WOW. Somehow we’re already in the heat of July! When did that happen? Have you been practicing some of the tips we shared last month for staying focused? If not - here’s something that might help! One of our tips was to actually plan that vacation you’ve been daydreaming about. So, take a minute, plan your trip, then come back here.
You’re back? Great! Throughout the next two months, we’re going to be posting articles with different travel tips so you can make the most of your trip. Our first topic is travel safety.
Especially today, it is extremely important to consider your safety before and during your travels - but it’s really easy to forget about that when you’re in a wanderlust headspace. And I get it! When you travel, you want to forget about all your worries and just escape. So, we’re doing the work for you. Take a look at this list before you leave and you’ll be safe and sound and in your bubble in no time!
Social Media
It's tempting to show off your adventurous life, gathering tips from friends before leaving for a trip - but you shouldn't post on social media where you’re going, especially if your profile is public. Anyone can easily learn that your home will be empty for the duration of your travels and where you are. If you really want to share, make sure your profile is private and that you’re only friends with people you actually know and trust. Not sure if your profile is private? Here are some how-to documents for all your different accounts:
If you use Snapchat, you should also check out this article about their new maps feature.
Money
A short anecdote: I was traveling in Dublin, Ireland when I was 19. I was carrying my wallet in a cross-body purse that zippered at the top. I stopped to watch a band performing on the street and took a few photos with the camera wrapped around my neck. My group and I carried on and sat down at a restaurant for lunch. Being the paranoid person I am, I went to pull out my wallet to make sure it was still there. It wasn't. My purse was left unzipped and my wallet was gone - debit card gone; social security card gone; ID gone; cash gone. I was so careful and paranoid though, right? Wrong. Pickpockets are smooth -- if they’re good, you won’t even notice when their hand is in your purse taking your wallet. You won’t notice until twenty-some minutes later.
So, if you’re traveling to a city or out of the country, make sure your money is secure. Keeping your wallet in your back pocket makes you an easy target for thieves. While it might seem “dorky”, money belts are extremely useful and worthwhile. If you’re resistant about wearing a money belt and would rather carry a purse, make sure your purse is secure on your person at all times and that you always have one hand on your bag. After my experience in Dublin, I bought a purse that zippered and then folded and buckled. Two layers of security. Finally, don’t carry all of your cash at once. Take what you’ll need for the day and leave the rest in the safe in your hotel.
(...and in case you were wondering, my wallet was sent back with everything intact except the cash. Pickpockets tend to do this -- steal the wallet, take out the cash, and then drop it. A good samaritan must have picked it up and dropped it off at the police station, who then sent it to the address on my license.)
Passport
If you’re travelling internationally, you should make two copies of your passport. Leave one at home with a friend or family member in case anything should happen; bring the other with you as a second form of identification. You should never walk around with your passport in your purse or pockets since it could get stolen. Most foreign countries won’t accept your driver’s license as an acceptable form of identification, so it’s important to keep this copy with you.
Driving
If you are driving to your destination instead of flying, make sure that you do a “self-inspection” before leaving: check your tire pressure, oil, lights, etc. If you’re driving a long distance, look into purchasing an emergency car repair kit to keep in the trunk. They’ll usually contain booster cables, a tow rope, air compressor, cable ties, an emergency triangle, flashlight, batteries, and more depending on the kit you buy. You should also make sure that you have a first aid kit in your car with band-aids, an ACE bandage and antibiotic cream.
At the airport and on the plane
Airports are stressful, chaotic, and crowded. Here are some tips to make them a little more tolerable and help you be safe:
Stay alert. While it’s tempting to drown your boredom in social media, videos, and texts, it’s important to be aware of yourself and your surroundings.
Keep your luggage with you or someone you know at all times. Never leave it alone.
If you’re flying with valuables in your checked luggage, you should look into purchasing travel insurance, should anything happen in its handling.
Make your luggage stand out by tying a handkerchief to it, using a unique luggage tag, etc. so that it’s not mistaken for someone else’s.
Finally, do your research. Don’t be the tourist that’s ignorant and dismissive; be respectful of the local culture and know what to expect. Read up, learn, and be prepared.
Need some more help? Check out these apps:
TripLingo - translates emergency phrases into foreign languages and dialects from over 100 countries
TripIt or Concur - create and share your itinerary with other members of your group
Emergency Phone Numbers - World - provides emergency numbers for over 130 countries
Safety Map Worldwide - maps the public safety of any town worldwide
Companion - allows family to track your travels when going solo
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