12 PROVEN TIPS TO ENSURE YOUR TRAVEL SAFETY

We’re Back to Traveling and Let’s Do It With Safety in Mind

Road Trips, Domestic Flights, Cruises, International Travel

As follow up to last week’s travel tips on preparing your home, please take a moment to review our highly rated safety recommendations, regardless of your destination or mode of travel.

My BoomerGuy and I are preparing for a rather rigorous travel schedule over the next several months and through the holidays. He is an extremely seasoned traveler having spent so much time traveling in his corporate life. It’s comforting for me to accompany him because he knows the pitfalls and how to avoid them. Also how to enhance your overall experience, as well.

As he points out, traveling today is a bit different from days past. There are a number of factors that he and I wish to pass along to prioritize your safety, to make certain you enjoy a smooth and memorable journey.

Travel can be an exciting adventure, and it should be. Just remember these tips to ensure your safety while traveling domestically and abroad, whether you’re driving, taking a cruise, or flying domestically or internationally.

RESEARCH YOUR DESTINATION. Before you start packing your bags, devote some time to research your destination thoroughly. Familiarize yourself with local customs, laws and potential risks. Stay informed about travel advisories or warnings issued by our government.

SECURE YOUR DOCUMENTS. Ensure your travel documents, such as passports, visas, and identification cards, are up-to-date and stored securely. Make copies of all these documents and keep them separate from the originals. It’s also wise to store digital copies in the cloud for easy access.

PURCHASE TRAVEL INSURANCE. Investing in comprehensive travel insurance is a wise decision. Accidents and unforeseen circumstances can occur, and having suitable coverage will provide peace of mind. There are plenty of choices in the market, select the one that suits your specific travel needs.

STAY CONNECTED. Maintaining communication with loved ones or friends back home is essential. No matter whether you’re going for several days or a month-long international journey, stay in touch. Share your travel plans and accommodations. Regular check-ins will ensure your safety and enable swift assistance if needed.

SAFEGUARD YOUR BELONGINGS. Protecting your valuables is vital while traveling. Use a secure TSA approved lock for your luggage. We just purchased an Air Tag from Apple for all our luggage and accessories. Hide them in your belongings and you can track their whereabouts any time using the convenient app on your smart phone. So, if the airline should misplace one of your bags, you can locate it anywhere around the globe to within 5-10 feet. Not a bad investment, and you can point out to the airline baggage service that you have the precise location of your luggage.

In addition, we just purchased rather elegant fanny packs that can accommodate all your documents, credit cards, identification, cash, cell phones and even a bottle of water. The good news, it’s strapped to your body for added protection for travel, hiking, flea markets, and other adventures. Fanny packs are back, can you believe it.

YOUR MOST PRECIOUS CARGO. Not only do you need to protect your documents and other possessions, but the most precious valuable is your family. Millions of us will be hitting the roadways over the coming months, and it is essential you not only prepare yourself and your automobile for the trip, but also you need to have a well-designed “kid’s travel booster or car seat” for your children and grandkids, whether they are rear- or front facing. Do not skimp on their safety.

SAFEGUARD YOUR HOTEL ROOM. Even if your hotel has strong security measures in place, there are steps you can take to make your room safer. Lock and deadbolt the door and keep your windows shut. You can purchase a jammer which is a portable device that slips under the door for another layer of protection.

Try to give the impression that you’re in your room even when you’re away, such as placing the Do Not Disturb sign on the outside of your door and leaving the TV on with volume. Don’t let any strangers into your room, even if they say they work for the hotel. Call the front desk to check whether someone was ordered by the hotel staff to come to your room. If so, you might want to cancel any room service you have scheduled if you’re away for hours.

STAY MINDFUL OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS. Be cautious and aware of pickpockets, particularly in crowded areas. Stay attentive, especially in unfamiliar locations. Avoid displaying signs of wealth such as flashy jewelry or large amounts of cash. People who look like they’re from out of town usually will draw unwanted attention. Blend in as much as you can and be discreet when looking at maps and approach people carefully if you need to ask for directions. Just remember to stay vigilant at all times and be sure to use well-lit paths during nighttime.

STAY INFORMED ABOUT LOCAL SCAMS. Unfortunately, scams targeting tourists exist worldwide. Be mindful of people offering unsolicited assistance. Researching and staying informed about local scams will help you avoid falling victim to them.

USE RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION. Opt for licensed and reputable transportation providers, such as taxi services and ride-sharing platforms. At all costs, avoid boarding unmarked or unofficial vehicles.

PRACTICE CYBERSECURITY. Protect your sensitive information by practicing good cybersecurity habits. Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks for tasks that require credentials or sensitive data. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for secure browsing and consider enabling two-factor authentication on your accounts.

TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS. Above all, trust your instincts. If a situation doesn’t feel right and feels unsafe or uncomfortable, remove yourself from it. Pay attention to your gut feelings and prioritize your well-being. Preparing for the unexpected and being proactive enhances your overall safety while traveling.

Stay informed, be prepared, and keep your safety as a top priority. Bon Voyage.