Traveling doesn’t have to be scary. And you can ensure that by following these safety tips for traveling internationally.
Traveling is an exciting experience that can broaden your horizons and create lasting memories. However, taking precautions to ensure your safety while abroad is important.
We’ve been traveling for over three years and have had our fair share of mishaps. We’ve been robbed, gotten pickpockets, been put into mandatory quarantine, lost our wallets, and more! We have learned these top lessons for staying safe with traveling internationally, and now we want to share them with you!
We’ll cover the top safety tips for traveling, the top 10 travel tips, travel safety and security, safety precautions for tourists, and more!
This post is all about the top safety tips for traveling internationally.
Safety Tips for Traveling Internationally
1. Get travel insurance
Travel insurance is a must-have for any international traveler, as it can provide coverage for unexpected medical expenses, trip cancellations, and lost or stolen belongings. Make sure to purchase a policy that covers your specific needs and destination, and always keep a copy of your policy and emergency contact information with you.
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2. Use a VPN
When using public Wi-Fi, it’s important to protect your personal information using a virtual private network (VPN). This encrypts your internet connection and keeps your data safe from hackers. You can download a VPN app on your phone or computer or use a browser extension.
Surf Shark VPN offers reliable and fast connections to ensure secure and private internet traffic for travelers around the world. With data encryption and location masking, it protects against hackers, advertisers, and government tracking. Use it for streaming, banking, and browsing without data compromise. Enjoy freedom and peace of mind on your travels with Surf Shark.
3. Don’t go to the ATM at night
Avoid using ATMs at night, especially in secluded areas. It’s best to withdraw cash during the day, and in well-lit and populated areas. If possible, use ATMs located inside banks or other secure locations rather than stand-alone ATMs.
4. Wear a helmet
If you plan on renting a bike or scooter, wear a helmet. This can prevent serious injuries in the event of an accident. It’s also a good idea to rent from a reputable company and inspect the vehicle before renting.
5. Register with the embassy
Before traveling, register with your embassy or consulate. This can provide assistance in case of an emergency, such as a natural disaster or political unrest. You can register online or in person, and provide your contact information and travel itinerary.
6. Double check the Water Quality
In some countries, tap water can be contaminated. Make sure to double-check before consuming tap water to avoid getting sick. It’s also a good idea to carry a reusable water bottle with a built-in filter. You’ll have to be careful with ice and raw fruits and veggies. That means being careful with the blended margaritas!
OUR FAVORITE filtered water bottles:
7. Be careful with street food
While street food can be delicious, it’s important to be cautious. Stick to vendors with clean and well-cooked food, and avoid anything that looks suspicious. Our number one rule with street food is to follow the crowds. If there is a line in front of a vendor, that is a good sign that their food is safe to eat!
8. Share your location & itinerary
Make sure to share your location and itinerary with someone back home. This can provide peace of mind and ensure you can be located in an emergency. You can use a messaging app or email to share your information and update it regularly. We share our location indefinitely with our close friends and parents on iPhone so they can always locate us quickly.
9. Research the destination
Before traveling, research your destination. This can help you learn about popular scams or safety issues and prepare accordingly. You can use travel guides, blogs, and forums to gather information and consult with a travel agent or embassy if you have questions.
10. Get vaccines & wear bug spray
Make sure to get any necessary vaccines before traveling. This can prevent illnesses such as malaria or yellow fever. You can consult a travel health clinic or doctor to determine which vaccines you need and ensure you get them well before your trip. Some vaccines need more than one dose and could take a few months to settle in.
In some areas, mosquitoes and other bugs can carry diseases such as Zika or dengue fever. Make sure to use bug spray to avoid getting bitten. You can also wear long-sleeved clothes and pants and avoid being outdoors during peak mosquito hours (sunrise and sunset).
the best bug spray for travel:
11. Wear sunscreen
Protect your skin from the sun by wearing sunscreen with a high SPF. This is especially important if you spend time outdoors or in a sunny destination. You can also wear a hat and sunglasses to protect your face and eyes.
UV Protection:
12. Don’t drive at night
Driving at night can be dangerous, even with a driver. Make sure to avoid doing so, especially in unfamiliar areas. If you need to travel at night, use a reputable taxi or ride-sharing service, and share your location and trip details with someone back home. We have, unfortunately, been in a few situations where we were driving at night, and our driver started falling asleep!
13. Trust your gut
If you feel uncomfortable in a certain situation, trust your instincts and leave. You don’t owe anyone niceties or explanations. If a hotel feels unsafe, leave. If you don’t like the vibe at a bar, go to a different one. It’s also a good idea to avoid walking alone at night and stay in well-lit, populated areas.
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14. Avoid alleys
Especially at night, avoiding alleys and keeping to well-lit and populated areas is best. Stick to main streets, avoid shortcuts, and carry a map or use a navigation app to stay on track.
15. Don’t keep your phone in your pocket
Keep your phone in a secure location, such as a zipped purse or backpack. This can prevent it from being pickpocketed. Even if you have it in your hand, people can run into and make you drop it and then can grab it.
16. Don’t share your hotel with others
Never share the name of your hotel with others, and never share your room number. This can prevent theft and ensure your safety. You don’t want that guy at the bar knocking on your room at 1:00 am the next day.
17. Never accept drinks from strangers
Avoid accepting drinks from strangers, as they may be spiked with drugs or other harmful substances. It’s also a good idea to watch your drink at all times and to avoid leaving it unattended.
18. Carry a copy of important documents
Ensure you carry a copy of your passport, visa, and other important documents. This can help you replace them in case they’re lost or stolen. You can also keep electronic copies on your phone or in the cloud. We have a copy on our phone, in Google Drive, and a paper copy in our suitcases.
19. Be aware of local laws and customs
Before traveling, research the local laws and customs of your destination. This can help you avoid accidentally breaking any laws or offending locals. You can use travel guides or consult with your embassy for more information.
