We all want a carefree vacation where we can simply leave our worries behind. With the right preparation, that peace of mind is entirely attainable. Here are some tried-and-true tips from travel advisors and frequent flyers to help keep your next trip safe, smooth, and enjoyable.
Start on the Right Foot
Before you leave home, make copies of all important travel documents a domestic contact would need to help out in an emergency, such as insurance policies, airline tickets, hotel bookings, and your itinerary. Next, imagine yourself stuck in a foreign country without your phone or passport. Whether they were lost, damaged, or stolen, think about all the numbers and details you would absolutely need to resolve the issue. Jot those down and keep the list in a safe place on your person. Include credit and debit card numbers, insurance policy numbers, your travel advisor’s information, your hotel’s address, and domestic contact numbers. These are the details that will help you quickly recover from a nightmare scenario and keep your vacation on track.
When you are going through airport security, keeping all loose items together in a small pouch makes them much harder to steal or leave behind. Valuables like your phone, passport, wallet, or watch should already be tucked away inside your carry-on by the time you reach the conveyor belt. Empty your pockets completely so you aren’t scrambling at the scanner. Finally, while everyone knows not to leave luggage unattended in the terminal, baggage claim is another highly vulnerable spot. Use brightly colored luggage that stands out or a unique luggage cover. Thieves almost always target basic black, blue, and gray bags that easily blend into a bustling crowd.
Know Your Destination
Whether you are returning to an all-time favorite spot or exploring a new sanctuary, the best way to stay safe is to understand the lay of the land before you arrive.
- Scout with Google Maps: Open Google Maps and zoom into the area where you will be staying. Add pins for landmarks and iconic sites you want to visit.
- Use Street View: Go to street level to familiarize yourself with the paths, shops, and cafes surrounding your hotel.
- Mark Transit Hubs: If you are using public transportation, pin your stops. Look up your arrival and departure airports to learn their terminal layouts and rideshare pickup zones.
Google Maps Pro-Tips:
- Turn on Transit and Satellite Layers for a better perspective of the terrain and transit lines.
- Sign in to Google to permanently save your pinned locations.
- Enable Accessibility Mode to find the easiest walking routes.
- Download Offline Maps: Save your personalized map so you can navigate even without a cell signal.
Pack Like You Mean It!
Staying alert is your first line of defense against pickpockets, who are often highly skilled. Make yourself an undesirable target by blending in and securing your belongings.
- Ditch the Luggage Locks: Use simple clips to secure your zippers. Flimsy locks are easily broken and scream, “I have expensive things in here!” Clips deter casual thieves without advertising high-value items.
- Split Up Your Cash: Keep your money and credit cards separated and mostly under your clothing. Only keep one card and a small amount of cash easily accessible for fares or small purchases.
- Carry a Decoy: Keep an old, empty reloadable card and a spare wallet in your pocket to quickly hand over if you are ever confronted.
- Drop Off Your Shopping: If you buy items during the day, drop the bags back at your hotel as soon as possible so you aren’t walking around with your hands full.
The Golden Rule: Pack Light
Most travelers pack with the good intention of using everything, but the reality is: if you don’t use it at home, you won’t use it abroad. The more bags you have, the more distracted you become. Travel as lightly as possible and keep your passport close to your body. It is your safest form of identification abroad because it doesn’t list your home address. You’ll need it quickly if you’re the victim of a crime, if a hotel requires it for foreign guests, or in an emergency (like missing a cruise ship departure). Never put your home address on your luggage tags. Use your work address or, for longer trips, the address of your hotel.
Look Like You Know What You’re Doing
The moment you walk out of an airport or cruise port, you become a target because you clearly don’t live there. You can counter this by walking with an air of confidence. Since you already studied your route and packed light, you can stroll right up to your ride like a local.
In famous cities, transit hubs are swarming with taxi, Uber, and Bolt drivers. Scammers often bet that tourists don’t know the local transportation laws.
- Research the Rates: Before you arrive, look up the governing body for rideshares and taxis in your destination to understand the standard rate schedule.
- Document the Ride: Look for a license or placard displayed inside the vehicle and discreetly snap a photo of it.
- Track Your Ride: Enter your destination so you can be aware of any deviations from the expected route.
- Handle Scams Calmly: If you suspect you are being overcharged or the driver refuses to provide a receipt, do not argue aggressively. Politely gather your items, exit the vehicle, and offer to let the authorities sort it out. Explain calmly and confidently that you would be more comfortable having the police intervene on your behalf. This will usually deter any scammer from pressing their luck.
Plan for the Unexpected
Even the most meticulously planned trips can hit a snag. Knowing what to do in a medical or legal emergency will save you precious time and keep a bad situation from getting worse.
Before You Leave
- Buy Travel Medical Insurance: Most domestic health insurance plans do not cover international care. Ensure your policy includes medical evacuation coverage—a private medical flight home can cost tens of thousands of dollars out of pocket.
- Register with Your Embassy: If you are a U.S. citizen, sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). It alerts the local embassy of your presence, making it easier for them to locate and assist you during a natural disaster or civil unrest.
- Know the Local “911”: Not every country uses 911 for emergencies. For example, most of Europe uses 112. Look up the local emergency numbers for police, fire, and ambulance for your specific destination and save them in your phone.
During a Medical Emergency
- Contact Your Insurance Promptly: If the situation is not immediately life-threatening, call your travel insurance provider first. They can direct you to an approved, English-speaking hospital or clinic, which simplifies the billing process.
- Be Prepared to Pay Upfront: Many foreign hospitals require out-of-pocket payment before treatment, even if you have insurance. Keep every single receipt, diagnosis record, and prescription so you can easily file a reimbursement claim when you get home.
During a Legal Emergency or Lost Passport
- File a Police Report: If you are robbed, go to the local police immediately. You will need an official police report to file an insurance claim or to expedite replacing a stolen passport.
- Call the Embassy: Your country’s embassy or consulate is your best advocate in a crisis. While they cannot get you out of jail or pay your legal fees, they can connect you with English-speaking local attorneys, contact your family, and issue an emergency replacement passport so you can get home safely.
Embrace the Journey
While it might seem like a lot to think about, putting these simple safety measures in place before you leave allows you to truly relax once you arrive. Travel is all about stepping out of your comfort zone, embracing new cultures, and making unforgettable memories. By packing smart, staying aware, and having a backup plan, you can focus on the beautiful moments ahead without a worry in the world.
Do you have a favorite travel safety tip that didn’t make the list? Drop it in the comments below! Safe travels and happy exploring!