Few things are more exciting than traveling internationally. When traveling abroad, you experience the diverse and beautiful cultures that make up our world. Many people are wary of international travel, fearing that it is dangerous. For the most part, traveling throughout the world is very safe.
That being said, there are safety precautions that every traveler should take to ensure their trip remains a joyous one. Here are 12 top safety tips for international travel.
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12 Safety Tips for Your Next Trip Abroad
Traveling internationally can be exciting and enriching, but a little preparation goes a long way. These practical tips will help you stay safe, protect your belongings, and enjoy your journey with peace of mind.
1. Get a Checkup and the Appropriate Vaccines
Always have a physical examination before your trip to ensure you are healthy enough to travel abroad, and be aware of the health concerns specific to the country you are planning to visit.
Numerous worldwide travel destinations require vaccinations before your arrival, so ensure you know the immunizations you need and are immunized before your trip.
2. Make Electronic Copies of Your Documents
You’ll be required to carry the necessary documentation with you when traveling abroad.
Create an electronic backup of your immunization record, itinerary, medical insurance card, passport, plane tickets, travel insurance, and visas before you leave.
Email the file to yourself and keep it in your inbox so you can access the information from your smartphone should the paperwork be lost or damaged.
3. Don’t Carry Everything Together
It might be tempting to keep your cash, credit cards, identification, and traveler’s checks in your wallet, but it’s best not to do so. Keep any money, credit cards, IDs, and checks you won’t be using locked in your hotel room safe.
Separate the monetary and identifying items you must carry on you and carry them in different spots on your person. This safety tip prevents you from losing everything if someone steals your wallet.
4. Don’t Carry Things in Your Back Pocket
Speaking of theft, pickpocketing is a common occurrence in specific areas around the world, and, yes, pickpockets have been known to target tourists.
Do not keep anything in your back pocket, including your wallet, a small purse, your hotel room keys… anything! Doing so opens you up to becoming an easy target for the swift hand of a pickpocket.
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5. Keep Items to Your Front
Another thing you might be tempted to do is hang your purse on the back of your chair on a sidewalk or set your bags down at your feet.
This isn’t a good idea, either, because your attention will be attracted to the new sights around you.
Keep your bags in your lap or at the front of your feet under the table, with the straps wrapped around your leg.
6. Look Back When Leaving
The previous tip often helps prevent leaving things behind; after all, if you have your purse strap wrapped around your leg, you’ll trip over it if you don’t remove it.
People do, however, often leave personal items behind when they’re ready to move on to their next destination.
Look back at where you were sitting as you’re leaving to ensure you haven’t forgotten your purse, shopping bags, or anything else of importance.
7. Leave the “Bling” at Home
It might be tempting to wear your favorite jewelry throughout your trip or take pictures with your new, costly camera, but in the interest of your safety, refrain from doing so.
If you tour your international destination dressed to the nines and wearing expensive jewelry, you are announcing to potential thieves that you are a worthy target for mugging.
Keep it simple and appropriate for the place you are visiting, and hide your camera in a case when you aren’t using it.
8. Don’t Talk to Strangers
Of course, you’ll be talking to the people of the land you are visiting – that’s the best part of traveling, meeting new people!
Don’t get carried away, however, and begin to trust strangers with your life story or personal information. Consider what you say to your children and follow your own advice.
Don’t talk to strangers who don’t appear trustworthy. Do not accept food or drink from them, and do not go anywhere with them unless they are your licensed tour guide and you’re on your booked tour.
9. Don’t Solicit Panhandlers
Many nations have areas that suffer from poverty, just as we do here in the U.S. It is crucial not to traverse these areas without the proper guides.
It is even more important not to give beggars cash or any of your belongings. Of course, you want to help them out, but if you are genuinely interested in finding ways to aid the poverty-stricken in the land you are visiting, research local charities and donate that way.
10. Don’t Try to Be a Hero
The flip side of the previous tip is don’t try to be a hero if you, unfortunately, become the victim of a mugging. Rather than attempting to fight the perpetrator, give up your belongings.
Cash, credit cards, identification, and traveler’s checks are not worth the risk of injury or death. Give the items up quickly, and once you’re out of danger, proceed to the nearest U.S. Consulate or appropriate authority to report the incident.
11. Avoid Using Your Credit Card at Internet Cafes
With the advent of the Internet, criminals have found a new way to commit identity theft. Internet cafes are trendy among travelers.
They are a quick and easy way to grab a cup of coffee while emailing the latest details of your adventure to your family and friends.
Criminals keep a wary eye and use key logger software on the computers in Internet cafes to obtain your credit card information, so pay for the computer use with cash.
12. Be Properly Insured
Many people think they do not need travel insurance, and nothing could be further from the truth. Your health insurance might offer you some international coverage.
Still, the chances are good that it doesn’t fully cover potential illness, injury, or even death when you are on foreign soil. Your belongings must also be insured for the simple reason that anything might happen to them.
Ensure that you, your fellow travelers, and all your belongings are adequately insured before departing.
If you are traveling for work, check with your HR department to see if they offer a business travel insurance plan for employees.
If you travel frequently, consider an Annual Travel Insurance Plan, which offers convenience and cost-effectiveness by providing consistent coverage throughout the year. Although you can take unlimited trips, each trip usually has a maximum duration limit, depending on the policy.
Special Considerations for High Risk Travel
When traveling to regions with higher security risks, careful planning and vigilance are essential. Stay updated on local news and government travel advisories, and always have a clear emergency plan, including knowledge of the nearest embassy or consulate.
Keep a low profile, avoid large gatherings, and use trusted local guides when exploring unfamiliar or potentially dangerous areas. While the likelihood of encountering serious threats is low, taking these precautions can help ensure your safety and allow you to enjoy your travels responsibly.
For more detailed guidance, read our article on Terrorism and Travel: How to Stay Safe Abroad, where we share practical tips and resources for navigating high-risk areas and managing potential threats while enjoying your adventures overseas.
Stay Safe and Enjoy Your Adventures
I sincerely hope this list of travel safety tips doesn’t discourage you from traveling abroad. Instead, I hope this list encourages you.
Traveling worldwide is one of the most rewarding experiences; it doesn’t have to be dangerous.
If you employ precautionary measures before and during your trip, you will have a marvelous and unforgettable time on your international vacation.
Find the Best International Travel Insurance
- Compare top-rated travel insurance providers
- Get quotes for Travel Medical, Trip Cancellation, and more
- Choose the best plan for your trip and budget
Joe Cronin, President of ICI, is a leading expert in international health, life, and travel insurance. An MBA and founder of multiple global businesses, he helps expatriates and travelers access trusted, comprehensive insurance solutions worldwide.
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