Few feelings in the world compare to the thrill of exploring a new destination for the first time. Diving into a new culture, meeting new people, embarking on new adventures: is there anything better? But as magical as travel may be, the excitement of being on the road should never override the importance of prioritizing your safety. When planning a new journey, developing a travel safety checklist before you go is essential.

After all, a safe traveler is a happy traveler!

By familiarizing yourself with important travel safety tips, you’ll be ready to handle anyting life throws your way.

11 Travel Safety Tips for Staying Safe on the Road

To embark on your next adventure with confidence, follow these travel safety tips to make sure your safety and security always come first.

Research, Plan, and Share

The first step to a safe trip is doing your homework and planning ahead. Take time to research the safety situation, local customs, and cultural norms of the destination you’re traveling to. You don’t need to be an expert, but it’s important to have a fundamental awareness of where you’re going. Check to see if any governmental travel advisories have been issued, too. Making informed decisions is much easier when you know what to anticipate.

Additionally, you’ll want to make sure someone back home knows about your travel plans. This might be a member of the family, a close friend, or even a reliable coworker. You don’t have to give them the play by play, but include all the basic information. Providing your hotel accommodations, flight details, and an outline of your main tours or activities can be helpful. Having someone who knows your whereabouts is a great safety planning precaution to take in case an unexpected event pops up.

When I travel alone, one of my go-to travel safety methods is activating the “Share My Location” feature on my iPhone.

Most smartphones have the feature, and you can set it up through WhatsApp, too. It allows whoever you share with to see your exact coordinates and movements in real time. I usually switch it on with my mom or a good friend when traveling by air, train, or bus. I also activate it if I’m going on a tour to an unknown destination for the first time. That way, if I don’t arrive somewhere as expected, they’ll know right away.

Pack Smart

Packing smart is about more than just choosing the right outfits; it’s about preparing for whatever life throws your way. To avoid pickpockets, a reliable anti-theft backpack with RFID-blocking pockets, lockable sections, and hidden zippers is a good start. A portable safe with cut-proof fabric also comes in handy a lot, especially on beach days.

Keep your essentials, like cash, passports, and credit cards, close to your body with a money belt or concealed pouch. They prevent potential criminals from getting to your valuables and provide an extra layer of security, especially in crowded places.

Depending on your accommodation, you may want to consider bringing a doorstop alarm as well. While they typically just blast a loud noice when triggered, these low-tech gadgets can provide you comfort as you sleep. You’ll be alerted immediately if anyone tries to enter the property, and the volume can be enough to scare off an intruder or thief.

Stay Aware

It’s easy to lose track of time when exploring a new environment. But remember: one of the most important parts of travel safety is being aware of your surroundings. Whether you’re walking in a busy city or hiking through the wilderness, always pay attention to what is going on around you.

Displaying showy jewelry or pricey items can draw unwanted attention, so leave the flashy fashion statements at home. Consider utilizing a crossbody bag or a backpack with anti-theft features to keep your phone, wallet, and camera in a secure place. These safety measures reduce the possibility of theft when you’re out and about.

Most important of all: if a scenario or place doesn’t feel safe, trust your gut and more to a more secure region. Being proactive and always thinking ahead are key components of safety.

Use the Buddy System

Solo travel can be a liberating experience, but there’s a reason the tried-and-true buddy system method has withstood the test of time. In certain situations, it’s much safer to travel in a group than by yourself.

Consider opting for a group outing instead of a solo trip when safety planning for these scenarios:

• Exploring Remote Areas: Venturing to off-the-beaten-path destinations is amazing, but when you know nothing about navigating the area and it isn’t tourist-heavy, traveling with a group or trusted guide provides an extra layer of security and support.
• Planning Nighttime Adventures: Everyone enjoys a night out once in a while, but trouble is most likely to arise after the sun sets. Head out with a group or a friend to avoid attracting unwanted attention, especially if you’ll be drinking.
• Participating in Outdoor Activities: Hiking, water sports, and adventure activities are a blast, but if you get injured during the excursion, you’ll be happy to have someone with you who can provide assistance in case of emergencies.

Even if you’re in a destination by yourself, you’ll always have the option of booking a group tour or finding a local guide. However, don’t book with just anyone. It’s important to ensure you’re going on the excursion with a reputable company you can trust.

Personally, I always use GetYourGuide or Viator when booking my travel activities. They work with tour companies and activity providers from all over the world to match you with a travel guide. You can always read reviews to hear what other travelers are saying before you go, too.

Scan It, Lock It, and Back It Up

Making sensible travel decisions also means taking digital precautions. Before you leave for a trip, scan your crucial papers, like your passport, ID, travel insurance policy, and credit cards. Store these digital copies safely in your cloud or a password-protected USB device. If your physical documents are misplaced or stolen, having digital backups can be a lifesaver.

On top of your documents, your memories are priceless, so consider safeguarding these, too. If your gadgets are lost, stolen, or destroyed, you can still retrieve your travel photos, videos, and important data by using cloud storage options or an external hard drive.

When it comes to luggage, always invest in reliable locks, especially if you’ll be checking them on flights, to prevent your belongings from being stolen or tampered with. With TSA-approved locks, security personnel can access your bags if necessary, and you can rest assured knowing it will remain locked for the remainder of the journey.

Nowadays, many luggage brands come with built-in locks. I have the Away suitcases in the carry-on and large sizes (which I love), but there are many quality brands at all different price points for any budget. If I have an extra duffle with me without built-in locks, I usually carry a small TSA lock to put on the zippers to give myself a little peace of mind in crowded airports or train stations.

Prioritize Your Health

Your health is always a top priority, and staying healthy while traveling is vital for a great trip. Make sure you have all your standard vaccines up-to-date, and depending on where you’re going, additional shots like malaria prophylaxis or travel-specific vaccinations may be required.

Research the health requirements for your destination well in advance before your departure date to give yourself enough time to make the necessary arrangements. You’ll also want to make note of where the nearest pharmacies, clinics, and medical facilities are in your destination so you know where to go for medical care in the event of an illness or injury.

It’s smart to keep a simple first-aid kit with a few necessities, such as adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, painkillers, antihistamines, and any other personal prescriptions you may need. It’s better to be ready for small illnesses or injuries than panicking to get medical supplies in an unfamiliar place.

Last but not least, maintain a healthy travel regimen by drinking plenty of water, eating balanced meals, and getting enough sleep! Your overall health influences both your safety, how good you feel, and how much fun you have traveling.

Stay Connected

In today’s hyper-connected society, staying connected online has never been easier. Losing cell or internet service when you’re in an unknown place can add a lot of unnecessary stress to the journey.

A reliable connection has several advantages for safety, including:

• Navigation: Having access to maps and navigation tools makes it a million times easier to get around foreign cities or destinations, reducing the danger of getting lost. I use Google Maps all the time when I’m in a new area, and being able to use its location pinpoints and route planning features when I’m on-the-go is crucial.
• Communication: Maintaining contact with family members or fellow travelers is vital for safety. Using texting apps to communicate your location or alert someone to a change in plans is important for making sure someone always knows where you are. I use WhatsApp when I’m traveling internationally and definitely recommend it.
• Local News and Advisories: Keep up with local news and advisories, especially if you’re traveling during a time of unpredictability. From political protests to weather storms, being informed about potential risks or disturbances in your destination can help you make informed decisions.

Travel Safety Must-Haves to Stay Connected

Whenever I reach a new international destination, the first thing I always do is buy a local SIM card to make sure I’ll have internet and cell service during my time there. You can usually get them right at the airport, and many convenience stores or pharmacies usually carry them, too.

Another thing I never leave home without is a portable charger. When you’re taking lots of pictures and using the navigation features on your phone all day, your battery can drain fast, and there’s nothing more stressful than being in an unfamiliar place without a phone connection to call a taxi, research a route, or communicate with travel companies. Portable chargers can be lifesavers.

Know the Scams

Every place has its fair share of scams and cons designed to take money or belongings away from tourists. Learning about the typical travel tricks in your intended destination can be your best line of defense against falling victim to these scenes.

Common Scams to Avoid for a Safe Trip

Although life can be unpredictable at times, a little safety planning can go a long way! For a safe trip, look out for these popular scams and take precautions to avoid them for a safe

• Taxi Overcharges: Overcharging tourists on taxi rides is one of the most common scams in many cities, so research regular taxi fares. Be careful with who you get into a car with, and if the option is available, try using ride-share applications instead of street taxis. With a ride-sharing company, you can confirm your driver’s identity, will know the price in advance, and can usually share your location throughout the duration of your ride with someone you trust. Uber and Lyft are two of the biggest, while Grab is very popular across Asia. I frequently use all three.
• Fake Tour Guides: Only book tours and excursions with trustworthy companies, and watch out for guides who may lead you into secluded or risky areas. I strongly recommend using GetYourGuide and Viator when booking trip activities. I use both companies all the time and have never had a bad experience with either of them; they’re both great!
• Petty Theft: Avoid wearing any flashy clothing or jewelry and keep a close check on your belongings in crowded settings. Crossbody bags or anti-theft backpacks can be some of the best defenses against pickpockets at busy tourist attractions.
• ATM Scams: Use ATMs in well-lit, secure areas, ideally inside reputable banks, to avoid any ATM scams. If someone offers to help you at an ATM, be wary, as they may be trying to steal your card information.

Recognizing these common scams and exercising vigilance will help you stay safe and enjoy your trip without being taken advantage of.

Use the Buddy System

Solo travel can be a liberating experience, but there’s a reason the tried-and-true buddy system method has withstood the test of time. In certain situations, it’s much safer to travel in a group than by yourself.

Consider teaming up with your fellow travelers in these scenarios:

• Exploring Remote Areas: Venturing to off-the-beaten-path destinations is amazing, but when you know nothing about navigating the area and it isn’t tourist-heavy, traveling with a group or trusted guide provides an extra layer of security and support.
• Planning Nighttime Adventures: Everyone enjoys a night out once in a while, but trouble is most likely to arise after the sun sets. Head out with a group or a friend to avoid attracting unwanted attention, especially if you’ll be drinking.
• Participating in Outdoor Activities: Hiking, water sports, and adventure activities are a blast. However, injuries do happen. You’ll be happy to have someone with you who can provide assistance in case of emergencies.

Even if you’re in a destination by yourself, you’ll always have the option of booking a group tour or finding a local guide. However, you don’t want to book with just anyone. To prioritize your travel safety, make sure you’re booking with a reputable company you can trust.

As I mentioned earlier, I always use GetYourGuide or Viator when booking my travel activities. They work with tour companies and activity providers from all over the world, and you can always read reviews to hear what other travelers are saying before you go.

Have an Emergency Plan in Place

While you should always plan for the best, it’s still important to plan for the worst. Having an emergency plan in place in case anything goes wrong can ensure your travel safety in dire circumstances. Aim to include several aspects of your emergency safety planning, such as:

• Knowing the Local Emergency Numbers: Get familiar with the local emergency numbers, like the police, medical services, and fire departments. These numbers can vary by country, so make sure you have the right contacts for your destination.
• Identifying the Embassy or Consulate Contacts: It’s always a good idea to know the location and contact information of your country’s embassy or consulate in the place you’re visiting. These diplomatic missions can assist with a variety of concerns, from missing passports to legal issues.
• Locating the Healthcare Facilities: Do some research and make note of where the local pharmacies, medical facilities, and hospitals are located. In times of medical emergency, having this information readily available can be crucial.

If an unfortunate event occurs, having this knowledge and information on-hand can make a huge difference in how quickly the issue is resolved or when help arrives.

Don’t Skip Travel Insurance

Travel insurance isn’t just nice to have; it’s essential for every traveler. It’ll be your superhero in times of need, offering financial protection and a sense of security throughout your trip.

Ensure your travel insurance policy covers a few essentials, such as medical costs, trip cancellations or interruptions, and lost or stolen items. Having a comprehensive insurance policy will prevent you from facing significant financial hardships and disruptions to your travel plans in the event of an unplanned catastrophe, such as illness or injury.

Additionally, you’ll want to keep a copy of your travel insurance policy with you at all times, including the insurance company’s contact information and details on how to file a claim. This tiny but crucial precaution can make a huge difference during difficult circumstances.

Are you planning a vacation and looking for travel tips?

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