How to Vacation Right: A Look at Traveler’s Safety
Vacation is a time to relax by the pool, enjoy the sunshine, and see the sights. You no doubt wish to be without worries and far away from anything that may cause you stress. This is why it is so important that you take the time to understand safe travelling practices and make sure to use them when you are travelling. If you’ve watched the news any time in the last decade, you know that things can go terribly awry. In order to enjoy your vacation, you need to secure yourself and your belongings for maximum safety.
It’s one thing to be paranoid, it’s another to be smart. I will, however, say that some amount of paranoia is preferable to reckless travelling—and being safe will always be better than sorry. That being said, here are some tips for different stops on your journey to a relaxing vacation, and what you can do to protect yourself and your belongings.
At the airport:
- Whether you are departing or arriving, always be aware of your surroundings and where your things are located. Keep all bags close by and secure all carry-ons with luggage locks.
- Keep identifying information and important documents such as your driver’s license or passport on your person and safely hidden away. Don’t have them sticking out of a purse or bag—to avoid theft or from accidentally falling out of your bag.
- Be aware of suspicious persons in the airport, or outside of the airport—especially if travelling to foreign countries. Don’t ever assume that tragedies such as kidnappings only happen to others. They can happen to you as well. Never give information about where you are staying to strangers.
At the hotel:
- Just because there is a lock on the door doesn’t mean that others won’t make their way into the room. Whereas we would like to put trust in others to do the right thing, it is important to keep your valuables safe. Purchase a personal safe that you can keep hidden and attached to a piece of furniture for your valuable jewelry, and travelling documents (such as your passport).
- Be sure not to give any strangers information concerning your whereabouts in the hotel, or at which hotel you will be staying.
While you’re out:
- When you’re out by the pool (or out sightseeing) it is important to keep your bag safe from others, especially if you are travelling by public transportation. There are thieves out there that prey specifically on tourists, so be sure to use backpack locks or luggage locks on your backpacks, camera bags, or others.
- Avoid travelling alone, and always bring along someone that can find help if you run into an emergency situation.
- Be sure that you know which local authorities to contact, and how you would get a hold of them in case of an emergency. If you are travelling in a foreign country, make sure you know the basic phrases for finding help, and communicating where you need to go.
Being safe doesn’t have to be time consuming, and certainly doesn’t have to put a damper on your fun. Keeping these tips in mind will help keep you, your loved ones, and your belongings secure and free to enjoy your time off.