The thought of travel is in itself quite exciting. Isn’t it? You have to make the travel plans, prepare the itinerary, decide the destinations, and what not! It is ok if you get caught up in the thrill of adventure.
But what about safety during travel? Have you ever thought of how you will ensure your and family or friends’ safety? There are always incidences of someone taking advantage of travelers in the form of sex traffickers, kidnappers, and thieves.
Tourists are easy targets for thieves as they are less familiar with the surroundings and carry money, credit cards, and valuable cameras. You can reduce the risk of getting robbed by taking a few simple precautions. Following is the list of essential tips on staying safe when traveling.
Do research
Try to gather as much information as you can before you travel to a destination. It will be safe to visit Turkey if you read traveler reviews, research the safest neighborhoods, places to stay, and crime incidences. Purchase a local sim card of Turkey at the airport. It will give you internet access at all times. You should know whom to call in an emergency in Turkey. Do not forget to get the contact number of the nearest embassy, local departments, and police station.
Make copies of documents
Always keep extra copies of important documents like passports, identity proofs, and driver’s licenses with you. You do not know when do you require a copy of any of the essential documents. Scan all the copies and save the documents online on your mobile is a safer option while traveling. It will keep you from scrambling to find the necessary documents when required.
Take care of belongings
When you travel from one spot to another with your luggage, you should always keep an eye on your belongings. Make a list of the stuff that you carry so that you do not forget anything. Try to have a backpack to keep all essential things and use a rain-cover. It will protect you from getting pick-pocketed. Please do not leave your baggage unattended, especially at airports, big stations, and busy spots, because they are hot spots for pick-pocketers.
Safeguard your hotel room
No doubt your hotel might be having robust security measures; there are specific steps that you can take to make your room safer. Keep your door locked always and windows shut. Don’t let any stranger come inside the room even if they say they work for the hotel. You can anytime call the front desk to verify whether the hotel staff ordered someone to come to your room or not.
Use money smartly
It is never a good idea to carry a huge amount of cash while you travel. Instead, you can open an account with a credit card company or an international bank. It will enable you to use local ATMs. If you withdraw a large amount of cash from the bank, keep some amount in your hotel and carry what you need for the day. Do not keep all the money in one place. Try to hold cash and credit cards in two or three different places so that if one of your hideaways is stolen, you are not empty-handed.
Do not draw attention
People who look like they are from another place are vulnerable to crime. So, try to blend as much as you can. Choose ordinary clothing that does not attract others’ attention. You need to be discreet when looking at maps and approach people carefully while asking for directions. Try to understand the map and directions from the hotel staff in which you stay instead of strangers. Go for investing in protective clothing and gear that will prevent pick-pockets to approach you and steal valuables from you.
Drink responsibly
Many people enjoy exploring the local nightlife of a tourist destination they travel and there is nothing wrong with that. But it would be best if you are careful while you drink. Most importantly, drink responsibly when you drink. Being away from home makes you an easy target, and being drunk makes you vulnerable to robbery, scam, and even worse. And yes! Ladies who are traveling alone should keep an eye on your drinks at all times.
Conclusion
That is all! Now that you are armed with the essential tips to stay safe while traveling it is time to move out and explore the world. You only have to take precautions and avoid carelessness as unexpected can always happen. Stay protected by keeping an eye on the surroundings will make you enjoy a safe trip.