Want to know something that can instantly ruin a trip? Having all of your money stolen in one swift moment leaving you stranded. NOW, in today’s day you can easily have your banking and credit cards stopped, but what a hastle while away from home and unable to easily access your funds. Worse than being stranded without money – what if you are kidnapped or lost?
It can certainly be undeniably scary leaving home – whether heading to a foreign country or a larger city. If you feel like you might be a target for thieves you are not alone. Many feel they are instantly going to suffer from some sort of scam or tragic event while out of town. I am defintely a “worst case scenerio” type of thinker – so I have many tips on how to ease all of those thoughts.
To be honest, I never travel with any sort of valuables. Not even my wedding bands. That has nothing to do with my fear of being robbed, but more of my fear of flying. What if my plane crashed? That is a story for another post. So while I have never had anything actually stolen, I did lose a memory card once. THANKFULLY I had already uploaded all of the pictures on the card.
TRAVEL SAFETY TIP #1
Before you head to a destination RESEARCH. See what reviews others have said about the locations you are staying. Check out the safest neighborhoods or resorts. Is it safe to go off resort? Can you easily schedule a tour of the local areas? Knowing simple information like those questions above will ease your comfort levels.
TRAVEL SAFETY TIP #2
Buy travel insurance. If you travel often you might want to think about the annual plans. Traveling only once a year? You can definitely find the right policy that will fit your needs. Cancel for any reason, medical, protection while traveling – so may options. Medical coverage, while traveling out of the country, would easily make if worth your policy should you need medical care. Allianz is one of my favorite travel insurance companies. Send any of this information to a trusted friend or family member in case of an emergency.
TRAVEL SAFETY TIP #3
Never carry all of your money and credit cards all in one spot. I always keep an emergency credit card with my belongings and not while I am walking around. Never do I carry all of my cash in one place. To be honest, I rarely take my debit cards when traveling at all. I keep my purse to my front or turn my bookbags to the front. I try to travel as hands free as possible – so less is always best. The more stuff you have the easier target you are for pickpockets.
TRAVEL SAFETY TIP #4
Have a digital and paper copy of your important documents. For my passport I have a copy that I have emailed to myself and a friend/family member, a paper copy at home, and a picture on my phone. This will make it easier should you lose your passport while out of the country. You should also have digital copies of your birth certifcates, marriage license, and any other important documents should there be an emergency.
TRAVEL SAFETY TIP #5
Send your travel itinerary to trusted friends and family members. Locations, hotels, flight information – the more the better. Check in with someone at least on arrival. DO NOT post real time social media posts of your locations, but do send updates to friends and family. Stay in the moment and take a break from social media. Feel free to make those posts about your trip while on your flight home!
These are just a few basic tips for when you start to plan your next vacation. Stay tuned for more in depth tips!