Planning a trip abroad not only means researching the weather to pack the right clothes, calculating a good budget or creating an itinerary, but also taking into account some factors that will make the experience much safer.
Here are some basic tips that might seem obvious today but will certainly help you a lot when you’re out of the country.
Be sure to keep your backpack closed at all times
When you travel abroad, it’s inevitable to be that kind of tourist who takes the camera out every 5 minutes to capture even the smallest detail, and that’s fine.
The only problem is that many times you forget to close your backpack and only two things can happen: someone takes the opportunity to steal something, or you just go throwing your belongings on the street. The best thing is to constantly keep your backpack closed to avoid bad times.
Don’t keep your money in the same place
This is advice that applies to any trip but abroad it takes on much more relevance, as imagine the ordeal of having to adjust your budget or find a way to withdraw money because your wallet was stolen with all your money in it!
The best tip is to separate your money in 4 different places: two for everyday use like a wallet and a backpack, and two for emergencies.
Never put your wallet in the back
This is another basic rule of survival, especially if you’re one of those who usually carry their cards and IDs in the same place. Never put your wallet in the back of your pants, especially if you’re using public transportation.
Scan your documents
It never hurts to be cautious when it comes to valuable documents, so a golden tip is to scan your passport, birth certificate, driver’s license, official ID, health insurance, and save them in an email and a USB memory to get out of any problems that might arise along the way.
Research the most frequent scams in the place you visit
No matter what country you’re traveling to, a tourist is always an attractive target when it comes to robberies and scams, so when planning your trip, also investigate the most common traps that foreigners fall into. We assure you that you could avoid a very bad time.
Another good safety tip is to open your eyes at all times to be aware of where you are but at the same time avoid looking like someone who is afraid or confused. Remember that it is easier for them to try to attack you if you are helpless.
Travel Insurance
Although this is not compulsory when travelling, there are people who feel more at ease during their stay abroad if they are certain that they have paid for insurance that will protect them against any emergency or accident, especially those people who are going to live extreme experiences.
There are all types of insurance, so it is worthwhile investigating which one is best for you.
Vaccines!
Yes, although you may find it the most boring and motherly thing to do, it is highly recommended that before you leave on your trip you visit a clinic specializing in traveler’s diseases. In Mexico, for example, there is one in Terminal 2 of the International Airport and another one in Ciudad Universitaria.
Lower two stripes to your tokens of affection
Mexicans are characterized by being extremely effusive, we kiss and hug everyone, however, in other countries and especially on other continents this is not very well seen, so you should tone down the displays of affection you give to people or your partner.
Avoid using public WiFi for banking
To avoid any data theft when using free access WiFi in public places such as squares or cyber cafes, it is best to use a VPN, or simply avoid entering passwords and bank details using a public network.
Secure your hotel room door at all times
No matter if you are staying at the best hotel in the region, make sure you keep your room door locked at all times, especially if you don’t have a companion. Some tourists have complained of being disturbed by other guests in the middle of the night.
As you have just seen, traveling abroad and having a good experience is not that complicated, you just have to be a little cautious.
