I was fortunate to spend three years living abroad, and during that time, I learned quite a bit about staying safe. Here are some of my top tips:
1. Don’t Get Too Comfortable
It’s so easy to get comfortable living abroad or even traveling there. I’ve seen many people drink too much at the beach, party too late, and in general let their guard down. Although vacations are meant for fun, it’s so important to stay vigilant. It’s also important to remember that not all the same rules apply. It would be wise to look up some of the major laws in a country before you travel there to make sure you don’t break them. Some countries are very strict about attire and the way people conduct themselves in public. The last thing you want is to end up in a foreign jail, so remember to stay vigilant and don’t relax too much when you travel.
2. Use Cash
Sometimes foreign ATM machines or foreign restaurants don’t operate in the same way that they do in the US. I have had many friends lose money or been overcharged due to some bizarre made up fee at restaurants. While not all places are out to get tourists, some can get away with it because the tourist is either not paying attention or not familiar with the way things are handled in that country. The best thing you can use when you travel is cash. It’s safe, and it’s much harder to get taken advantage of when you use it.
3. Protect Your Identity
When you travel, keep your passport on you in a very secure location. Don’t stick it in your back pocket or in a backpack where someone can easily unzip it and take something out of it. Your passport is so important, and there’s no bigger pain than having to get new ones when you are trying to enjoy traveling. Plus, it’s your main form of identification abroad, and you don’t want it to get into the wrong hands. Speaking of keeping your identity safe, purchase a wallet that protects your credit cards from outside scanners. Many people can lift the numbers off of your card using certain gadgets. Again, cash is your safest bet if you can keep it secure on your person.
4. Have Phone Numbers Memorized
If you need to call someone back home, make sure you have his or her phone number memorized. Sometimes cell phones don’t work well overseas or people don’t take the necessary steps to enable them to work abroad. If you are in an emergency, you need to have someone’s numbers back home memorized in case you can’t access your phone. I know it seems like overkill, but you never know when you’re going to need it. It’s definitely better to be safe than sorry. Overall, traveling should be a really enjoyable, fun experience, but nothing can derail it faster than having trouble with the law or losing your personal property. So, stay safe and be vigilant so that you have a wonderful time on your vacation without the headache of a problem abroad.
Does anyone else have tips for staying safe when traveling?
Photo Credit: Blanscape / Shutterstock.com