Travel safety is a very real concern for anyone who ventures abroad. While some dangers are simply part of being a tourist, others can be avoided by being aware and prepared. A big part of staying safe while travelling is to develop some good habits while you’re on the road. These include:
Preparation Is Key
Whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure, preparing can make all the difference. By taking time to prepare, you can be sure that everything will go smoothly and safely.
Preparation helps you avoid common travel mishaps and problems like running out of clean clothes or having your credit card declined. It also gives you an edge in a variety of ways, including increased mental flexibility and creative problem-solving skills.
Do It Before You Leave the House – Often, preparation takes place in the comfort of your home before you leave. Getting ready the night before your trip can help you avoid last minute crises and ensure that you don’t run out of something vital before you get to your destination.
Likewise, learning some key phrases in the language of your destination is essential before you leave. This will not only help you communicate with locals, but it will also make you more likely to avoid thugs and scammers.
Beware of Public Wi-Fi
Using public Wi-Fi can be convenient, but it also poses some serious security risks. Hackers can use specialized tools to spy on your internet activity and steal your information, including passwords and financial data.
One of the best ways to protect yourself is by using a VPN, which encrypts your connection and makes it difficult for hackers to view your data. A VPN Italia gratis is especially important when you’re using a public Wi-Fi hotspot to browse the web.
If you do decide to surf the web while you’re travelling, make sure that all of your connections are secure by looking for a green padlock icon in the address bar. You can also look for websites that use HTTPS, which means the ‘S’ in the URL stands for “secure.”
It’s also a good idea to change your passwords before you leave so that hackers can’t access your online accounts. You should also avoid logging into social media or banking sites over public Wi-Fi.
Stay Safe in Your Hotel Room
There are some simple things you can do to make your hotel stay as safe and comfortable as possible. One flight attendant recently shared her hotel safety tips on TikTok under the username CiCi_inthesky.
First of all, CiCi recommends staying on a higher floor. That’s a good tip because it makes your room less likely to be targeted by criminals and easier to access by fire department ladders.
Another important tip is to make sure you’re not being followed as you move from the lobby to your room. If you do notice someone following you, get off the elevator and ask a porter to accompany you to your room.
Then, check your hotel room closet, shower, and curtains for any suspicious items or hidden predators. Next, prop your door open with your suitcase or a chair so that anyone who tries to get into your room will have a hard time. Finally, a washcloth hung on the security lock can help thwart any attempt to open it.
Be Wary of Strangers
While travelling alone, it is always best to be wary of strangers and watch out for them. They could be trying to scam you or harm you.
If you are not comfortable with a person, try to ignore them or walk away as quickly as possible. Do not let someone touch your belongings or make you feel uncomfortable in any way.
Another good idea is to avoid walking around with large amounts of cash on your person. Even if you are not planning to buy anything, carrying around money can be dangerous.
You may also want to consider bringing personal safety whistles and alarms with you, and taking a self-defence course. It’s important to have a plan in place should anything go wrong, such as getting lost or being separated from your group.
