How to Improve Your Safety While Travelling – Practical Tips for Safe Travel

 

Travelling overseas is an exciting experience, offering new cultures, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable adventures. However, the need to prioritise your safety comes with the excitement. Whether you’re exploring vibrant city streets or tranquil countryside, being aware of potential risks can make all the difference.

In this blog post, “Top Practical Safety Tips to Know Before You Travel Overseas”, we’ll explore effective strategies to protect yourself from robbery, muggings, scams, and stalking. From being mindful of how wearing jewellery, using your mobile phone, and carrying an expensive camera can make you a target to practical steps like sharing your travel plans with loved ones and seeking safety advice from locals, these tips will help you stay safe and enjoy your travels with peace of mind. Let’s dive into these crucial safety measures and make your next trip your safest one yet.

 

There are many blog posts about safety when travelling and the precautions you should take to protect yourself and your belongings. For example:

• Don’t walk around on your own at night.
• Keep your money out of sight and never all in one place.
• Separate your cash and cards.
• Put a wedge under your hotel door.
• Never leave your drink unattended.
• Learn about common scams in your destination.
• Use reputable transport companies.
• Avoid public demonstrations.
• Use a luggage cable to secure your bags on buses and trains.
• Only use ATMs inside banks or buildings and only during the daytime.
• Carry your backpack or purse on your front.
• Know what is appropriate to wear to blend in and not offend.
• Carry a business card from your accommodation in case you get lost and must show the address to a driver.

And so the list goes on.

 

You would think much of this is common sense. However, I would never have thought of locking my hotel room door and putting a wedge under it. It is easy to forget that hotel staff have a Master Key to your room.

What I haven’t seen in blog posts on safety tips when travelling (and that doesn’t mean it’s not out there) is specific mention of jewellery and expensive equipment, such as cameras, tablets, and mobile phones. How might these put your safety at risk, and what might you do about them?

Do you wear jewellery when travelling?

Is it that gold chain that you never take off? Is it those diamond earrings you got from a loved one and don’t want to leave behind? Is it that watch you have to wear because you feel naked without it (that’s me)?

Have you ever thought about the impact of that jewellery on your safety when travelling?

When travelling to many countries, particularly developing countries, the mere fact that you are in their country labels you a rich person. They don’t see the budget you’re travelling on, and they wouldn’t believe you anyway. You can afford to travel; that is all they know or understand. Your limited budget could be their annual income (or more).

The jewellery you wear can make you a target. Your jewellery can put your physical safety at risk when thieves try to take it – to rip that necklace off from around your neck. You can be vulnerable to muggings – to see what other valuables you may be carrying. Your jewellery may also place you in danger of kidnapping because you are seen to be rich, and, therefore, a loved one will pay a lot of money for your release. This latter is extreme, I know, but should not be dismissed. It makes no difference whether it is valuable or costume jewellery, especially as it is often hard to tell the difference between precious gems and glass jewels.

Don’t tempt fate!

I would like to say I wear no jewellery when I travel. But I can’t. Remember, I’m the person above who has to wear a watch because I feel naked without it. I also have pierced ears. Because I travel for weeks or months, I don’t want the holes to close over. So, I do wear earrings. I wear small sterling silver sleepers (not gold as that yells “expensive”) and don’t take other earrings. The watch and the sleepers are the limits of the jewellery I wear while travelling.

On the flip side, I am not married, so I don’t wear a wedding ring. However, to minimise harassment as a female traveller and to add to my sense of security, I sometimes wear a wedding band when travelling.

And what about that camera you carry?

Your camera not only labels you as a tourist (a risk in itself) but potentially puts you at risk of being mugged to relieve you of that camera.

I travel with one of those expensive DSLR cameras because I love photography. I use my photographs on my travel blog and sell them on stock platforms. However, I take what precautions I can to remove the ‘rich person’ target on my back and its possible consequences and to prevent it from being stolen:

• I keep the camera out of sight in my slash-proof day pack when out and about and not shooting. If your camera is small enough, keep it in a secure pocket.
• I do not walk around with my camera around my neck or over my shoulder.
• I wear the camera strap across my chest or twisted around my wrist when taking photos. I don’t carry the camera over my shoulder, as it would be too easy for someone to remove it.
• My camera strap is non-descript because it does not have the brand name blazoned all over it.

Do you use a mobile phone or tablet to take photos?

On my last visit to Vietnam, the tour guide advised us to stand well back from the road when taking photos with a mobile phone. He informed us that motorcyclists drive past tourists and grab their mobile phones.

I’m sure Vietnam is not the only country where this occurs. Besides, it’s good advice wherever you travel. To improve your safety when travelling, it is best not to use your mobile phone while walking around. Take your photo and put it away. If you need to make a phone call or check a map on your phone, sit in a café to do so. Thieves are cluey about the worth of mobile phones, and you don’t want to risk losing it or your safety.

 

Are you sharing information online?

Nomadic Matt, in his article on travel safety tips to help you stay safe overseas, writes:

“If you’re posting on social media, don’t post in real time. Wait a couple hours and then post. That way, would-be criminals can’t use that information to get your location and rob you or stalk you (this is especially important for solo female travelers).”

Who knows where you are?

You can never underestimate the importance of sharing your itinerary with a family member or friend and keeping in regular contact. Who knows what could happen while you are travelling?

 Kritischethemenbewertung writes:

“Traveling can be one of life’s most exciting adventures, but it also comes with its own set of challenges and risks. One of the best ways to ensure your safety and peace of mind is to stay connected with loved ones back home. Sharing your travel itinerary and checking in regularly can provide an extra layer of security … Here’s why this practice is essential …

In case of an emergency, having someone who knows your whereabouts can be invaluable. If anything goes wrong, they can quickly provide information to authorities or help coordinate assistance.”

Enhancing your safety enriches your travel experience.

Have you asked for advice from locals?

Talk to locals, such as the staff at your accommodation, a local guide, or the police, about any safety advice they can offer.

On one of my trips to Vietnam, my local guide provided the following safety advice:

• There are fake taxis whose meters spin faster than the guide could spin his arm in a circle. He described which taxis to catch and which were fake.
• Don’t stop or run when crossing the road. Keep a slow and steady pace so traffic can avoid you.
• Walking around at night is safe, but don’t display valuables.
• Remove diamond rings.
• To deter pickpockets, men should carry their wallets in the side pocket of their pants rather than the back pocket.

Are you aware of any security concerns?

Subscribe to Smartraveller (Australia) when planning an overseas trip (or with your relevant government’s travel advisory department). By signing up, you’ll receive travel advice updates and alerts on the risks and requirements for your destination via email or push notifications to your mobile.

“Smartraveller helps Australians be informed and prepared before they go. It also helps Australians stay safe while overseas.”

 

Your safety is paramount when travelling overseas; being proactive about it can significantly enhance your travel experience. By staying vigilant, avoiding unnecessary risks, and using local insights, you’ll be better prepared to handle any situation that arises. Remember, being mindful of how you present yourself and what you carry can make you less of a target while keeping loved ones informed ensures you’re never truly alone. Armed with these safety strategies, you can travel with confidence and create lasting memories without compromising your well-being.

Safe travels and happy exploring!

 

Editor’s Note: I originally published this blog post in August 2019 and have updated it for accuracy, comprehensiveness, and relevance.

 

Disclaimer: This post contains no affiliate links. All views and opinions are my own and unsponsored. Unless otherwise stated, all photos are my own and remain the copyright of Joanna Rath/Just Me Travel.

© Just Me Travel 2018-2024. All rights reserved.

 

What other travel safety measures can you suggest for my readers? Please join the conversation by leaving a comment below.

 

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Author’s Note: Please check the latest travel restrictions before planning any trip and follow government advice.

 

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