5 Practical Methods to Prioritize Safety While Traveling Abroad
As a heads up: this post contains affiliate links for products I use in my own travels
While traveling anywhere, domestically or internationally, safety is a very common concern for most people.
A sentiment I am really tired of hearing is that we’re more likely to be victims of crime and/or violence if we leave the US to travel internationally.
While this is WRONG for a multitude of reasons, including but not limited to the rates of gun violence and racially motivated acts of terror that occur in the US every single day, I’m going to save these topics for another time.
In this article, I’m going to share with you five very practical methods you can implement on your next adventure to prioritize your safety.
I use these methods regularly on my own travel, and I recommend them for my honeymooners and travelers as well.
Number one is the big one! If you take ONE THING from this article, I hope it’s this:
DON’T MAKE IT OBVIOUS THAT YOU ARE A TOURIST
It’s kind of unavoidable if you’re with a tour group or a local guide.
When you’re exploring on your own, it’s much more important to do your best to avoid making it known that you’re unfamiliar with the area.
Tourists are the first, and usually the easiest, choice for scam artists to target.
People will approach you in the street to ask you for money, to press something in your hand that’s “free” and then chase you for a tip, to offer assistance in the train station out of the kindness of their heart and then demand payment - you get the picture.
The better you can blend in and not make yourself the obvious target, the better off you’ll be.
If you ARE approached by someone like this that’s not leaving you alone after you’ve repeatedly expressed you’re not interested, you might have to get a little “rude”.
You don’t have to be mean. Firmly say NO THANK YOU in English or the local language, and KEEP WALKING.
They won’t take it personally, and they’ll forget about you in 2 seconds when they spot their next target.
They’re annoying, and they know it.
LADIES ESPECIALLY - do not be afraid to be firm, and if necessary, RUDE to get people to leave you alone.
PRO TIP: Don’t accept help from strangers with public transportation unless they are obviously officials, usually wearing a uniform or a nametag.
2. RESPECT, AND LEARN ABOUT, THE LOCAL CULTURE
Invest time and energy in learning some words in the local language.
Spend a few hours researching the geography of your itinerary, and where your hotel is in relation to the train station, the airport, restaurants that look good, and sites you want to visit.
Read up on what’s acceptable in terms of PDA, alcohol use, and public decorum.
Showing respect and making the effort to learn about the people and culture of your destination will make your experience exponentially better.
In addition, respecting and understanding the local culture will go a long way toward helping you with Method #1.
PRO TIP: Use an app like Babbel or DuoLingo to practice daily! Both have free versions that you can sneak in quick lessons with throughout the day.
3. PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR SURROUNDINGS
Like you would ANYWHERE in the world, even your hometown grocery store, be mindful of what’s going on around you.
Again - like you would ANYWHERE.
I cannot emphasize this enough - you should be mindful of your surroundings ANYWHERE YOU GO.
Growing up as a woman in the US, this is something I unfortunately had to learn at a pretty young age, but this goes for people of all genders.
Pay attention to what’s happening around you.
Bonus: This will really help you with Method #1.
4. CARRY CREDIT CARDS RATHER THAN CASH
Carrying a small amount of cash is okay, especially if it’s common practice to tip in your destination.
It’s much safer to travel with, and use, credit cards rather than cash in the US and abroad, both.
If your credit card is stolen and used, you can easily call and report your card stolen and have the charges cancelled with no problem.
If your cash is stolen, you’re out.
You can report the theft to the local police, but the odds of you getting your cash back are slim to none.
Another great way to stick to Method #1 is to avoid waving around large quantities of cash, either USD or local currency.
PRO TIP: Travel credit cards are available from a variety of airlines, hotel chains, rental car companies, and more. We really like our Delta Amex because we live near a major hub and we fly Delta almost exclusively. If you don’t have a specific brand you have loyalty with, look for a travel card that offers a point based system like Chase Sapphire.
And lastly,
5. DON’T MAKE IT OBVIOUS YOU ARE A TOURIST
Yep. I repeated Method #1.
This is a CRITICAL, perhaps THE MOST CRITICAL, method you can employ while you’re traveling to keep yourself and your loved ones safe, whether you’re in the US or not.
BONUS: WORK WITH A TRAVEL ADVISOR
Having a travel professional on your team adds one more person that you can consult regarding various aspects of your trip.
This also means that you’ll have access to your travel planner’s network of contacts in the industry, including people on the ground in your destination that can be tapped to help you in real time if the need arises.
Click the link below to get started planning your next adventure!