I have spent a considerable portion of my adult life traveling the world. Sometimes for business. Often for pleasure. And I can safely say that traveling has made me into a more fully realized person. Travel really does broaden the mind. And, even if you can’t afford the luxury of traveling abroad, a simple staycation to a different city here in Canada can be just as rewarding.
But there are a lot of risks associated with traveling. Especially when traveling abroad. There are the more obvious risks such as theft or illness. But there are also a lot of risks you most likely aren’t even aware of. To that end I have put together this comprehensive guide to help you stay safe when traveling in 2024.
Insurance
Time and time again I have seen people proudly say they don’t need travel insurance. They assume nothing bad could happen to them simply because they have their head screwed on right and know what dangers to avoid.
But travel insurance is about so much more than just protecting you from physical harm. Travel insurance is designed to protect you from any eventuality that could occur while abroad. Primarily it is focused on your medical health. If you are admitted to a hospital while abroad you will have to adhere to their prices and pay schemes. And this could end up costing you thousands.
And it isn’t just travel insurance you might end up needing. If you’re traveling for work you may need business insurance in case a deal suddenly goes south. Or, if you’re immigrating, you may need help navigating the complicated rules and regulations for that nation. Here in Canada companies like Merchant Law cover most legal areas. It is worth shopping around before settling on your insurance provider before traveling.
Study The City
So many cities are beyond beautiful on the surface. London. Barcelona. Paris. Their many wonders and sights draw you in and compel you to visit. But these three cities can be extremely dangerous in different ways. And this is true of a lot of cities. Which is why you need to do your research before going.
A lot of travel blogs and agencies will often omit the more dangerous aspects of a city in hopes of making a sale. So look for independent bloggers or speak to your friends. Barcelona, for example, has one of the highest rates of pickpocketing in the world. And London isn’t too far behind it. Knowing the dangers you could potentially face will allow you to better prepare yourself.
You should also spend some time familiarizing yourself with a map of the cities you plan to visit. Learn which areas are considered safe and which aren’t. And avoid traveling alone at night. Especially if you’re a female.
Bring Backups
Theft isn’t the only way you could end up losing your valuables. You might misplace them or they could get damaged. One of my key safety tips is to ensure you always bring backups of the most important things. A backup phone with an emergency sim so that, no matter what, you can always contact friends or family for help.
Ensure you have emergency cash as well. Try to leave this in your hotel or hostel, preferably in a locker. If you lose your cards and phone this will help you stay on your feet as you sort yourself out. Also ensure you print out extra copies of your boarding passes and travel itineraries. To ensure that, even if you lose all your digital devices, you can still get home without too much hassle.
Use Official Institutions
If you have ever been abroad to somewhere like Greece you will be aware of how many unlicensed taxi drivers and tour guides will hound you. Do not, under any circumstances, make use of these services. Nine times out of ten they are a scam. And, rarely, they can also lead to physical harm for you and your friends.
Always use officially licensed drivers and tour guides. The best place to source this information will be from your hotel or hostel. It is within their best interests to ensure the safety of their guests. If you’re traveling alone we recommend trying to make some new friends to go on your tours with. It is always safer to travel in a group.