3 Travel Safety Essentials You Don't Want to Ignore

Joanna Ziobronowicz
Nov 25, 2024
3 min read

While some travel situations are difficult to predict, a few simple rules can significantly reduce your chances of getting into trouble. You don’t need to be constantly on high alert—just follow these basic guidelines.

1. Prepare Your Travel

When you decide on visiting a country or region, check for current government updates regarding safety, including common diseases, and personal safety risks. Routinely check for any recent news in the area, such as political situations or natural disasters.

When booking accommodation, make sure the area is considered low-risk and safe. You should be suspicious if the prices are very low: take time to check the reviews on booking websites and forums before committing.

Once you select your location, identify any customs and laws governing that jurisdiction. Various cultures may require you to modify your behaviour, such as following dress codes, observing rules for entering certain buildings, or even refraining from holding hands in public.

Inspect self-defence laws within that jurisdiction to verify which self-defence items you are allowed to carry with you for protection.

Before heading out, purchase a comprehensive travel insurance for the entire duration of your stay. Check travel policy papers to verify the allowed timeframe for each of your stays, as well as what is covered under cancellations, theft and medical expenses.

2. Keep Basic Safety Precautions

Once you find yourself in the country, stay aware of your surroundings and stick to the following safety principles:

Identify the safest routes for you to travel.
Avoid walking in the dark or in unpopulated areas.
When in a crowd, watch out for pickpockets, especially in areas frequented by tourists.
Avoid situations where you might get isolated with another person, even if they are a tour guide.
Decline offers from random strangers asking for help or directions in settings that don’t feel safe (e.g., when you are isolated or in a deserted spot).
When ordering a licensed taxi, always check the plates to make sure the vehicle is legitimate.
Don’t accept drinks from strangers unless they were poured by the bartender in front of you, as they may be spiked.
Don’t accept homemade beverages, or alcoholic drinks from an unknown source (especially in Asian countries such as Indonesia, Laos, or Thailand). When purchasing alcohol, buy it from a legitimate source. Drinks in those areas may be laced with deadly methanol.
Don’t leave your wallet unattended at any time, as your card details can be easily scanned.
Separate your cash into at least two spots, so that in case of theft, you aren’t left with nothing. You can do the same with credit cards: keep one on you and securely store the other in a hotel safe.
Always have emergency contacts with you: your country’s embassy details, your bank’s contact information, and any other relevant numbers that may come handy.
Always have ways for people to find you – for example, enable phone location tracking for trusted friends or family. Inform your companions or those in your closest circle of your itinerary – for example, when changing cities, hotels, or when heading out. Inform them of your planned return times and send them notifications when you’re back.
Avoid showing off expensive clothes, equipment, or jewerelly.
In countries where theft is common, try to blend in by behaving vigilantly without standing out.
When in public, conceal your valuables. You can carry a money belt or hide your important items in a safe spot and out of sight.
Keep spare change in your pocket in case you are approached by a thief asking for money.
For emergencies, carry digital copies of your documents, such as your credit card number and ID number.

3. When Faced with Danger

If you fear for your safety, but it’s not too late - call emergency services, contact your travel companion, or reach out to a trusted connection. Let them know where you (for example sharing live location) and that you need help.

If you get isolated from your surroundings, withdraw from the situation at the earliest opportunity. Do not risk being alone with someone you don’t know.

When gut informs you that you’re at risk, and running isn’t an option, note if there are any items you can use as a weapon for self-defence. Use your voice and your body in a confident and powerful way, and do everything in your power to remove yourself from the situation. If the aggressor is using a weapon and you fear for your life, fake compliance until it’s safe to run, or strike to get away. For a more comprehensive imminent-danger self-defence scenarios and strategies, check out ‘She Fights Back’, a practical guide to women’s safety.