No one wants to be robbed or ripped off when on holidays overseas, so checking out all safe travel ideas for your vacation should be a part of your holiday planning.
This means unsafe places, credit and currency, official documentation, emergency contacts, taking photos, airport security and the like.
The smart traveler prepares for eventualities that can occur on any trip – the negative ones are exacerbated if you are far from home and in a country where they speak a different language and have different legal perspectives.
Keep Your Cash Safe
Never keep all your cash and credit cards in th one place (e.g. wallet, pocket). If traveling alone, split them up into different pockets – secure ones at that – with zippers or at least velcro tabs. Under a shirt is also good. Many also use ‘bum’ bags – but still don’t keep all your money and passport in them – spread them out.
Use hotel safes – at reception – not the ones in your room – especially for passports and ID’s and extra credit card and cash – you don’t need to carry it all with you all the time. NEVER leave valuables in your room.
Duplicate Documentation and Contact
Take a photocopy copy of your official documents with you, and leave a copy at home. Secure
copies as you would the real thing and not in the same place. People do go through suitcases in hotels, and airports.
Consider leaving your details with your consulate or embassy in the countries you visit – especially if you intend to go off the beaten track or into a possibly risky area. This is prudent if you are in a country for an extended time.
Make sure someone at home has your travel itinerary. Consider setting up regular contact – by email or text messages.
With ‘roaming’ available on cell phones make sure you have one – just watch the costs and, also make sure you have the charger with you – plus conversion plugs for the powerpoints – obtainable in any airport.
Airport security: leave plenty of time to go through this and your check in. Don’t leave your baggage untended. Use recommended padlocks and or plastic wrap to ensure no one can put illicit materials into your suitcases.
Dangerous places and actions
Respect Local Conditions
Learn what these are – when you get to a new place. Most major cities have ‘no go’ areas. Always stick to well populated areas in cities.
Never travel alone at night unless you know it is a safe area. Take a cab – and in places like Bangkok these are cheap.
Do not go near political demonstrations in foreign countries, even if you sympathise with the cause.
In patriarchal societies don’t antagonize people by wearing inappropriate dress or behavior.
Keep you eye out for pickpockets – they brush up to you very quickly.
Don’t photograph sensitive political or military sites without permission. If you want to photograph some of the local people – be courteous and ask first. They are not exhibits in a zoo.
Lastly, when planning your safe travel, always check your foreign affairs departments travel advisories – they warn not only about unsafe political situations, but also about epidemics and the other disasters,
