45 Essential Ways to Stay Safe on Your Travels

A journey is best measured in friends, not miles, but ensuring a safe and smooth experience is what allows those memories to shine. As we celebrate 45 years of helping you explore, our team at New Horizons Travel has gathered 45 essential tips to stay safe on your travels. Think of this as your trusted checklist for peace of mind, so you can focus on the adventure ahead.

Part 1: Preparation Before You Go

Smart travel begins long before you leave home. A little planning can prevent major headaches down the road.

1. Research Your Destination: Understand local customs, laws, and any current travel advisories for the area.
2. Share Your Itinerary: Leave a copy of your travel plans with a trusted friend or family member back home.
3. Make Digital & Physical Copies: Scan your passport, visas, driver’s license, and credit cards. Save them to a secure cloud service and carry physical copies separate from the originals.
4. Get Travel Insurance: This is non-negotiable. Ensure it covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and theft.
5. Notify Your Bank: Let your bank and credit card companies know about your travel dates and destinations to avoid frozen accounts.
6. Register with Your Embassy: For international travel, enroll in programs like the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for alerts and assistance.
7. Pack a First-Aid Kit: Include basics like bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, motion sickness medication, and any personal prescriptions.
8. Learn Key Local Phrases: Knowing how to say “hello,” “thank you,” and “help” in the local language can be incredibly useful.
9. Pack Light: Large, heavy bags can make you a target and are difficult to manage. A streamlined suitcase is a safer suitcase.

Part 2: At the Airport & During Transit

Airports and transit hubs are busy places. Staying alert is your first line of defense.

1. Guard Your Luggage: Never leave your bags unattended, not even for a second.
2. Be Wary of Public Wi-Fi: Avoid accessing sensitive information like banking details on public airport networks.
3. Use a Secure Luggage Tag: Don’t put your home address on it. Use a phone number or email address instead.
4. Stay Alert During Security: Keep an eye on your belongings as they go through the scanner. Thieves can work in teams to cause a distraction.
5. Arrange Pick-up in Advance: Know how you’re getting from the airport to your hotel. Use reputable taxi services or pre-booked shuttles.
6. Secure Valuables on a Sleeper Train/Bus: If sleeping in transit, keep your passport, wallet, and phone in a secure pouch on your person.
7. Confirm Your Ride: For ride-sharing apps, always match the license plate and driver’s photo before getting in the car.

Part 3: On the Ground at Your Destination

Once you’ve arrived, situational awareness is key to enjoying your new surroundings safely.

1. Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Pay attention to who is around you, especially in crowded tourist areas and on public transport.
2. Don’t Flash Valuables: Keep expensive jewelry, cameras, and electronics out of sight as much as possible.
3. Use the Hotel Safe: Store your passport, extra cash, and other valuables in the safe when you leave your room.
4. Carry a “Decoy” Wallet: Some travelers carry a second wallet with a small amount of cash and old cards to hand over in case of a robbery.
5. Trust Your Instincts: If a situation or place feels unsafe, it probably is. Leave immediately.
6. Be Careful with Alcohol: Drink responsibly and never leave your drink unattended.
7. Know the Local Emergency Number: It’s not always 911. Save the local equivalent for police, fire, and ambulance in your phone.
8. Plan Your Route: Before setting out, have a general idea of where you are going so you can walk with confidence.
9. Secure Your Hotel Room: Use the deadbolt and any secondary locks. A rubber doorstop can provide extra security.
10. Split Up Your Cash: Don’t carry all your money in one place. Keep some in the hotel safe, some in your wallet, and some in a separate pocket.
11. Avoid Walking Alone at Night: Stick to well-lit, busy streets. If you must go out, take a reputable taxi.

Part 4: Health & Wellness on the Road

Staying healthy is just as important as staying safe from theft.

1. Check Vaccination Requirements: Consult your doctor 4-6 weeks before your trip about any recommended or required vaccines.
2. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of bottled or filtered water, especially in hot climates.
3. Be Smart About Street Food: Choose popular vendors with long lines and watch how the food is prepared. If in doubt, stick to cooked meals.
4. Protect Yourself from the Sun: Use sunscreen, wear a hat, and stay in the shade during peak sun hours.
5. Use Insect Repellent: In areas with mosquito-borne illnesses, apply repellent and wear long sleeves and pants.
6. Know Your Limits: Don’t push yourself too hard with physical activities, especially when adjusting to a new altitude or climate.
7. Wash Your Hands Frequently: Carry hand sanitizer for times when soap and water aren’t available.

Part 5: Tech & Financial Safety

In our digital world, protecting your information is as crucial as protecting your physical belongings.

1. Use a VPN: A Virtual Private Network encrypts your internet connection, protecting your data on public Wi-Fi.
2. Enable “Find My Phone”: Activate this feature and ensure your phone is password-protected.
3. Carry a Portable Charger: A dead phone is useless in an emergency. Keep a power bank with you
4. Beware of ATM Skimmers: Wiggle the card reader and keypad before using an ATM. If anything feels loose, go elsewhere.
5. Use a Credit Card Over a Debit Card: Credit cards typically offer better fraud protection.
6. Avoid Public Computers for Sensitive Tasks: Don’t log into your bank account or email on a computer in an internet cafe or hotel lobby.
7. Turn Off Bluetooth and Wi-Fi When Not in Use: This prevents your device from automatically connecting to insecure networks.
8. Cover Your PIN: When entering your PIN at an ATM or payment terminal, shield the keypad with your other hand.
9. Download Offline Maps: Apps like Google Maps allow you to download maps, so you can navigate without a data connection.
10. Back Up Your Photos: Regularly upload your photos to a cloud service so you don’t lose your memories if you lose your device.
11. Have Emergency Contact Info Accessible: Keep a card in your wallet with the contact details of a family member and your hotel address.