Many people love discovering new places and broadening their horizons. But what if your anxieties prevent you from relaxing and enjoying your trips?
We know that every trip comes with its fair share of worries, and the old adage "prevention is better than cure" holds some truth, even when it comes to exploring travel destinations.
By providing yourself with some handy safety tips before and while you are on the road, you may be able to avoid issues during your travels. In this context, Tourism-Review presents some practical tips for safer travel.
Avoid Dangerous Places
If you want a hassle-free vacation, do your research in advance and make sure you don't go anywhere with travel warnings. You can travel to whatever country you have in mind but find out about the safest cities to stay in.
An example is Mexico, which is a very popular destination. Despite this, some areas are very dangerous. Staying in Juarez is not the same as choosing hotels in Tulum, which is a much better fit for safer travel.
Make Electronic Copies of Your Documents
It is essential to take the necessary documents with you when traveling. But you also have to have a backup plan, as you could lose them or be the victim of theft. In this sense, having an electronic copy of your documents can help you out.
Create an electronic backup copy of your vaccination certificate, itinerary, health insurance card, passport, airline ticket, travel insurance and visas before you leave. Email the file and save it to your inbox so you can access the information on your cell phone or other devices.
The Danger of Public Wi-Fi Networks
Public Wi-Fi can pose a threat to your security, seeing as hackers can intercept your data if you access a resource that does not use traffic encryption. This happens if the modem has an outdated encryption protocol or a standard password for the device (like admin).
Whenever possible, and paying particular attention to data roaming rates, we recommend that you do not activate Wi-Fi on your devices. If you need internet on devices without data, you can use your phones as a “router”.
However, if you have to use the internet for non-sensitive and unprofessional information, you can use other networks. For an Apple Mac, for example, you can also activate the Find my Mac function in iCloud, which might save you some inconvenience.
Finally, don't hesitate to invest in a VPN service for Mac during your travels. It will allow you to access your connected services in the country by providing you with a local IP and by masking your IP.
Stay Safe on the Go
When using bus services, be sure to go to reputable companies that have plenty of online reviews. Also, try to book your tickets early enough if possible, so that you don't find yourself stranded at distant bus stops with no transportation insight.
If you are taking a local taxi, agree on the fare in advance in case the vehicle does not have a meter. Also, take a map with you to avoid getting lost or distracted by the sights, as happens to many tourists every day.
Adapt to Your Environment
Once you've done your research, you can begin your visit to a new destination as if you were one of the locals. In this context, you need to understand that you'll make yourself much more vulnerable to thieves if you stand there with your huge backpack, two cameras, and a confused expression on your face.
You will attract much less attention if you make the effort to blend in. You also don't want to disrespect or offend with inappropriate attire or manners. If you visit places of worship, be sure to dress modestly so as not to offend the locals.