Be Safe on Your International Adventure

Guest Post

International travel is one of the best ways to broaden your horizons and seek out adventure in an unknown land. The world is a huge place, and you can never run out of new sites to see or different culinary experiences to indulge in. However, for every magical event, there is always a downside. Being in an unknown place where your use of the native language is limited and your personal connections are sparse can be dangerous, but luckily, there are many ways to ensure a great and safe expedition.

Don’t Travel Alone

Many people who take international trips alone usually have some personal ties or connections lined up. There really is safety in numbers, and being a young adult with little to no experience with international travel can make for a confusing and possibly dangerous event. Not only will traveling with a mate enrich your adventure, but it provides a second pair of eyes in a completely unfamiliar place. Having someone with you who can help follow directions and solve potential obstacles will make for a smoother journey.

Take City or Government Taxis

Unfortunately, despite the world’s vast beauty, there are things in this world that are dangerous and deceptive. Human trafficking is becoming a global issue, and there have been far too many instances where tourists have taken taxi cabs and turned up missing. To stay safe and worry free, arrange to be picked up by a government or city funded taxicab; this will be more reliable as it’s coming from an official place that wants tourists to enjoy their stay and go home with good things to say about the country.

Be Aware of How You Come Across

It’s important to not flaunt the fact that you’re a tourist. Avoid the obvious fanny pack and visor, and don’t wear expensive jewelry out wandering around; hearing about a tourist getting mugged is a common thing, and those who scream “rich traveler” are much more likely to become a target. Lay low and try to blend in as much as you can, and always keep your wallet as close to you as possible. Try to leave most of your money in the hotel, and only keep what you’re planning on spending for the night. This will help ensure that a possible mugging won’t rob you dry of all your funds, and nothing would be scarier or more frustrating than being stranded in a foreign place without any funds or resources.

Cover Yourself from Back Home

Let your family and friends know exactly where you plan to visit and where you’ll be on a daily basis, and if possible, keep in touch with them about any spur of the moment changes in the plan. It’s always a wise decision for others to know where you’re at all times, so in case something were to happen, your recent trail would be known.

Travel insurance is much more valuable if you’re traveling internationally as traveling broader distances means there is more room for things to go haywire. Similar to car or life insurance, travel insurance is there to make sure that, in the case of an unfortunate event, your needs can get taken care of financially. Travel insurance coverage varies depending on the plan you purchase, but it typically covers trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and loss of luggage and belongings.

Research the Local Laws

It’s very important to inform yourself of the laws of the region you’re planning to visit. Laws are so diverse from country to country, and it would be helpful to research the differences in the legal systems between countries to avoid unknowingly breaking the law. Dealing with police in a different country, especially one with a language barrier, is never the best way to spend your long awaited vacation. Just to be on the safe side, get the information you need.

Research Previous Travelers’ Experiences

One of the most helpful ways to get a clear picture of what you’re doing and where you’re going is to research all aspects of the country you’re going to visit; this includes area, locals, hotels, restaurants, and all tourist attractions. Always find reviews that aren’t directly on the company website as hotel and restaurant owners generally moderate their own sites, and this can lead to biased reviews being accepted. To get a clear picture of what you’re about to experience, dig around and do some extensive research. Thanks to the internet, you can get a good picture of the quality and safety of a location or establishment before ever actually physically stepping foot there.

Stay on Guard and Use Common Sense

Nothing will save your life like your intuition will, and by staying on guard and trusting your instincts, you’ll increase your chances of having a smooth and enjoyable vacation. Keep a clear head, and avoid getting too carried away at the pub. Use common sense about inviting people back to your hotel room, exchanging currency, and leaving any belongings unattended.

Traveling abroad can be a great way to expand your view of the world, but it’s important to keep safety in your mind as well. Always travel in numbers, research your destination from home, and trust your instincts. Some basic preparation and common sense can help ensure that your trip is the unforgettable, life-changing journey you’ve been waiting for.

Mark Haberfield is a creative bloke who focuses on life’s frequent waves of change. When he’s not spearfishing on the NSW south coast, Mark writes about life insurance and income protection insurance for www.aami.com.au.