Traveling with friends, family, or even alone can be a lot of fun, but there are also many different security related things to keep in mind. Women, children, and pets also have different travel safety needs. By following a little bit of common sense and a few simple tips, you can be assured that your trip with not only be one you will always remember, but it will be a safe one as well. While traveling is sure to be a great experience, staying safe should never stray far from your priorities. Thinking about these things in advance will help to ensure that you have a fun, safe, and enjoyable trip that you’ll never forget.
Residential Security
Something everyone should keep in mind is how to make sure your home stays safe while you are away. Leave the front porch light and any back lights on the entire time so it gives the illusion that there is always someone home. Lock all doors and windows and if someone is watching your home for you have them bring the newspaper inside each day. This will make it appear to potential criminals that you are there. If you have a home security system, be sure to arm it and give the code to your house sitter so that they can re-arm it when you leave. If you have security cameras, make sure that your DVR is set to record while you are away. If possible, have someone stay in your home for you while you’re gone.
Digitize your documents
Scan all relevant visas, travel documents and passports before you head out. Email them to an account that you can access while traveling in case the originals are lost or stolen. There is no need to make photocopies as long as you have these digital scans available. And since they are digital, they can’t get lost.
Leave the jewelry and expensive watches at home
When you wear high-end jewelry or watches, you are inviting thieves to target you and your belongings. This is true for luxury bags as well. What may be a source of status at home can quickly become a bull’s-eye to thieves. Focus on blending in with the locals, who in almost all cases will be at a lower economic level than you.
Women’s Safety
Women should be especially aware of certain travel safety rules. Never go anywhere alone, and always bring someone with you when you venture out, particularly at night. Bring some mace or pepper spray in the event you have to defend yourself in a dangerous situation. Do not wear flashy jewelry, as this will only tempt a robber to try and steal from you. Walk briskly and with your head up and eyes moving around, so that you look confident and aware of your surroundings. Do not drink too much while you’re out unless you can stay close to your trusted travel companion.
Buy the right travel insurance
Travel insurance, sometimes viewed as an unnecessary expense, is actually essential. There are a number of great companies that sell travel insurance, and best of all you can buy it through your travel agent, who knows the reputable companies. Travel insurance can cover you if you get sick before or during the trip, experience theft during the trip, lose your luggage, miss your flight or if you need to cancel a trip that you’ve already paid for, among many other things. Talk with your travel agent to make sure you have the right coverage. It’s not that much more money, but it will make you much more secure if anything goes wrong.
Split up your finances
Don’t carry all your credit cards or cash in a single wallet or purse. Leave a card and emergency cash in the hotel safe and carry only as much money as you think you’ll need during the day. Should you lose your wallet, you will still have a way to make purchases for the remainder of your trip. If you are traveling as a couple, make sure one ATM card stays put while the other goes out, for the same reason. And men should never put their wallet in their back pocket. If at all possible, use an inside jacket pocket or a zippered front pocket.
