Your Essential Guide to Savvy Travel: 6 Crucial Travel Tips to Prioritise Your Safety

Staying Safe & Secure: No Matter Where You Travel In the World.

The thrill of exploring a new corner of the world is undeniable. However, amidst the excitement, prioritising your safety is paramount. Based on my experiences and insights, here are some crucial tips to help you navigate your travels with confidence and peace of mind.

While some might sound cautionary, remember that a little awareness goes a long way in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable adventure. Here are 20 tips to remember and share with other travellers.

a) Getting Around at Your Destinations:

  1. Airport Arrivals: Choose Official Taxis: When arriving at an airport and heading to your hotel, opt for the official, often slightly more expensive, airport taxis. Crucially, always verify that the driver has official identification displayed. Avoid any taxis waiting outside the designated airport taxi ranks. It’s always better to err on the side of caution when you’re in a new and unfamiliar environment.
  2. Hotel to Airport: Trust Your Hotel’s Recommendation: For your journey from the hotel to the airport, arrange a taxi through the hotel concierge or reception. They usually work with reputable and trusted drivers. As I can’t stress enough, taxis in unfamiliar places can sometimes pose risks, so relying on your accommodation’s recommendations adds a layer of security.
  3. Time Your Arrivals Wisely: Try to schedule your arrival in a new city or town during daylight hours. Checking into your accommodation is generally smoother and safer during the day. Security in certain areas can also be less reliable at night, making daytime arrival a more prudent choice.

b) Safety in Numbers and Communication:

  1. Travel Together When Possible: There’s undeniable safety in numbers, especially while travelling abroad. If you have the opportunity to travel with companions, it’s generally a good idea. Looking out for one another can significantly enhance your security and overall travel experience.
  2. Learn Basic Local Phrases: Before you arrive in a new destination, take the time to learn a few basic phrases in the local language, and also install translation apps and invest in mini travel language guides if possible. While English is becoming more widely spoken in tourist areas, relying solely on it can be limiting and potentially problematic. Checking the prevalence of English beforehand and making an effort to communicate in the local tongue shows respect and can be incredibly helpful in various situations.

c) Protecting Your Valuables & Travel Cash:

  1. Keep Your Valuables Concealed: Make it difficult for opportunistic thieves. Consider using a money belt, which comes in various styles. An “over-the-shoulder” wallet worn discreetly under your clothing is a particularly effective way to keep your cash and cards secure.
  2. Avoid Solo Trips to Remote Tourist Spots: When venturing to remote areas or ruins that are popular with tourists, it’s wise not to go alone. Seek local advice on safety and consider hiring a guide who is familiar with the area.
  3. Stay Informed: Guidebooks and Fellow Travellers: Read your guidebooks and chat with other tourists. They can offer valuable insights into areas to avoid and potential safety concerns based on their experiences.

d) Nighttime  Travel & Precautions:

Late-Night Departures: Taxi Home: When leaving discos or late-night venues, always take a taxi back to your accommodation, no matter how close it seems. Often, street vendors selling cigarettes outside these establishments know reliable taxi drivers they can recommend.

e) Arrival in a New Destination:

  • Stick to Your Original Accommodation Plan: When you arrive in a new town, resist any attempts by taxi drivers to persuade you that your pre-booked hostel is full or that they know a “better and cheaper” alternative. This is a common tactic for drivers working on commission with less reputable establishments, often located in less safe areas.
  • Pre-Book and Arrange Airport/Station Transfers: Even better than sticking to your plan, try to reserve your accommodation in advance, especially at hotels that offer airport or train station pick-up services. This minimises your reliance on unknown taxis upon arrival.

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f) General Awareness:

  1. Leave Expensive Jewellery at Home: Avoid wearing expensive-looking jewellery that could make you a target for theft.
  2. Secure Your Belongings on Public Transport: On public transport, keep your daypack close to you at all times. Consider wrapping the straps around your legs or even using a small padlock to secure it to a luggage rack. On buses where your backpack is stored externally, always ask for a receipt for your bags on long journeys. For shorter trips, keep a vigilant eye on the luggage compartment at each stop. In the unfortunate event of theft, stay with the bus and obtain a declaration of loss from the bus company for your insurance claim.
  3. Use Hotel Safes for Valuables: When making day trips or longer tours, leave your valuables in the hotel safe. Obtain a detailed receipt listing each item you’ve deposited.
  4. Smart Passport and Card Storage: If you must leave your passport and credit cards together, place each credit card in a sealed envelope and sign your name across the flap. This simple step will alert you if anything has been tampered with during your absence.
  5. Be Discreet with Money in Crowded Areas: When visiting markets, crowded streets, or festivals, avoid carrying all your valuables. Leave what you don’t need at your accommodation. If you plan to make a purchase, keep your money securely in a money belt and be discreet when accessing it. Stuffing a handkerchief in your pocket after taking out small change can also offer a slight deterrent.
  6. Navigate Crowds Wisely: If pavements are excessively crowded, especially in market areas, consider walking in the road (while being mindful of traffic, of course).
  7. Trust Your Instincts and Be Assertive: If you suspect someone is following you, stop and make direct eye contact until they move away. If you have a bad feeling about a place or situation, trust your gut and leave. While bag slashing is less common now, wearing your daypack on your chest in crowded areas offers added security.
  8. Moving Through Crowds with a Backpack: If you’re wearing a backpack, try to keep moving without stopping in crowded areas. If you do need to stop, gently sway your pack from side to side so you can feel if anyone is attempting to access it.
  9. The Café Foot Trick: When placing your bag on the floor in a café or while taking a photo, loop your foot through the strap. This simple habit makes it virtually impossible for someone to snatch your bag without you noticing and also prevents you from accidentally leaving it behind – a surprisingly common form of theft.

Apply these travel safety tips to your travel routine, and you can significantly enhance your safety and focus on what truly matters: that is, immersing yourself in new cultures, experiencing incredible sights, and creating lasting memories.

 

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