Travel Safety Tips

When you travel abroad, do you ever account for potential troubles you could face? It’s not to say that traveling overseas is dangerous, but you are adding in unknown elements to your daily routine. Pleasant Vacation wants you to have a safe and fun vacation, so here are some travel safety tips you should follow.

Do not dress like a tourist

Criminals will seek out easy targets. If they know you are unfamiliar with the area, well, that’s about as easy as they come. In addition, do not dress like a wealthy tourist. Leave behind expensive jewelry and watches, so you don’t draw attention to yourselves.

Do not over-pack

Only bring the essentials. The more you take with you, the more you risk losing. If possible, leave behind laptops and other valuable electronics. Also, guard your possessions at all times. The heavier your backpack is, the more likely you will be to set it down, so do not over-pack!

What to bring

Make sure you bring any essential items that you cannot survive without. That means glasses, medicine, and prescriptions, not iPads. Pack them into your carry-on and secure them with a travel lock.

Instead of bringing cash, use traveler checks and one or two major credit cards. This will minimize the damage done if you are robbed. Find a safe storage location for your valuables as soon as you check into the hotel.

Know where the US consulate or embassy is located

If something REALLY bad happens to you, like all of your possessions get stolen, including your passport, or someone gets physically injured, it is important to know where to turn for help. The U.S. embassy or consulates office can assist you in figuring out everything that has happened and finding a solution, while communicating with people back in the States. They regularly have to help people stuck in foreign hospitals and prisons.

Purchase traveler’s insurance

This one seems like a waste of money, but like car insurance, it’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. There are excellent bargains on traveler’s insurance out there, and if your family takes yearly trips out of America, this is highly recommended.

Learn local laws

Familiarize yourself with the laws of the country where you are staying. Ask a travel agent or search the web for important laws in order to avoid a situation.

Bonus Safety Precautions

• Don’t use shortcuts or alleys
• At night, walk in groups
• Avoid loud, disturbing conversations
• Never discuss travel plans in public
• Avoid scam artists who offer to be your guide or sell you things
• Beware of thieves and pickpockets working with an accomplice who tries to distract you
• Vagrant children may be pickpockets
• Never act lost. Always walk with purpose
• Learn a few helpful local phrases so you can communicate when necessary
•