Dreaming
of going round the world in a hundred or so days but scared? Sacred of
pickpockets, heavy traffic, local scams, and health issues? Well, we`ve got you
covered! Think of this upcoming trip as your gateway to overcoming any fears
you`ve been holding onto. With just the safety precautions you need to take if
you`re either traveling by yourself or with family and friends.
Before booking your tickets and getting your bags zipped here are the key dos and don`ts you should be prepared for anywhere and anytime!
1. Public Wi-Fi
The majority of tourism-based countries around the world have public Wi-Fi services and so do the restaurants and cafés in the area. No matter how compelling the idea of getting free Wi-Fi sounds do not take the risk of connecting just anywhere. If you are going to do, so use VPN at all times because you don`t know who else has access to that same network.
2. Do your research
Always
do your research on where ever you are going so that you may take apt
precautions whether in terms of the environment or the common scams in the
area. Use Google for any queries you have.
To provide you with an example in South Korea, hidden cams in restrooms and hotel rooms are very common. If you are to go there you may download a hidden camera detector application on your phones.
3. Be mindful of exchange rates
While
visiting another country there will come a point when you will have to convert
your currency into the currency of the country you`re in. To do that for
instance, 1 US dollar is equal to 141.56 Japanese Yen but there is a fee involved in the conversion
that is not always the same.
This will also affect the amount of cash
you are supposed to receive in the first place. It`s better to have the money
converted before you go off to travel so that you can fish yourself the right
fee.
It is also wise to check beforehand if your currency is widely accepted or not in the place you`re visiting so you don`t have to convert it anyways.
4. Be careful with cash
Be
careful of where you keep your cash or wallet or any essential belonging. Since
pickpocketing is the only thing that no place is safe from especially the
beloved destination of Europe. Wear clothing that has hidden pockets and don`t
put your wallet in your back pocket. Get your belongings and luggage insurance
if you can.
Keep cash in different places so even if you do end up becoming a target you still have money stowed away somewhere in your clothes or bags to get you back to your hotel safely.
5. Make sure your friends or family are aware of your location
Share your GPS location with a trusted friend or family member who you think is responsible in case of any emergency. If you get sick or end up in any accident (god forbid), your location and details will keep you safe in case you need cash or any kind of support.
6. Keep a hard copy of your documents
Make
sure you have a hard copy of your passport, ID card, license, and any insurance
card if you have one, and upload them in digital form on Google Drive or send
it to any of your contacts.
So in case you get mugged or lose your important documents you will still have either the copy or the original to rely on. If there`s anything you should always have access to then those are your means to return home.
7. Know your way
Keep
your GPS map open so that you know your way around the city, town, or village
you`re at to avoid relying on any stranger. And most importantly to stay aware
of your own surroundings.
In case you run out of data make sure to
download that map or if nothing else then take a screenshot of the map.
Navigating your own way will help you stay confident and will make you look
less of a target.
Traveling
is more fun when you are well-prepared for what is to come ahead. And are eager
to grow outside the bubble of familiarity. When you learn to stay witty and
alert you automatically feel more secure with time.
So
go ahead on that trip you`ve been putting off and overcome those petty fears,
and do remember the most golden tip of all, “When in Rome do as the Romans do” for an even better experience!