Travelling is one of life’s greatest pleasures and the best way to discover new and exotic locations the world has to offer. When we travel to a different country, we not only have the opportunity to broaden our horizons, take in myriad of cultures, traditions, and customs but also get to soak in the beauty and splendour of the new city.
However, travelling to a foreign place also come with its own set of risks and worries, especially if it’s somewhere you’re heading to for the first time. This is why having practising good safety habits is essential to minimise these risks.
Let’s take a look at some helpful travel tips that can be beneficial during the planning phase of an overseas trip.
Research The Country You Are Travelling To
This important tip goes without saying, but it can be surprising how many people neglect it or don’t do the right amount of research. As a traveller, it’s mandatory you make an effort to learn about the country you’re visiting aside from the obvious tourist spots. Learn about its cultural norms, the safest locations for tourists, ideal and safe accommodations to stay in, and also the regions or areas that should be avoided.
Keep Belongings Close
Travelling often means having luggage, and for those planning to shop, it means a bigger luggage bag or carrying an additional one. But, if you can, try to avoid carrying too many luggage or bags as it could attract unwanted attention. In addition, try to avoid using flashy ones and invest in a sturdy luggage lock to secure it.
Don’t leave hand-carry bags unattended and always know where they are at all times.
Blend In With The Places You Visit
Locals in a country know how to spot a tourist as they usually stand out from the rest. Because of this, you may become more vulnerable to shady business practices or even con-artists. Make an effort to blend in with the locals and also to observe cultural sensitivities. For example, when you visit certain places of worship, it’s crucial that you dress modestly so that you don’t offend or disrespect the culture there. Blending in can also prevent you from becoming targets of theft or other crimes.
Take Note of Emergency Information
As careful as we can be, sometimes unfortunate events beyond our control can happen. Anticipating the possibility of these events happening is a wise step in making sure that your trip is safer. In the case of accidents or emergencies, it’s essential to have the contact numbers of the local police, ambulance, and firefighting services, so you can mitigate the risk of injury immediately.
It can also be beneficial to have the contact number of your country’s embassy, should the country you’re visiting have one. In addition, ensure you have the contact details of specialised services such as the customs department or an air ambulance service. Having these numbers at your fingertips can be highly useful should a travel or medical emergency arise.
Health Management is Key
Some of the locations you visit may not have immediate access to a clinic or hospital in case you need medication. Always ensure that you have consulted your doctor and received the necessary vaccinations before travelling. Also, ensure that you have an adequate supply of common over-the-counter medication such as painkillers, probiotics, antibiotics, and insect repellent. These can help should you have headaches or motion sickness while travelling.
