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International Travel Safety Tips

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Tips for Safety when Traveling Abroad

When it comes to traveling internationally, there is nothing more exciting especially when it is smooth sailing. Though the language barrier can be restraining, the overall experience can teach you a lot. It is better to be safe than sorry and prepare yourself well to have a safe and worthwhile international travel.

Foreign travel safety

Things to Consider Before Leaving

In terms of safety, there are certain points that you need to consider before leaving for your international rendezvous. Whether it's making a comfortable with the commonly used phrases or inquiring about the destination, here is a list of things you need to keep in mind:

  • The foremost thing is to have a valid passport with enough time to make a return before the expiration. Make sure that it is signed and has all your emergency information details filled out.
  • For Visa requirements, check for the updates and keep photocopies of all the information with you at all times. It is also suggested to keep passport photos handy.
  • Doing thorough research on the country including a little background on manners and customs will make your stay comfortable. Do not forget to take note of religious or dietary restrictions along with appropriate attire.
  • You can also acquaint yourself with the local laws and issues which is highly important for international safety. To avoid any risks, update yourself on political conditions to avoid any entanglements.
  • Learning a few local phrases will make it convenient for you to acquaint yourself with the locals and strike a conversation.
  • Another important factor that is often overlooked is the currency conversion rate. If you are not quick with numbers, carry a small-cheat sheet and make use of your phone calculator as much as possible.
  • Next, come the personal property and health insurance. While most of the policies do not cover abroad travel, make sure to get a separate one for travel insurance. If you are lucky, the company might offer free luggage insurance as well.
  • Whether traveling with the kids, alone or with someone, do not forget to leave a copy of your final itinerary with relatives or friends. Provide contact details and information about the places you will be staying so that you can be reached in case of an emergency.
  • Apart from the itinerary, do leave copies of your passport information page and airline tickets with family or friends as well. In case you end up losing the passport, the copies can be faxed or mailed to get you out of trouble.
  • Do not forget to get the information on the embassy or consulate of your homeland in the foreign country. Since the embassy will be your one link to home, the officials will be able to assist and understand you in case of any trouble

It’s better to be over-prepared rather than getting abandoned in a foreign land.

Packing for Convenience and Safety

Traveling internationally does not mean that you have to carry every pair of shoes you have ever owned. After all, you need to keep some space for all the shopping too. But do not forget the necessities like medicines and hygiene products either.

When it comes to packing, here is a list of things you can prioritize:

  • To facilitate mobility and look out for your belongings, try to pack light to keep one hand free. For flights, only carry the basic necessities in your cabin bag or instead of for a carry bag instead of small trolleys.
  • Feel free to leave unnecessary things like extra credit cards, social security cards, for other membership cards. Irreplaceable items like family valuables or expensive-looking jewelry or gadgets must be avoided.
  • No matter how many languages you carry, always label them properly including the carry-ons bags and laptops. Make sure to put your complete name, address, and phone number inside and outside the bag with opaquely covered tags.
  • If your luggage does not have automatic locks, acquire separate ones for every bag to avoid losing any item.
  • No matter where you go, always pack the medicines in your carry-on instead of the trolley. Keep all the medications in the original packaging instead of organizers to avoid complications with the customers.
  • Please make sure to secure a letter from your doctor acknowledging the medication if you are carrying prescription drugs or narcotics. It tends to become quite an issue with the authorities in some countries. You can also contact the embassy of the country to enquire about the medication legality.
  • Do bring a pair of extra eyeglasses, contact lenses for hearing aids as a replacement for the current ones.

It is advised to carry the bare minimum belongings to avoid loss of any personal item. Keep your wallet and carry-on bag light but equipped with the emergency kit.


Safety During your Stay

It's great to be prepared before leaving but the main concern of security comes up during your stay in a foreign country. One must go ahead with a positive attitude but there is no harm in staying extra vigilant for your own safety.

  • Try to avoid wearing expensive jewelry or clothes that can make you stand out. The same goes for flaunting your gadgets to avoid being a victim of crime.
  • Do not carry a lot of money at all times, just take the amount you need for each day. It is also suggested not to keep all the cash in a single place that you need to distribute to different compartments. You can also bring traveler's cheques and credit cards but not all places accept the same.
  • Stay mindful of your credit limit when using a credit card as you would not be wanting to get arrested in a foreign country for exceeding the limit. In case of loss of card, immediately get in touch with your credit card company and update them about the situation.
  • The valuables including passport and cash can be secured in the hotel safe. Also, keep your doors locked and take note of emergency exits while staying at the hotel.
  • Do not meet anyone in a secluded area, always opt for a public place with people around for your safety. Avoid traveling at night especially to dimly-lit areas.
  • Sellers often try to take advantage of foreigners and you should be wary of bargains and overpricing. In local markets, a number of vendors of competitive rates so feel free to wander around a little.
  • Just as taught by your parents, do not accept anything from strangers no matter how fancy it might sound.

Staying attentive, alert, and cautious while using your common sense is the underlying principle of international travel safety. It's better to take up a good measure of preparedness instead of staying anxious for the whole trip.

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