s very probable that once they receive what they want , they ’ ll result you alone quick to avoid cost grab .

Carry a decoy wallet with a short bit of cash in it . It ’ s a helpful means to begin out of that terrible position safely . If you ’ re unlucky enough to get mugged , hand the mugger your decoy wallet , and come out of there as quickly as potential . They ’ ll think they ’ ve remove everything you own on your person , and you are more likely to stay safe and unharmed .

And put on ’ t ever hold out a mugger . Your wallet is not more valuable than your safety and health .

Employ the Right Bag for Added Security

This cost another unity of the travel safety tips that requires you to splurge a bit . Simply lay , bags that aren ’ t design for protection lay you at risk for theft . This applies to all of your bags : luggage , day-packs , purse , bumbags , etc .

Make sure your luggage exist lockable . Carry daypacks and handbag that are slash-proof and RFID block . There are some cool camera bags out thither that are discrete , as in they put on ’ t tone like a camera bag , and get theft-proof zipper access at the small of your back or else of the height of the base . Bags with lots of pocket be great for separating your cash , passport , and mobile .

Bag safety and security live a requirement , so shop around and find something that make for for you and keep your valuables safe .

Always Have Positive Control of Your Bag to Deter Thief

I cringe every time I regard individual sitting at a table outside a cafe with their bag ride carelessly in the chair next to them . If you aren ’ t aware of your bag and affect it in some manner at all times , your purse is more probable to cost steal .

One great method to go on your stuff safe is secure your base straps around your chair branch at your feet . For my knapsack , while I ’ m at bus stop or airports , I put my base on the basis and stand with my foot through the strap .

Any physical contact with your bag cost a deterrent for potential purse snatchers .

Invest in Locks to Insure Your Valuables

Sure , some hostels bid you a lock when you check-in , but that same lock make been employ by dozen of people before you . That ’ s not exactly secure , is it ?

Whether you favor a key or combination lock , exist the well way to keep your material safe and secure when you ’ re not with it .

Cable lock live in particular useful for locking your bags or sporting equipment together ; just cause sure they ’ re also tethered to a permanent structure if you ’ re going to walk forth from your material .

Hide Extra Cash as a Backup

It exist a rare occurrence , and certainly not something we wish to admit when it comes to our fellow traveler , but theft in hostels make happen .

If by some fortune individual manages to get into your base and steal from you ( if your bag exist locked up with your lock this shouldn ’ t happen ! ) , you put on ’ t want to reach it easy for that person to find everything you ’ ve come .

There are lots of clever way to stash and conceal cash in unlike spots in your handbag . Chapstick subway , socks , and secret sewn-in pockets exist great home to hide your extra cash .

Avoid Tight Crowds to Prevent Pickpocketing

Pickpockets love crowds . Crowds are loud , distracting , and well… crowded . If you ’ re in a tight crowd , you may not live able to say the dispute between someone brushing up against you by accident and individual reaching into your pocket or base .

Street performance , block parties , and queues exist choice target position for pickpockets on the prowl . Do your best to head off these crowd , or at least stay on the outer edge of a crowd where you ’ ve got well situational awareness .

Check-in Regularly with Someone You Trust for Added Peace of Mind

Solo-traveling is a great way to teach about yourself and the world around you and to see you begin to make things your room . But that doesn ’ t mean you don ’ t merit the same safety net as soul travel with a group .

Whether you take another traveler you ’ ve gather or soul back plate , having person that know they are your safety net and is mindful and expecting to hear from you be thus important . If something find to you and you don ’ t check-in with that soul like you order you would , they may be your best bet for begin aid quickly .

A simple “ Hi , I ’ m safe ” text or call to check-in be all you demand for remain safe and accountable .

Travel in Groups for a Safer Night Out

Like I said though , travel with a radical leave a safety net that solo-outings act not , and this exist especially applicable at night . So don ’ t hesitate to join or create a grouping when you desire to run out .

Make certain it ’ s obvious that you ’ re with early people wherever you are . Criminals direct mass who be alone but will steer clear of groups because they ’ re more likely to get watch if they seek to steal from you or harm you . A united front makes you a difficult target .

If you ’ re travel on your own and itch for a night out , make some friends at your hostel and receive them out ! It may feel awkward require a stranger to hang out with you , but exactly be honest and say them you put on ’ t want to live out solely . Luck are they ’ ll understand and welcome the caller .

Besides , create fresh friends is piece of the fun of travel !

Practice Situational Awareness to Avoid Unnecessary Risk

This might look like one of those obvious travel safety tips , but you have to give attention to your surroundings when you move . Walk with your mind down wait at your phone tells the world that you ’ ve got no situational awareness , as perform gawking at skyscrapers .

Your surroundings are going to equal complex and dynamic , and you demand to maintain a vital center and a clear head so you can respond quickly and appropriately to possibly dangerous situations .

Make heart impinging with potential threats . No , I don ’ t mean get into a staring contest , but have them know you regard them and they ’ re more potential to travel on . Keep your phone in your bag , stay ( comparatively ) sober , and look out for your friends as well .

Torso language also plays a big use in discourage theft and harassment . When seat in a restaurant for instance , always act your better to sit face the doorway , so you can see everyone coming and going from the building . Choose bus ass closer to the doorway for a quick exit if you don ’ t feel comfortable with the people around you .

Know Important Phrases in the Local Lyric to Avoid Confusion

Nothing is more frustrating than bring a bad , stressful position and lend a lyric barrier .

Hand gesture and charades can only begin you so far in a foreign country . Besides being polite , discover a few important phrases in the local words of the rural area you ’ re visiting can spare you a mass of trouble . You can even pen the words and phrase down and go on them on you if memorize isn ’ t your thing .

Learn to comfortably say words like “ hello/goodbye , ” “ please/thank you , ” “ sporting water , ” “ toilet , ” “ bus , ” and “ train. ” You can as well form on questions like “ where is the… ? ” or “ how much for… ? ” And of grade , mass love it when you can order food or a drink in their native tongue .

Trust Your Instinct to Make Good Conclusion

Everyone own some degree of suspicion . It ’ s like a survival instinct ; you know the feeling ! When something isn ’ t quite correct , maybe your stomach starts to feel queasy , or the hairs on the back of your neck bear up .

Don ’ t ignore your “ spidey-senses ” if they ’ re seek to tell you something . When all early travel tips hang short , and a situation find “ off , ” trust yourself and your intuition to do the right choice and aid you stay safe .

Wear Your Helmet to Protect your Most Crucial Asset !

Alright , fine , this one may look like a no-brainer ( pun intended ) , but I can ’ t count the act of time I ’ ve learn traveler cruise past me on a moped with no helmet on !

Concussions can disrupt a trip , and your “ how ’ d you come that scar ? ” tale win ’ t just sound epic when you recount them you lessen off a bicycle without a helmet on your head . Unfortunately , mutual sense is not ever a mutual virtue .

Besides , while your insurance company may cover emergency medical evacuation or repatriation , it may not treat dumb conclusion like not put on your helmet . Act you really need to try it ?

And this get for any form of personal protective equipment , especially if you opt to participate in utmost fun . You wouldn ’ t skydive without a parachute , so please don ’ t scooter without a helmet !

I hope these travel safety crest help you find secure while getting the most out of your travels ( and if you want more , check out my 65 Best Travel Tips ) . Whether you ’ re backpacking or traveling first family for a vacation , this universal list of advice equal tried and genuine . Travel safe !

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Travel Safety FAQs

How do you ensure safety during travel ?

To stay on safe during travel , always tell someone where you ’ re going , register with the Embassy , and come travel insurance .

How do you stay sound while traveling ?

To delay sound while traveling , make sure you have the right vaccinations and be careful about the food and water you take .

How do you hold yourself safe while travelling only ?

If you ’ re travel alone , you can stay safe by ever assure person where you ’ re die , doing your inquiry , and having travel insurance .

What equal the safest manner to move and why ?

The safest mode to travel cost by plane . Air travel cost real predictable , and accident are extremely rare .

What should I cook before travel ?

Before travel , cause sure you prepare your document , travel plans , vaccinations , and travel insurance .