Top Tips for Safe Travels

Photo by Tobias Weisserth

THE expectation of exploring lands far and near. The call of a half-packed duffel; ready to go at moment’s notice. A well-laid out itinerary; the labour of months of careful planning, saving.  The giddy excitement as departure date draws nigh; comparable more to pterodactyls than butterflies in your tummy. Travel , and its seamless pleasures

Hans Christian Andersen, well-loved literary figure, captured the  essence of travel rather nicely:  “TO MOVE, TO BREATH, TO FLY, TO FLOAT, TO GAIN ALL WHILE YOU GIVE, TO ROAM THE ROADS OF LANDS REMOTE: TO TRAVEL IS TO LIVE. ”

Few things, however, spoil the joys of travel quite like an unsavory experience or two, so it is best to keep this odd-number (17???) of safety, unsavory-event busting tips top-of-mind:

1.  Learn to look back; literally.  Humans are unfortunately not equipped with rear-view mirrors. Tourists tend to get very distracted, taking in the sights and sounds of a new place. And this is to be expected. An occasional glance cast over your shoulder will help you be more aware of your surroundings, and—for practicality’s sake—will help you keep track of your belongings. Check restaurant or coffee shop tables you just vacated; cabs from which you just alighted for items you may have left behind.
2. Do NOT leave valuables and money in your back pocket. Nothing says “pick me!” more than a bulging back pocket.
3. Do not keep your eggs in one basket. The eggs here being money and credit cards; and the basket, wherever you keep your money. Keep at least one card a bit of cash in a separate (safe) place. Imagine losing all access to finances while on a remote island. Not a pretty picture at all.
4. While on the topic of money, remember that low-key IS key when travelling abroad. Flaunting your wealth is akin to drawing a target on your forehead. Fly underneath the radar of scam artists and thieves by being discreet with your bling and your things.
5. Do your research prior to departure. Know the area by taking a virtual trip online. There is a wealth of information at your fingertips, including info on commonly-employed ruses versus the hapless tourist. When you get to your destination, seek out a hotel staff member and ask for more tips. It also pays to know a bit about the local culture—You do not want to be that obnoxious, offensive tourist, now do you?
6. Whilst not being overly paranoid, do be street smart!  Do not trust every Tom, Dick, Harry, Juan or Juana you meet on the street. “Stranger Danger” applies to tourists, too.
7. Be smart when it comes to luggage, as well. Do NOT, under any circumstance, allow anyone to put anything in your luggage, no matter the sob-story.  Keep your cases securely locked. Do not give your baggage allowance to strangers, should you be traveling sans check-in items. Lest you find yourself a mule for someone’s illegal drugs.
8. Do not leave your belongings unattended. Sounds elementary, but you’d be amazed at how many travelers forget this simple rule. Hotspots for unattended belongings?  Underneath the table, on the floor, on the seat next to you, or even the bag hook behind the toilet cubicle door. Keep belongings as close to you as possible.
9. Have copies of all your important/official documents. Keep photocopies of your passport, tickets, id’s, etcetera. Or scan these and email them to yourself.
10. On the subject of important documents, acquiring travel insurance prior to departure is always a wise decision.
11. Get all required vaccines before leaving. You know what they say about an ounce of prevention. Bring first-aid meds and any specific meds you require.
12. Be careful—very careful—where you use your credit and bank cards. It is best to inquire at your local bank before you depart for tips to avoid credit card or ATM fraud; both very popular scams these days.
13. A spirit of adventure is a great travelling buddy, within the confines of sensibility. If you are to try a new thing—especially in the case of extreme activities – do so under supervision of a trained professional. Case in point, on a 7-day trip to the island of Boracay in the Philippines, a friend decided to go motocross trail biking the day after our arrival:  no safety gear, no trainer. A bad spill, fractured bone and many gashes later left him in pain and in envy of us all for the next 5 days.
14. If you ARE mugged, give it away; give it all away. Do not attempt to fight back. Your life is worth far more than whatever you may be giving up.  And if you did take out a policy for travel insurance, giving your things up shouldn’t be too much of an issue.
15. Carry with you the details of your hotel, embassy in the country you are visiting, and other important info.
16. Street food is integral to the travel experience; at least in my opinion. However, you know your stomach better than anyone else.  Keep an eye out for clean street food stands, whenever possible.
17. When traveling at night, try to keep to well-lit areas. Unless you are hunting vampires, of course. In which case, none of these tips apply to you (smile!)

Bon voyage!  And a safe one, too!