Traveling abroad is the dream of many when planning a trip. Knowing new cultures, fascinating places and even a new language is one of the attractions of traveling outside our borders. But, doing it involves a series of factors that can make the difference between a good or bad experience. Especially when it comes to security. Therefore, it is important to know some tips for traveling abroad that will help you be more cautious on your trip. Read on!
Safety tips for traveling abroad
Considering that when traveling abroad we will be in another country, with other laws, other safety regulations and another lifestyle, we must take all necessary precautions to avoid having a bad time. Knowing well about the rules and laws of the place where we will arrive will help us to be cautious.
When it comes to security, we go beyond theft. It is true that as tourists we can be victims of crime anywhere in the world, and that is why we must take all the necessary preventive measures. There are other aspects where security has to do with avoiding or minimizing problems or mishaps during the trip. Let’s look at some safety tips when traveling abroad. Do not miss them out!
Have basic emergency information for the country you are visiting
This is probably one of the most important safety tips when traveling abroad. However, it is one of the most neglected. For this reason, before starting your trip, it is necessary to look for all the important information such as the emergency service, the police and the contact of the embassy of the country that we visit. You can store it on your cell phone as well as on a card that you can put in your purse or wallet. It is advisable to always carry this emergency information with you, so that you can have it immediately at hand, in case of an emergency.
Look for information on the page of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the country where you are going
These entities generally post updated information on the security of that country. As well as health risks up to political instability, going through natural catastrophes and any other event that may compromise the safety of those who visit the country. Therefore, when traveling abroad, before planning your trip, look for information on these sites in order to be aware of any situation that may put you at risk.
Likewise, in addition to consulting these websites, it is advisable to obtain and contrast information with other people, either on blogs, in traveller forums or by asking your acquaintances and friends who have visited that country about their experience.
Always keep your documents with you
This may seem very obvious, but it has happened to many that due to distraction they have lost their documents when traveling abroad and they have not done very well. If you have the happiness of having a safe in the room where you are staying, keep them there, whenever you are in the room.
If you do not have a safe, you can wear pyjamas or pants that have pockets with closure or Velcro, so you can always have them with you safely. This is very useful also when going out. Never leave your documents anywhere. Have them on top of you, literal! If you put them in a wallet or backpack and they are left in one place or lost, you will be left without documentation, which is very serious.
This applies not only for your passport, but also for your credit cards and cash. In addition, it is advisable not only to carry the passport when traveling abroad, carry other identification in case it is lost. Remember not to have or keep these documents in the same place, because it would not make sense.
Take out travel insurance
Accidents and illnesses can occur at any time, regardless of your geographical location. Therefore, it is necessary to have travel insurance to help you cover the medical expenses that come your way. In addition, this will serve you to enjoy your trip without the fear of suffering any unforeseen medical condition and having no way to resolve it.
There are many travel insurance options. Some can even be hired from home through the internet. Having travel insurance will avoid having to suspend your trip by having to pay a medical bill and run out of budget. In some countries medical expenses can be extremely expensive, so it is better to have that support and be calm when traveling abroad.
On the other hand, in some cases it is mandatory to have travel insurance to enter some countries, so it is inevitably something you will have to have. Choose the health insurance that best suits the country where you are going and the activities you will do. The options are many, you just have to search and you will surely find the one that suits you best.
Do some research on the most common scams where you are going
Each country and each place has countless stories of travellers who have been victims of scams. The modalities are so varied that it is necessary to inquire about them in order to avoid falling into them. From kids who are skilfully trained to steal your belongings while taking a photo with you, to people who offer you a ride and end up paying for something you did not even want to buy.
Also read about the most common travel scams and how to avoid them.
No country escapes this type of situation. And when it comes to tourists, these can be even worse. So you have to be very attentive and not be too trusting of people. They may seem very friendly, but this may hide their true intentions.
Keep your vaccinations up to date
This is elementary when traveling abroad. So before leaving on a trip, you should make sure to check what vaccines are necessary to travel and go to a specialized centre to get them if you do not have them.
The yellow fever vaccine is the only compulsory vaccine if you travel to or from risky areas. However, it does not hurt to be up to date with all the vaccines that are available, after all, it is about your health. In this way you will eliminate any risk of contracting any disease.
ALFA