Travel Safety: Simple Tips for a Safer Adventure

Traveling is one of the greatest things you can do. From visiting ancient ruins to seeing the Northern Lights, it is something everyone should embrace. But while having a frozen drink on a sunny beach may be at the top of your mind, staying safe should be a priority too. From avoiding pickpockets and scams to knowing what to do in an emergency, a little preparation can go a long way toward having an amazing adventure.

While wearing those Gucci sunglasses and carrying around a Prada bag may make you look important, it can also draw unwanted attention. If you have a photo shoot where you want to wear them, go for it, but consider leaving them behind while you're exploring. Instead, wear items without noticeable logos or items of lesser monetary value. This can make you less conspicuous to potential thieves and scammers. Plus, those $20 sunglasses from Walmart work just as well as those Chanel sunglasses.

A simple trick to avoid those pesky pick pocketers, is to avoid putting anything in your back pockets. Instead put them in your front pockets. While this isn’t fool proof, it can reduce the risk of theft. Guys, don’t like to carry those bulky wallets in your front pockets, try getting a minimalist wallet. These are great to carry your essentials like your ID, credit cards, and hotel key, with a clip on the outside to carry cash. 

Hate the feeling of having things in your front pockets? Try a small crossbody bag instead. Wear it across the front of your body rather than on your back so you can keep an eye on your belongings and easily access what you need. Plus, a small bag gives you room for a few extras, like sunscreen or a portable charger.

Exploring beyond the major tourist attractions can be one of the best ways to experience a destination, but know where you're going before you wander too far off the beaten path. Research neighborhoods ahead of time, pay attention to local travel advisories, and ask your hotel, cruise line, or travel advisor about areas you may want to avoid. No matter where you are, stay aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts if something doesn't feel right.

Traveling with others can provide an additional layer of security, especially when exploring an unfamiliar destination. If you're traveling solo, consider joining organized tours or group excursions when venturing farther away from populated areas. Either way, stay aware of your surroundings and make sure someone knows where you're going.

Always book excursions and tours through reputable companies, especially when traveling far from your hotel, resort, or cruise port. Research the company beforehand, read recent reviews, and make sure you know how you'll be getting back. A cheap tour from a stranger at the dock isn't worth putting your safety at risk.

Another important step is keeping copies of your important travel documents. Before leaving home, make copies of your passport, driver's license, travel insurance information, and any other important documents you may need. Keep a digital copy somewhere secure and consider leaving another copy with someone you trust back home. Hopefully you will never need them, but if your wallet or passport decides to take a vacation of its own, having copies can make a stressful situation a little easier to handle.

Communication is key to everything, including your safety. Tell someone you trust where you're going and when you expect to return. Sharing your location with someone back home can also make it easier to find you if something goes wrong. Before traveling internationally, check whether your phone plan includes international service and save the local emergency number for your destination. Apps like WhatsApp and Signal are also useful for staying in contact with friends, family, and travel companions over Wi-Fi.

Traveling is fun, but doing it safely should always be a priority. Explore somewhere new, try something you've never done before, meet new people, and create memories that will last a lifetime—but don't leave common sense at home. While no one wants an amazing journey to come to an end, your loved ones still want to see you come home. Enjoy every moment, but enjoy it safely.