No one wants their vacation, or weekend away to be marred by theft, an accident, injury or the unexpected. Of course, we all enjoy a little spontaneity from time to time, but not when it involves hefty medical bills and the possibility of cutting your holiday short. Lots of people travel for different reasons, whether you’re on a voyage of discovery and you’re hoping to “find” yourself, you’ve booked a romantic weekend for two, or you’re enjoying quality time with your family, everyone deserves to be able to break away from their regular 9-5 and enjoy themselves.
And, the best way to ensure that your break is danger free, and is thoroughly enjoyed, is by taking time to invest in your own safety. It may seem a little extreme, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Read on for 4 tips that will help keep you safe when traveling.
Be safe on the road
Whether you’re driving to your destination or you’re renting a car to use while you’re there, the last thing you want is to be involved in a car accident. Car accidents are common, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take steps to avoid them.
You can stay safe on the roads by following these simple tips:
- Make sure you know which side of the road to drive on
- Ensure that your car is well maintained
- Research local road signs or common traffic issues in the area
- Only hire from a reputable hire company
Research the local area
You may have your partner in tow, or the kids, either way, it’s important to conduct a little research before you wander around a new location. Don’t worry about ruining the spontaneity of your trip, sometimes it’s much better to play it safe.
Consider the following research tips:
- Find out which areas may be unsafe for tourists
- Make yourself aware of common scams in the area
- Are there any dress codes or cultural norms you should be aware of?
- How can you ride public transport safely?
Keep your money safe
No one wants to have their money stolen, their wallet lost, or their credit/debit cards blocked whilst they’re away from home. It leaves us in a wholly vulnerable position.
If you’re planning on using cash or cards while on your holidays, consider the following:
- Let your bank provider know to expect card activity in a new destination
- Don’t carry all your money on you at once
- Hide your cash/cards in a money belt or scarf
- Don’t flash your money or cards
- Consider taking a fake wallet out with you in case you are mugged or robbed
- Know what number to call if you’re robbed and need the police
Focus on your safety
Applying some simple safety and common sense tips is the best way to keep you and your loved ones safe.
Consider these:
- Never leave your drink unattended
- Never invite strangers to your accommodation and never go back with them to theirs
- Keep your bag close to you at all times
- Be respectful and polite to locals
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