Traveling can be a wonderful, enriching experience on many levels. It’s an opportunity to make memories that last a lifetime and even to become a better person if you embrace it properly. But as thrilling as traveling can be, you can easily run into trouble, as well.
That said, preparation is crucial if you or a loved one plan on traveling abroad anytime soon. Here are some expert tips for staying safe and ensuring your experience is pleasant in every way that it should be.
1. Do your homework ahead of time
Smart travelers know how important it is to do thorough research before they reach their destination. Make sure you know which neighborhoods are safe and what to expect of the area in general. Read plenty of online reviews for places you plan on staying, eating, and spending time, so you know what you’re getting into.
Have accommodations lined up in advance, and know where you can go should you need help while you’re there. Just before you leave, you should also check with the State Department for travel advisories and alerts that apply to the countries and areas you’ll be visiting.
2. Store copies of your essential documents online
The last thing you want when traveling abroad is to wind up stranded without access to essential documents like your government-issued ID or passport. Even the most conscientious, careful travelers can wind up with their things lost or stolen.
So scan your important papers and documents. Store copies of them both online and on your cell phone. Then they’ll be available and printable should you lose the originals and need to prove your identity in a pinch.
3. Have a backup plan for obtaining money
With any luck and enough preparation, you’ll never have to put an emergency plan to get more money into play. But that doesn’t make it any less important to have that plan in the first place. So talk to your friends and family before you leave. Make sure you have someone lined up who can help you out of a jam.
Decide on a secure way to receive emergency money, as well. Cash pick-up is one option, as are mobile wallets and international bank-to-bank transfers. You can also have your contact send money online with Ria, which gives you several options to choose from as far as how the money is received.
4. Stay in touch with people back home
Although it might be tempting to simply get lost in all the wonderful experiences you have while you’re traveling, it’s important not to lose touch with your loved ones at home. Keeping someone you trust up to date on where you are and what you’re doing is an important part of staying safe.
If you have a set itinerary in place, email a copy of it to your loved ones so that they can follow along with your travels. Touch base with people often so that they know you’re safe and that everything is as it should be. And if you decide to do anything unexpected, be sure to let someone back home know the details.
5. Don’t lose track of your surroundings
Again, a new place can be enchanting, and it’s easy to get so caught up in seeing the sights or grabbing the perfect snapshot for your Instagram that you forget to keep an eye on what’s happening around you. However, you never want to let your guard down when you’re in unfamiliar surroundings, especially abroad.
Seasoned thieves and criminals are adept at spotting people who aren’t from around there and getting the best of them. So know the basics of staying vigilant. Be careful when interacting with strangers. Always keep a close eye on your things, and trust your instincts. If something feels off, it’s probably because it is off.Ultimately, you’re right to be excited about traveling (or for your loved one if they’re going abroad). But part of having a great vacation that’s everything it should be is making sure you have a safe vacation, as well. That said, there’s no such thing as being too prepared. Always travel with care and caution.
