Hey there, fellow travelers! Today we’re in the Loire Valley of France. While we love to share all of the exciting and fun things about traveling the world as a family, there are some downsides, too. Today we’re doling out safety advice for travelers. Some things are just unavoidable, but there travel safety tips can help you stay safe while traveling.
#1 Research
Safety while traveling starts before you ever leave home. Yeah, spontaneous travel is awesome, but a bit of research can really pay off in the long run. Find out which neighborhoods to stay in, which neighborhoods to avoid and any outstanding travel warnings. Of course, you can’t predict terror attacks or earthquakes, but you can learn that Barcelona is the pickpocketing capital of the world.
#2 Dress the Part
You don’t have to be a fashionista while traveling, but there are ways you can downplay your tourist status by blending in. How you are dressed can affect how you are treated while traveling. Looking like a tourist can make you a target for thieves, who will assume you are probably carrying lots of cash and valuables like camera equipment.
Read: How to Spot an American Tourist Abroad
#3 Leave the Bling at Home & Don’t Overpack
Leave any valuable jewelry at home. It’s not worth losing, or making yourself a target because of your jewelry. Likewise, having to carry a ton of luggage around makes you an easy target. You want to be able to travel lightly, and have one hand free to keep it on your wallet or handbag at all times.
#4 Wear a Money Belt
The best way to avoid being robbed of cash while traveling is to wear a money belt. Many travelers use this method of how to hide cash while traveling. There are some you wear around your neck, and others that go around your waist. They are worn under your clothes, and should be used for the bulk of your cash and cards throughout the day. Keep a small amount of cash readily available in a pocket, and pop into a discreet spot if you need to get more money out of your money belt.
#5 Use the Hotel Safe
When you arrive at your hotel, make sure you use the in-room safe for your passport and any valuable items. (Carry a copy of your passport with you, and keep the original in the safe.) I also recommend to keep your luggage locked while it’s in the hotel room, so that nothing goes missing while you are out for the day.
#6 Don’t Go Out Alone Late at Night
Some places are safer than others, but in general, it’s not a great idea to be out in a strange city on your own after dark. Ask your hotel concierge for advice and find out if it’s safe, and what areas you should avoid. Unfortunately, women traveling alone need to be extra cautious.
#7 Be Aware of Your Surroundings
When you do go out, always be aware of your surroundings. It may sound paranoid, but being on alert can help keep you safe. Pay attention if someone strange is watching or following you, know where exits are located, and be careful not to stray into a shady area.
#8 Not Everyone is Trying to Help You
Yes, you will meet amazing people throughout your travels, who will help you. But, not everyone is so kind. Be cautious with unsolicited help, like when someone offers you a drink, or offers to store your luggage.
#9 Don’t Forget Protection
This can mean a lot of things. Protection from sexually transmitted diseases is one caution to exercise. When you are riding in taxis, make sure you use the seatbelts. Wear helmets on your cycling and scooter tours.
Read: Seven Most Common Travel Injuries & Ailments
#10 Ask for Help
Even the most seasoned travelers know to ask for help from friends, fellow travelers and travel professionals. If your hotel has a concierge, ask them for tips and advice, bounce ideas off them to see if they think it’s safe. Some of the best information you can get is from fellow travelers. The tourism board isn’t going to tell you where you’re most likely to get pickpocketed, but other travelers will not hesitate to share that info.
#11 Have Backup Copies
Always keep a copy of your passport separate from your actual passport. It’s not a bad idea to carry extra passport photos in the event you lose your passport and need to have a new one made. Also, keep a sheet of phone numbers for your credit card companies and banks. If your card gets stolen, you can easily call the credit card company and alert them.
#12 Know Where to Go For Help
When you arrive in a new country, make sure you know what phone number to dial for help. It’s also a great idea to learn how to say “help” in the local language.
#13 Avoid Protests & Demonstrations
If you see large gatherings of people, whether it’s a protest or demonstration, just stay away. It can be tempting to move in closer and find out what’s going on, but you don’t want to get swept up in anything. A big group of people can also be a big target, so just do your best to avoid these, as interesting as they may seem.
I hope these travel safety tips make you feel better about traveling. With these tips, you can travel a bit safer and have better peace of mind knowing you are prepared for whatever comes at you. We want our fans to have wonderful, and safe, travels. For more travel tips and advice, check out these blog posts and videos: