Essential tips for staying safe when travelling abroad

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Travelling abroad is an exciting adventure filled with new experiences, cultures, and sights. However, amidst the thrill of exploring foreign lands, it’s crucial to be vigilant and to prioritise safety to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. Just because you are sunning yourself on an idyllic beach you shouldn’t let your guard down.

Essential tips for staying safe abroad

Staying safe abroad is about being sensible, taking practical precautions and not taking unnecessary risks. Whether you’re embarking on a solo trip or travelling with friends, here are some essential tips to help you stay safe while travelling abroad.

Research your destination

Before you set off on your journey, take the time to thoroughly research your destination. Familiarise yourself with the local customs, traditions, and laws. Understanding the cultural norms will not only help you blend in but also avoid unintentional disrespect or misunderstandings. Additionally, stay informed about any travel advisories or warnings issued for your destination.

Secure you belongings

Protecting your belongings is paramount while travelling abroad. Invest in a secure, anti-theft travel bag or backpack with features like slash-resistant material and lockable zippers. Keep your valuables, such as your passport, cash, and electronic devices, in a concealed money belt or a hidden pocket. Avoid flashing expensive items in public, as it may attract unwanted attention.

If you are going out for the day only carry a small amount of cash with you to cover your expenditure for the day. Instead of having it all in one location, spread it out over your person, this way if you get pickpocketed you will still have cash on you to get you back to your accommodation. If possible use your debit or credit card instead.

Keep your wallet or purse in your front pocket. Never place it in your day bag as you could find it being stolen without you even noticing it.

Stay connected

Maintaining communication with family or friends back home is essential for your safety. Share your itinerary with trusted individuals and keep them updated on your whereabouts.

Consider purchasing a local SIM card or activating an international roaming plan to ensure you have access to a reliable means of communication while abroad. Additionally, familiarise yourself with emergency contact numbers for local authorities and your country’s embassy or consulate.

Always make sure someone knows where you are at all times. If you decide to do a bushwalk or day trip on your own, inform the hostel or hotel staff on where you are going, the route you intend to take and what time you are expected back. If you get into difficulties it could mean the difference between life and death.

Be aware of your surroundings

Staying safe abroad means staying vigilant and being aware of your surroundings at all times, especially in unfamiliar environments. Avoid wandering alone in poorly lit or secluded areas, particularly at night. Trust your instincts and err on the side of caution if something feels off or unsafe.

If you are travelling on your own don’t walk alone late at night or take the late night subway, if possible always take a taxi instead. It may cost you more, but is a small price to pay for keeping safe.

Stay informed about common scams and tourist traps in your destination, and be wary of overly friendly strangers offering unsolicited assistance or deals that seem too good to be true.

Blend into your surroundings

One of the best ways to avoid drawing unwanted attention to yourself is to blend in with the local population. Dress modestly and respect local customs regarding attire, particularly in conservative cultures or religious sites.

Avoid wearing flashy jewelry or clothing that may mark you as a target for theft. Learning a few basic phrases in the local language can also help you navigate interactions more smoothly and show respect for the local culture.

Before leaving your accommodation look at a map and know where you are going before you leave. If you start fumbling with your map when you are out and about it will be obvious that you’re a tourist and will make you an easy target. Be aware of your surroundings and look around when walking.

Plan your transportation wisely

Choose reputable transportation options and be cautious when using public transportation, especially during peak hours or in crowded areas where pickpocketing is common. Research safe and reliable taxi services or use reputable ride-sharing apps with built-in safety features. If you’re renting a vehicle, familiarise yourself with local traffic laws and road conditions, and always wear your seatbelt.

Secure your accommodation

Select accommodations with safety in mind, opting for reputable hotels, hostels or guesthouses with positive reviews and security measures in place. Request a room on higher floors and ensure that windows and doors are secure.

Use the hotel safe to store valuable items when you’re not carrying them with you. When staying in shared accommodations like hostels, use lockers to secure your belongings and pack your own padlock for added security.

Use the hostels main safe to store your passport and valuables, especially if you are undertaking a tour, whilst staying at the hostel.

Write the name and address down of your accommodation and keep it with you when venturing out. If you do get lost hand it to a taxi driver, who will be able to drive you back to your accommodation.

Trust your instincts

Above all, trust your instincts and prioritise your safety while traveling abroad. If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe in any situation, remove yourself from it immediately. Don’t hesitate to seek assistance from local authorities or trusted individuals if you encounter any difficulties or emergencies.

Remember that your well-being is paramount, and taking proactive measures to stay safe will ensure a memorable and enjoyable travel experience.

Being streetwise when abroad

You may think you are streetwise when you are walking around the streets of your hometown. But remove the familiarity of your surroundings and you will soon discover you are not that streetwise when you are trying to navigate a foreign city, unable to read or communicate in the local language.

Below are some tips on how to keep out of danger and to be streetwise:

• Avoid crowds where you have to slow down. If you are within a large crowd every time you slow down, you become an easier target. Be wary if someone slows you down, it may be a pretext for an attack by an accomplice behind you.
• Try and be aware of who is behind you. Be suspicious if the same person is constantly behind you.
• Try and walk fast all the time. Every time you stop, to take a picture, for example, try and stay alert to what’s going on around you.
• Be on your guard when talking to strangers. Anybody who approaches you should make you suspicious. Once they lead you into behaving in a friendly manner, they have the upper hand.
• DO NOT keep all your money in one place. Keep your passport and air ticket separate.
• Use taxis that are recommended by your hotel or hostel. Never use an unlicensed taxi and always agree on the fare before you depart.
• If you are female never respond to strangers. The appropriate behaviour is cold silence and uninterested. Even a ‘no’ can be seen as starting a conversation and never smile this is the worse course of action. The attention given to a single female traveller can be very off-putting, try and do things with other travellers.
• DO NOT wear expensive clothes or jewellery; this will always make you stand out in a crowd.
• Try to dress in a similar style to the locals and give the impression that you live in the country.
• Try not to look like a tourist who is lost. Hold yourself as if you live in the area. Getting out a map in the street is a sure sign you are lost and vulnerable.
• If you are attacked, take a moment to recover from the shock. Most attacks will be for money, so let the attacker have it and don’t put up a fight. Only fight back if the attacker is clearly disorientated by drugs or drink, otherwise, you could be risking serious injury to yourself.
• Highly populated areas such as airports, railways and bus stations are favoured soft spots for thefts and conmen. In airports get through customs as soon as possible, as this is a controlled space.

Don’t be a victim of terrorism

Anyone can become a victim of terrorism unfortunately there is no foolproof way to make yourself immune to the threat. It is essential you research your destination and your route for known risks. Be vigilant and look for suspicious people in areas preferred by Westerners. Show respect for people, their beliefs and sacred places. Do not become opinionated or overbearing with the local people.

International terrorism will remain a serious threat to Western nationals travelling overseas, to reduce the risk of becoming a victim read our guide on how to reduce your risk from terrorism while travelling abroad.

Conclusion

By following these essential tips for staying safe abroad and staying vigilant, you can minimise risks and enjoy a safe and fulfilling journey while exploring the wonders of the world.

Travelling abroad is an enriching experience that broadens horizons and creates lasting memories, and prioritising safety ensures that you can savour every moment with peace of mind.