6 Tips to Help You Stay Safe When on Holiday
Part of the joy of traveling is going to new places, meeting new people and experiencing new things, but there is a certain amount of risk when going to unfamiliar places. Whether you are traveling domestically or internationally, here are six tips to minimize your risks and help keep you safe.
1. Learn About Your Destination
To get the most out of your trip, learn a little bit about the history, language, and culture of your destination. Doing this will not only give you a deeper appreciation for what you experience while there, but will also help keep you safe. It will help prevent you from making cultural mistakes that could land you in trouble with the locals and/or prevent misunderstandings that could have easily been avoided.
2. Tell Someone Your Plans
Leave a detailed copy of your itinerary with someone you trust. It should include information about your travel plans like what airline you’ll be flying with, what flight number, and when you expect to arrive and depart. You should also include the name, location, and telephone number of where you will be staying.
Include any day trips you might be planning with similar information. And of course, periodically check in with someone while you are away. This way, if the unthinkable happens, there is a timeline of events for officials to follow.
3. Research Local Resources
If you are traveling abroad, know where your local embassy is and check in with them when you arrive. If you are traveling domestically, know how to contact local officials in case of an emergency. The last thing you want is to be in the midst of a crisis and have to google who to call for help.
4. Pick Safe Accommodations
If you’re booking your holiday plans online, it can be difficult to know how safe the area is where you’re planning to stay. Reading online reviews can be helpful, but sometimes they can be misleading or inaccurate. For example, if you’re visiting Mykonos, Greece, knowing where to stay on the island may be difficult. But if you stay in one of the Mykonos Villas you’ll have the assurance that local staff have visited each villa to personally check for safety and privacy. This allows you to call the company to ask questions and determine the best and safest accommodations for your trip.
5. Travel with the Right Stuff
Travel with the right documents, currency, and medication. You should have your passport and visa with you if you are traveling overseas. Keep them on your body at all times and have a copy of your passport amongst your things. You should also have a list of medications you are taking along with the contact information of your doctor and health insurance (if applicable).
It also helps to have the contact information of a loved one on the same sheet so officials know who to call in case of an emergency. Lastly, it doesn’t hurt to have a credit card or two on hand, in the off chance your cash runs out and you’re stranded somewhere.
6. Make it a Party
Traveling in a group is often the safest way to explore, especially if your companion(s) enjoy the same activities and have the same respect for new places as you. If you are going to travel alone, make sure you stay aware of your surroundings, follow other large groups, and avoid traveling by yourself at night.
No one expects to run into trouble while traveling, but it is important to be prepared. Hopefully these simple tips will help to ensure your trip is a safe and happy one.