Traveling to unfamiliar places makes us vulnerable and we start to question if it’s safe. Fortunately there are many things we can do to stay safe abroad. Safety is the most important thing I think about while traveling because traveling isn’t very fun if we put ourselves at risk. So here are my top 15 tips for traveling safely! You can incorporate these tips beginning in the first stages of planning (see my guide on How To Plan A Trip) all the way through your travels. 

 #1: Check Travel Advisories 

Visit the U.S. Department of State travel advisory page to learn about your destination. Each country is rated on a level system. Level 1 is the safest and Level 4 is considered not safe at all. It is important to mention that a destination’s level may be due to just one city or region. So make sure to read all of the information. For example, Belize is level 2 but Belize City is level 3. I recently went to Belize and just avoided Belize City. The rest of the country is relatively safe. Just remember to use these tips for traveling safely!

#2: Plan Ahead to Travel Safely

Plan your routes and mode of transportation ahead of time. Being spontaneous is fun and can be safe in some places. But in most places it is better to know where you are going and how you are getting there ahead of time. This gives you the opportunity to do your research. You can read about others’ experiences and reviews of transportation providers to ensure you are going to get around safely. 

#3: Read Reviews

The great thing about 3rd Party Booking Sites is that you have access to tons of reviews. These can provide valuable information about safety. Because safety is so important, people will mention if they felt unsafe. This is information you will not get in the listing itself so take a few extra minutes to read the reviews. You will thank yourself down the road when you are feeling relaxed and safe! 

#4: Know Who to Call

Before you go, look up those emergency numbers in case you need them while traveling. You will want to know the local emergency numbers as well as the number to the embassy. Save them on your phone for easy access. Hopefully all of these other tips for traveling safely will prevent emergencies. But if not at least you’ll be prepared! 

#5: Leave Valuables at Home

In most situations, there is no real good reason to bring valuables with you on a trip. Flashing around valuables such as expensive jewelry, watches, or purses only makes you a target. Do yourself a favor and leave them at home. You get the added bonus of having less things to keep track of and stress out about. 

#6: Anti-theft Gear

Tourist are often targets of theft. You can prevent some of this by purchasing anti theft purses and wallets. Check out Baggallini for purses with antitheft features such as locking zippers and straps with anti cut cable. 

Side note- If you haven’t checked out Baggallini before, check them out now! I have had a Baggallini antitheft purse for years and love it. Baggallini is a line of travel bags designed by flight attendants. So their bags are stylish and very efficient for travel. 

#7: Share Your Itinerary 

Sharing your itinerary with someone at home before you go gives you an added layer of safety. If you don’t show up where and when  you are supposed to, someone will know! Make sure to tell them how often you will check in, then follow through with it. The last thing you need while traveling is having someone think you are lost when really you just forgot to check in. 

#8: Copy Important Documents

Losing documents can be a major problem when traveling so make sure to make copies before you go. I always travel with copies of my passport, drivers license, and credit card. You can also take pictures of them to store on your phone. While you won’t be able to use these in place of your real documents, you will need them if you have  go to the embassy for help. 

#9: Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is great to have in case of emergencies. You can find it for pretty cheap and it can guarantee that you can get health care, among other things, when you need it. There are many options to choose from depending on how adventurous you are on your travels. 

#10: Vaccines

Other countries may have diseases you’ve never even heard of! Check out what vaccines are recommended for your destinations at least 4-6 weeks before traveling. The World Health Organization is a great resource to find out what vaccines you may want to get and run it by your doctor.

# 11: Avoid Traveling at Night

This is especially true if you have rented a car, or if you are in certain places (think developing countries with poor infrastructure). As a general rule, I avoid traveling at night no matter where I am at. You are more vulnerable at night because there is less traffic, shops are closed, you are in unfamiliar territory, etc…. 

#12: Be Aware of Your Surroundings

This is one of the most important tips for traveling safely. It is way too easy to get caught up in your phone, or maybe even shopping these days and not notice sketchy people or things happening around you. Pay attention to what is going on around you and use caution when meeting new people. Trust your gut! If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.

#13: Be confident

Act confident, even if you aren’t. Easier said than done, right? If you are wandering around obviously lost, looking at a map, then you are an easy target. If you are lost, pretend that you know where you are going. Walk confidently into a shop or restaurant to ask for directions.  

#14: Limit Use of Cash

Most places take credit cards, and as we have discussed in Best Credit Cards For Traveling it’s better to use those travel cards anyway! But if you have to use cash, try not to use it often, and if you do be discreet about it. Carry small amounts of cash only. And be careful when using the ATM machines, as in be aware of your surroundings, hide your pin, and remember to take your card when you leave. 

#15: Travel as a Group

It is safest to travel with others, but if you can’t then at least join group tours and activities. This is another tip for traveling safely that you can follow in the beginning stages of planning. Read more about the benefits of guided tours in my ultimate guide on How To Plan A Trip.

Before you go make sure to read several articles on traveling safely! These are my top 15 tips for traveling safely but there are many others out there. You can’t be to careful when it comes to taking care of yourself.