Travelling can be a fun and exciting experience but it’s always wise to be travel smartly. Travel security and safety considerations need to be taken into account when you travel. It’s best to stay alert and safeguard your personal effects and travel plans at all times.
Travel Tips
- Do your research. Get to know your destination well in advance and know who to call in an emergency. Write down the number of the local police, your embassy and tourist centre.
- Don’t draw attention to yourself. Try to blend in as much as you can, dress like the locals and look at maps discreetly and be wary of who you ask for directions. Even if you’re not sure where you’re going, walk like you’ve got a purpose. Notice the people around you. Be wary if someone seems to be taking more than a passing interest.
- Avoid changing money at airports, as thieves could be watching you. Invest in protective clothing or gear to make it more difficult for pickpockets to steal money and personal items. Use a money belt worn close to the skin. Use credit cards and travellers cheques instead of cash if possible.
- Make several copies of important documents and keep them in a safe place. Keep a scanned copy of your passport, driver’s licence or another form of identification online that you can access and print hard copies.
- Keep your friends and family updated. Before you leave, give a copy of your itinerary to a few trusted people so they know where you will be at all times and keep in regular contact.
- Be wary of public Wi-Fi. Hackers are able to steal important data such as credit card details, etc if you use public Wi-Fi If you do need wireless Internet service, set up a Virtual Private Network (VPN) that will allow you to access the Internet securely while travelling.
- Safeguard your hotel room. Take extra security measures even if your hotel has them in place. Lock and deadbolt the door and keep your windows shut. You can buy 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 outside your door and keeping the blinds or windows closed. Don’t let strangers into your room. If someone claims to be a hotel employee, phone the front desk to confirm.
- Be aware of your surroundings. When you are out and about trying to take the perfect picture for your social media, be aware and look after your personal belongings. If you feel uncomfortable seeing someone suspicious, leave the area immediately.
- Safeguard your travel plans. Keep your travel plans and accommodation details to yourself.
- Safeguard yourself. Don’t hitchhike and try not to travel or walk around at night.
- Avoid accepting offers of transport from drivers with unbranded vehicles. Arrange airport transfers with your hotel shuttle service. Don’t share taxis with strangers.
- Consult with your hotel manager or tourist information centre about the public transport in your area. Make sure you know what official taxi cabs look like. A thief may pose as a taxi driver to lure you into their car.
- Take out travel insurance. It’s always best to take out travel protection with travel insurance.
Source: nationwide.com and betterhealth.vic.gov.au
