Deciding to go travelling is arguably the greatest thing you could ever do for yourself. A boost in confidence and your self-esteem, you’ll be building new skills, making new friends and even giving back to local communities…and while you might be busy wondering how you’re going to carry all your items in one backpack or how you’re going to stick to your travel budget, have you given much thought to your safety?
One of the biggest fears new travellers have is worrying that something bad could happen to them while they’re away from home and on the other side of the world. So, with that in mind – we’ve come up with some straightforward safety tips and advice that you can use when you’re travelling.
Remember – if you’re planning on a holiday or backpacking, you need to have insurance in place that will cover you if something goes awry. If you’re unsure of the type of insurance you’re going to need, check out UHC Safe Trip for the latest information and the best deals.
Pace yourself
If this is your first time travelling, then many experienced travellers would advise heading to what’s considered an “easier” destination. Somewhere where they speak your language and are very tourist friendly. Somewhere like New Zealand, Australia or even Iceland. Then when you have a little more experience on the road, you could look at destinations that might be more challenging and adventurous like Egypt or India! Getting used to the way travelling works and what to expect will give you more experience on the road and it’ll help you to trust your instincts when it comes to safety.
Carry a doorstop in your luggage
Why? Because the doors of hostels and hotel rooms abroad might not be as strong or reliable as you’re hoping. If you carry a small plastic doorstop with you and put it under your door, you’ll extra protection should someone try to gain entry.
Don’t wander off
Sounds silly when you’re off travelling – but what we mean here is don’t be tempted down a side road or alleyway with the promise of cheap tour tickets or someone requesting assistance. Stay in busy places as much as you can, and you’ll avoid getting into trouble.
Don’t give away your personal information
Would you turn to the person next to you in a bar and give them your address? Of course, you wouldn’t. The same applies when you’re travelling. You might have met some like-minded travellers either by getting on well with the locals, but that doesn’t mean you need to give away personal information. If you want to meet up at a later date, arrange to meet in a public place or at a local café or landmark instead. You don’t have to be suspicious of everyone you meet, but there’s nothing wrong with self-preservation.
Join a day tour
Don’t worry if you’re not exploring this new place on a whim. If you want to stay safe then join a couple of day tours and get used to your current location before you head off alone.
Would never have thought of doorstop, great idea.
I used to travel abroad fearlessly, and often on my own. Maybe it’s old age, but lately I find the though of long distance travel scary, not for any of the reasons mentioned above. I am afraid of not being able to get home to the people who matter most to me. It’s a shame, because travel (especially solo travel) is marvellous for meeting all sorts of interesting people and understanding more about other people’s lives. On one holiday to Egypt, the best part was not the pyramids, Luxor or the Nile, but the time when the overnight train broke down in the middle of nowhere and people in the nearby village came over and drove us 30 miles into town.