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Published by Programme B
Safety has always been an integral part of a successful and enjoyable trip. The ongoing pandemic has stressed this even more. This is because from the moment traveling was possible again, the odds to stay safe and healthy became important as never before while choosing a destination.
In the next few lines, we will try to narrow down the things an average tourist should do before and during their trip to feel and stay safe.
Research the desired destination
Before you book the trip, make sure you inform yourself about details regarding the level of safety and the place you would like to visit. Some websites will provide information about crime rates and other safety details, such as natural disaster risk. You can also speak with people who were at that particular destination recently and hear about their experience.
Once you choose a destination that seems safe enough, you might want to try and learn a couple of words in the local language. In emergencies or if you get lost, it is possible you will not be able to find anyone who speaks English, for example.
A great source of safety information is also the reception or owner of your accommodation. Make sure you ask them if there are any dangerous areas you should avoid because, as locals, they know best. And a town may be generally very safe, but there is that one neighborhood a tourist should avoid just in case.
Travel health insurance and a personal first aid kit
After you book your accommodation and know your exact traveling dates, it is time to get your travel health insurance. Choose a policy that will ensure emergency medical and evacuation assistance with 24 hours support. They are usually not too expensive and if you do not need them, good for you, but they can save your life if you do.
Also, do not forget to pack all the necessary medication, for instance, if you sometimes have headaches or allergies. On top of your daily therapy meds, if you take any, of course. You should also pack a small first aid kit that can be highly useful in emergencies before the help arrives. In order to know what to pack and how to use it, it is a great idea to go to a course and get a First Aid certificate. This can be done online, and it is a skill that will make you and your co-travelers feel safe.
Pack safely
When packing, take special care of your documents. For example, make sure your passport is valid and, while packed in a handy section of your luggage and easily accessible to you, at the same time, it is safe from pickpockets.
Besides the passport, you should pack all the other documents necessary to enter the country of your destination. For example, in pandemic times, many countries’ authorities will want to see your COVID certificate. It is not a bad idea to also have copies of your personal belongings tucked in some other part of your luggage if something happens to the original ones.
Other things that should be packed safely are the cash and your cards. Make sure you know the number of your credit card provider so that you can block your card in case you lose it, or it gets stolen. This number is usually visible on the back of your card, so you will want to write it down or store it on your phone.
Make sure your home is safe
A very important part of your traveling safety is how you leave things at home. Before you set off, if your house or apartment is empty while you are gone, make sure the appliances are off, windows are closed, and doors locked.
If you are going to be away for days, you might want to leave a set of keys to a neighbor or someone else you trust. They can water your plants and check if everything is as it should be.
Make sure you avoid posting on social media that you are going to be away, rather keep those posts and stories for when you come back. Do not let anyone abuse that information, and you get your valuables left at home stolen.
To conclude
We agree that to fully enjoy a trip, especially during your vacation, you want to relax, enjoy, and rest. But this probably will not be possible if you do not prepare properly. So even if you think that this sort of organization might cause you additional stress before the trip, we are certain if you try you will find it useful when you find yourself traveling safely and coming back home with nothing but amazing memories.
Photo by Leah Kelley from Pexels