1. Listen to Your Intuition
With most things, relying on your common sense is key to staying safe when traveling. Never do anything that makes you feel uneasy and if someone is making you uncomfortable, move away from them. You may not want to appear rude, but listen to your head and trust your instincts.
2. Be Cautious
To stay safe during a trip, familiarize yourself with local scams and crime issues. Be cautious when asking locals for advice, and use GPS to verify distances. Always double-check your change to avoid being short-changed. If renting vehicles, take photos beforehand to avoid being blamed for existing damage.
3. Handle Your Documents With Care
Taking your passport with you on every occasion increases the chance that it will be stolen or simply lost, which is why it is better to keep it in the safe deposit in your hotel. In this case, make sure to have to have your ID photo on the phone, and a scanned copy of the passport.
4. Do Your Research
Get to know your destination in depth before you arrive. Keep a list of emergency numbers for the destinations you’re travelling to, including police, ambulance, and hospital information. Make sure you carry your accommodation address and number with you at all times so that you'll know what to do if you get lost.
5. Check Rainy Season Calendar
Before you book your flights, double check that you are not intending to travel during peak monsoon season. Take note: weather differs greatly from region to region, especially in Thailand and Vietnam. There’s nothing like persistent and heavy rain to spoil your holiday plans.
6. Bring your Own Safety Kit
Wherever you’re planning on traveling, having medical essentials with you is a must. It must contain plasters, painkillers, bug spray, sun cream, antiseptic wipes, antibacterial gel, Loperamide tablets, and antihistamine cream or tablets. Check which injections you need for your destination on the NHS’s website as wel.
7. Be Wary of Public Wi-Fi
Don’t let the convenience of Internet access cloud your judgment. When you use public Wi-Fi, hackers looking to steal valuable information can access your data including credit card or Social Security numbers. If you do need wireless Internet service, set up a virtual private network (VPN) to be secured.
8. Don't Draw Attention
Try to blend in as much as you can so that you won't attract attention. Be discreet when looking at maps and approach people carefully if you need to ask for directions. Also consider investing in protective clothing and gear that will make it more difficult for pickpockets to steal money and other personal items.
9. Safeguard Your Accommodations
Even if your hotel has strong security measures in place, there are steps you can take to make your room safer. Like trying to give the impression that you’re in your room even when you’re away, such as placing the Do Not Disturb sign on the outside of your door, locking the door, and keeping your windows shut.
10. Keep your Friends and Family Updated
No matter whether you’re going on an overnight jaunt or a month-long international journey, it’s always a good idea to let friends or family back home know. Before you leave, send a copy of your itinerary to a few trusted people who can keep tabs on your whereabouts so they know you’re where you’re supposed to be.
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