Knowing some safety tips when traveling is as important and necessary as getting good accommodation. Unsuspecting tourists can be an easy target for thieves, accidents, and even illness. Therefore, safety tips can help travelers plan a safe and comfortable trip. Reducing the risks that your trip is affected by various situations that could easily be prevented.
Safety tips before going on a trip
It is not just about applying security measures during the trip or after arriving at our destination, some tips should also be taken into account before leaving home. Even from the moment the trip is planned. Let’s see what we should do before traveling.
Share your travel information
Before traveling, share your route with a friend or family member. Remember to include the address and phone number of your accommodation and information about your flight.
Research ground transportation
Look for taxi and travel companies that are available and reputable in the area. Find out if they accept credit cards or cash only or if there is a number you can call if you have a bad experience. If you plan to take public transportation, look for a mobile app that has real-time updates for the transportation system at your destination. This can help you avoid waiting for a bus in an isolated area.
Familiarize yourself with your destination
Use tools like Google Maps to explore the area around your destination. Check for local bus stops in the area or a shopping mall where you can easily find a taxi. Also, check if there is a hospital or police station near where you will be staying. If you plan to go out at night, plan your return trip in advance.
Know your health status before making travel plans
If you are sick, you can spread disease to other people. Postpone your trip and stay home when you are sick. Also, make an appointment with your doctor at least one month before you leave. So that you can assess your health and the health of those who plan to travel with you.
Safety tips for a healthy trip
Accidents and illnesses happen without warning. However, there are some measures that should be taken into account to minimize risks and have a safe trip, but above all, healthy. These are some safety tips:
Avoid traffic accidents
Traffic accidents are the number one cause of preventable deaths of travelers abroad. While they are unpredictable, there are certain measures that can help you avoid or minimize damage.
- Always wear a seat belt, travel only in vehicles that have seat belts, and place children in safety seats.
- Hire a local driver when possible or ask at your hotel for a trusted driver or taxi company.
- Never travel with a driver who has been drinking.
- Avoid traveling on overloaded buses.
- Avoid traveling at night and alone.
Plan for safety abroad
Identify where your country’s embassy or consulate is located and store their contact information. Consular officers are available for emergency assistance. If you plan to travel on a cruise ship, read the safety information provided by the cruise line. And, learn more about cruise ship safety before you board.
Avoid insect bites
Mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and some flies can transmit diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, Zika, dengue, chikungunya, and Lyme disease. All can have serious consequences.
Therefore, use insect repellents at all times, reapplying them constantly. Always wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Make sure the room you are staying in has bed nets. As well as screens on the windows to prevent the entry of mosquitoes.
Be careful when eating and drinking
Eat only foods that have been fully cooked and served hot. Similarly, do not eat fresh vegetables or fruits unless you can wash or peel them yourself. Also drink only bottled and sealed beverages. Avoid ice; it was probably made with tap water.
Avoid sunburn
Pack sunscreen that provides protection against UVA and UVB rays. When using sunscreen and insect repellent, apply the sunscreen first. Let it dry and then apply the repellent. Reapply both according to the instructions.
Be aware of your physical safety
- Follow local laws and customs.
- Limit alcohol intake.
- Wear protective gear during adventure activities, such as helmets when biking or climbing.
- Be careful when swimming and during water activities.
- Do not swim in fresh water in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
- Do not go barefoot. Consider wearing protective footwear when swimming in open water to avoid injuries that could lead to infection. Even on beaches there can be animal waste that can be a source of human infections.
- Supervise children at all times near and in the water.
Avoid animal bites
Do not pet or handle animals. Even kittens and puppies can transmit diseases. If an animal bites, scratches or licks you, wash the area immediately and thoroughly with soap and water. Call a doctor to find out if you need medication, a tetanus shot booster, or a preventive treatment for rabies.
Other travel safety tips to keep in mind
- At the airport, keep an eye on your luggage as it appears on the carousel. Do not stay behind and wait for the crowd to disperse; in the meantime, someone else may have taken your bag.
- Avoid exchanging money at airports, as thieves could be watching you.
- Do not share taxis with strangers.
- Take note of the emergency exits, stairs, fire escapes and emergency plans where you are staying.
- Do not stand out from the crowd when traveling. Even if you are not sure where you are going, walk as if you have a purpose.
- Look at the people around you. Be careful if someone seems to be taking more than a passing interest.
- Do not make yourself an attractive target when traveling. So do not wear expensive jewelry in an obvious display.
ALFA