Safe Travels: You Need To Know These 10 Important Safety Tips

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Planning the proverbial “safe travels” can be a major concern for adventure lovers.

You may crave travel for an exhilarating experience that opens the doors to new cultures, landscapes, and adventures. However, it’s crucial to prioritize safety when exploring the unknown.

In this guide, you’ll discover ten invaluable tips that will empower you to travel safely and with confidence.

Whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter or embarking on your first journey, read more below for the tips that will help ensure your explorations are not only enjoyable–but secure.

safe travels: safety when traveling — Safely follow your travel dreams.

CONTENTS – In this article, you will learn practical tips for maintaining your safety when traveling, including:

Personal Safety Tips for the Traveler
1. Research Your Destination
2. Find Safe Transportation
3. Share Your Plans With a Loved One
4. Be Aware of Your Surroundings
5. Consider Personal Protection Services
6. Avoid Standing Out
7. Keep Your Belongings Secured
8. Save Emergency Contact Information
9. Receive Proper Training
10. Be Ready for the Unexpected
Venture Forth Using These Safety Tips
Final Thoughts on Planning Safe Travels
Next Steps

Exploring With Caution: Personal Safety Tips for the Adventurous Traveler

Are you an adventurous traveler?

Then, you’ll want to do your best to keep safe during your adventures.

Anything can happen when you’re exploring somewhere new, whether you’re adventuring in the city or the countryside.

These 8 personal tips for safety when traveling can allow you to enjoy your experiences without worry. You’l want to learn more about exploring with caution.

1. Know Where You’re Going (and Staying)

Be sure to plan your trip ahead so you don’t get lost.

First, you’ll need to spend a lot of time researching and planning your trip.

That’s because you want to know as much about the area before you go. It’s especially important that you learn more about local laws and anything that could be a safety concern.

Make sure to look into accommodations as well.

You’ll want to know that you will be staying somewhere safe. Someplace that seems perfectly fine by day may be a bit seedy, come nightfall.

So, go ahead and read reviews online from fellow travelers, and talk with those familiar with your stay whenever possible.

2. Find Safe Transportation

It’s always a good idea to plan your arrivals and departures by daylight whenever possible, even in the best neighborhoods.

But it’s as important to find a safe, reliable way to get to and from your destinations.

It should go without saying that means no hitch-hiking or well-intended free rides.

Do your research in advance. Many travelers create a fabulous itinerary without giving the transportation between activities a second thought.

Find out whether the public transportation system is safe. Determine whether taxis are safe and available for hire. Learn of any walking routes you should avoid that might bring you through shady neighborhoods.

Getting safely from point A to point B should be part of your plan.

Next, sharing your travel plans with someone you trust is a good idea.

You don’t need to tell everyone. But you should let at least one trusted person know where you are for your safety.

Give this loved one your itinerary and check in with them during your travels. Tell them when you’ve reached your destination when you’re leaving your home base, and when you plan to return.

This is an important tip for safety when traveling. If something were to go wrong, this person would know to contact authorities if they couldn’t reach you.

4. Be Aware of Your Surroundings

safe surroundings — Always remain aware of your surroundings – you’ll be more likely to have safe travels.

You must remain aware of your surroundings when traveling. Try to keep an eye and ear to what people are doing around you to stay safe.

That means you should limit your time looking at your smartphone, especially when exploring an unfamiliar place.

Here are a few ways that you can practice being more aware of your surroundings:

Practice being mindful
Identify nearby exits
Take note of people and their actions
Observe using peripheral vision
Trust your instincts

If a situation doesn’t feel right, but you aren’t sure why, you should leave immediately.

Your subconscious often picks up on things you may not put together in the moment. But when you look back on the situation later, you’ll realize something was wrong.

So, trust your gut.

5. Consider Using Personal Protection Services

If you’re intent on traveling to what others consider an unsafe destination, you can help ensure your safety by looking to protection services, self-defense classes, and personal safety devices.

Personal protection services are employed by many individuals who are exposed to high risk during their travels. The experts who travel with you will have extensive training and know how to respond to emergencies.

Enrolling in a self-defense class before your journey can help you feel safer and more confident. Knowing how to defend yourself is an important skill!

You could also consider bringing pepper spray, small alarms, and whistles along – but be sure to check airport and local rules.

6. Avoid Standing Out for Safe Travels

Next, you must avoid standing out when traveling.

If you attract too much attention, you could quickly become a target for theft, scams, or other crimes.

So, dress appropriately for the area. You’ll want to pack clothes you can easily dress up or down so you have something for any situation.

And make sure you don’t wear flashy jewelry, electronics, or other accessories in plane sight. That only invites the possibility of confrontation.

You’ll need to be observant and watch how the locals behave, too. Then, you can copy their mannerisms. By doing so, you’ll be less likely to appear to be a tourist. It’s always helpful to blend in.

Finally, make sure to walk with confidence for safety when traveling, even if you aren’t sure where you are.

When you look like you’ve walked a path a hundred times, other people won’t take notice of you. Looking up (at skyscrapers and architecture) is also something tourists generally do in a new place, as well.

And remember, do not remain glued to your phone because it can make you look lost. That makes you an easy target.

7. Keep Your Belongings Secured

Travelers are often the target of theft, so it’s smart to keep all your personal items secured.

You can do this using an anti-theft bag such as a crossbody bag, money belt, or a bag with cut-proof straps. You can also choose a bag with hidden compartments.

When you pack your bags, don’t not keep all of your belongings in the same place.

For example, keep your cash and cards in different bags or places. That way, even if one of them gets stolen, you don’t lose everything.

Lastly, you’ll want to get TSA-friendly padlocks for your luggage, especially if you leave it in your hotel room. That way, no one can access it when you’re not in the room.

Many hotels even offer safes or deposit boxes to protect your valuables. Using them can prevent worrying and let you focus on your travels – but remember, they’re not 100% secure.

8. Save Emergency Contact Information

emergency contact information | Enjoy Travel Life — Keep emergency contact information on your smart phone so it’s handy if you need it.

Saving emergency contact information on your phone can help you in stressful situations. It’s an easy step you can take to foster safe travels.

Not every place outside the United States will use 911 as their emergency number. Some countries also have more than one number for different emergency services.

So, before your trip, make sure to save these phone numbers on your phone:

Police
Medical services
Fire department
Embassy
Your “ICE” (In Case of Emergency contact)

You can check emergency service numbers by country online.

If you’re traveling abroad, it’s especially important to have easy phone access to your country’s embassy. That way, if you lose your passport or find yourself in trouble, you have somewhere to turn.

With these numbers saved to your contact list, you won’t need to waste time searching them online in the event you need to act quickly.

9. Receive Proper Training

training for adventure — Get proper training for any adventurous activities you have planned.

Consider the activities you’re planning on your trip. You’ll want get the proper training first for intense activities like rock climbing or hiking. An easy way to do that is to attend workshops and work with professionals during or before your trip.

With training, you’ll also know what hazards to look for, and how to inspect and take care of your equipment. That way, you’ll feel more confident.

When you have the proper training for these activities, you can be sure that you will be safer because you’ll know what danger signs to look for.

In addition to any special training for your activities, be sure you stay properly hydrated and protected from the elements throughout your trip.

10. Be Ready for the Unexpected

While you can proactively plan safe travels, it’s also good to be ready for unexpected situations.

For that reason, you’ll want to bring a small medical kit to tend to small cuts, blisters, and headaches. Make sure you have any prescription medication you’ll need for the duration of the trip.

And you’ll also want to make sure you have proper medical coverage while you’re traveling. A good travel insurance plan can be quite affordable, compared to the cost of treatment out of pocket.

Venture Forth Using These Safety Tips

Ensuring your safety should be your top priority when traveling. You’ll have a much better experience knowing you’re not at risk.

Whether you’re adventuring outdoors, visiting other countries, or exploring a bustling city, you’ll have more fun while having safe travels.

Final Thoughts on Planning Safe Travels

Traveling is a remarkable adventure that enriches our lives, but safety should always be a top priority. You can plan your safe travels now that you know these important safety tips.

To recap the safety points: One of the best things you can do to prepare is to conduct research before going to evaluate the safety of the area, accommodations, and getting around. Plus, you’ll want to remain aware of your surroundings and try to blend in.

Consider the level of protection you’ll need, avoiding flashing any valuables and packing smart. Then, be well-prepared for the adventurous activities on tap.

Make sure someone knows your itinerary and you have important numbers at the ready, should you need them. And finally, plan ahead so you can cover any unexpected incidents.

By following these safety tips for explorers, you can embark on your journeys with confidence. Because knowing you’ve taken the necessary precautions to protect yourself and make the most of your travels is priceless.

Stay safe, stay curious, and create unforgettable memories around the world.

Safe travels!

About Jackie Gately, editor-IN-CHIEF

I'm Jackie Gately, your travel confidante and the creative force behind Enjoy Travel Life, awarded the "Best Casual-Luxury Lifestyle Blog (USA)" in Travel and Tourism by LUXlife Magazine for four consecutive years.

With 25 years of published expertise, I'm a seasoned writer, editor, and photographer curating inspiring travel guides and lifestyle tips for empty nesters. I hope to kindle your spirit of exploration, encouraging you to overcome obstacles and turn your dreams into reality.

Learn to minimize your pre-travel angst and maximize the joy of exploration with insights from my experiences. Let's make every adventure a celebration of this exciting phase of life! 

Follow my social channels for more inspiration.

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