33 Travel Safety Tips
Traveling to unknown destinations can bring you the kind of trouble you don’t want to experience while you’re on the road, namely robbery, rape, or murder. Tourists often fall victim to perpetrators because they do not prepare properly before going on a trip. Let’s take a look at some things you should do to prevent your travels from turning into a tragedy:
1. Never include your home address on your luggage tag. If you are on business, put the business address on the label; if you are visiting friends, you can include their address. Use covered luggage tags too.
2. Keep your baggage until baggage check-in. If you must put your bag down, keep one foot on the handle.
3. Take important documents with you; NEVER bookmark anything you simply cannot afford to lose. Photocopy your passport, driver’s license and credit cards.
4. Bring a small flashlight. You never know when you will suddenly be “in the dark” and find yourself in an unfamiliar environment. At night, keep your flashlight by your bed.
5. Make sure your prescriptions are filled properly and labeling precisely. In some countries, certain prescription drugs are prohibited.
6. Never wear anything that projects wealth. Gold chains, expensive watches and rings, luggage or other paraphernalia should not be visible. Even better: leave your jewelry at home.
7. If possible, travel with only one or two credit cards.
8. Women in particular should never accept a drink from a stranger. Keep an eye on your drink at all times.
9. Vary your schedule; Try not to come and go at the same time every day.
10. Stay only in a hotel that uses cards to open room doors and make sure your room has a peephole and deadbolt lock. Secure the chain and secure the door by pushing a rubber stopper under it.
11. Stay in a room near a staircase. Never take the elevator if a fire or smoke is detected. Always stay in a hotel where the doors enter the hallway and not directly from the outside.
12. Do not wear name tags in public.
13. Do not use unmarked taxis.
14. Sit behind the driver so he can see you, but he can’t see you.
15. Pay the driver upon arrival at your destination and while you are still seated in the vehicle.
16. If you must rent a car, only rent from a reputable company. Any operational problems that occur could indicate sabotage.
17. Keep an eye out for ‘sham’ car accidents meant to catch you off the card.
18. Go back to your parking spaces to facilitate a quick exit.
19. Park only in well lit and trafficked areas.
20. If your cell phone doesn’t work out of the country, consider renting one that will during your trip.
21. If you are stopped for any reason by an officer, ask for identification. If in doubt, tell them you want to see his superior. Keep your emotions in check.
22. If you are traveling with children, take an up-to-date photograph of each child with you in case you become separated from them.
23. Write your child’s name and hotel number on each card; include contact information for a close friend or family member on the card. Give each child a card to take with them while you’re gone. Destroy once at home.
24. Discuss with your family what you would do in an emergency while away from home, eg who to call, how to contact emergency personnel, etc.
25. Do not discuss travel plans, your room number, or any other personal information in public within earshot of strangers.
26. Carry a basic first aid kit with bandages, iodine, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, alcohol sachets, dramamine, pepto bismol, antidiarrheals, etc.
27. Familiarize yourself with train and bus schedules before you travel. Have a backup plan in case your transportation plans change.
28. Do not show your passport in public. Discreetly show important documents only to officials.
29. Consider purchasing portable alarms that make a loud sound.
30. Be on the lookout for scams on the street. Children working with adults are notorious pickpockets.
31. Never show your money in public. Exchange funds only with reputable and recognized exchangers.
32. Have tips ready ahead of time for personal service.
33. Consider renting an escort [security] service if you are traveling in areas where crime is high.
The key to traveling safely in any area is situational awareness. Distractions by luggage, children, hotel staff, strangers, etc. it can put you at risk. Know your surroundings and stay in control of every situation.