Safety is extremely important when it comes to traveling. Especially if we are talking about far away countries. If you follow some simple rules, you’ll have a chance to enjoy your trip as much as possible and have no worries about your belongings or health.
We gathered some pieces of advice that will help you in making your journey unforgettable.
Rule #12. Try to avoid paying with cards.
Alway keep in mind that your expensive laptop, phone, or camera can be very attractive for thieves. That’s why its better better to insure your devices before you go somewhere: if you lose them or they fall in the ocean, your insurance company will compensate you for the damage.
Rule #9. Put your valuables in a safe.
If you’re not sure that the safe in your room is good, keep all your valuables in the hotel’s safe. But don’t forget to get a receipt to get your belongings back. You can also ask the manager about the damage compensation in the case of a loss.
Rule #8. Save your relatives’ and your local embassy’s phone numbers in your smartphone.
Write down all necessary phone numbers as well as your e-mail in the official language of the country you’re visiting. Additionally, you can screenshot these and use it as your phone’s wallpaper so someone can see the numbers even if your phone is locked.
Rule #7. Don’t drink alcohol with strangers.
An opportunity to meet new people while drinking in a bar seems like fun, but your night can end up very bad. The least terrible thing that might happen is that you lose your money and other personal items.
Rule #6. Eat in places where the locals eat.
If you don’t know where to eat in a foreign place, take a look at the street cafes where locals usually meet. Additionally, if we’re talking about Asia where people adore spicy food, ask for “mild” when placing your order.
And don’t forget to wash all fruits and vegetables with distilled water, no matter where you buy them. If you still have doubts, remove the skin.
Rule #5. Ask the locals about possible dangers.
Before venturing out, you have to know where you shouldn’t go, even during the day. And locals (as well as various internet travel forums) may be very useful because they know different, interesting routes and the country’s features.
Rule #4. Dress and behave as a local.
Thiefs are very attentive and they can always recognize a foreign tourist in a crowd. Of course it’s impossible to protect yourself completely, but if you look like a local, the risk is way lower. For example, Europeans wear shorts less often than Americans.
You can also read clothing laws by country so you don’t break tradition or the law.
Rule #3. Make several copies of your documents.
Never take your documents with you and try to only keep them in a safe. Make a few copies of all necessary documents, put them inside all of your bags, and have a couple of copies with you when you leave your hotel.
Rule #2. Share your route with your friends and inform them about any changes via e-mail.
Plan your itinerary (overnight stops, the list of cities to visit) and send it to your friends or relatives. Agree to send an e-mail every day and inform about all your itinerary changes. In case you stop sending letters, they’ll call the local police or your country’s embassy.
Rule #1. Remember the dirtiest thing in a hotel.
No, it’s not the toilet. The dirtiest thing in a hotel is a TV remote control. So to avoid any unpleasant situations, put it in a plastic bag.
Bonus: How to lock a door with a fork:
In this video, Phil Crockett, a YouTube user, shares a trick showing how a simple dinner fork can lock a door.
