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Going to a foreign country is an exciting adventure that we all hope to undertake at some point in our lives. But when abroad, you need to remember to stay vigilant and not take anything for granted, after all – you’re probably thousands of miles away from home and not within reach of your usual circle of friends and family. But as long as you’re careful, there’s no reason why you can’t have the adventure you’ve always dreamed of. Here you’ll find a few ideas of how you can stay safe while you’re abroad.
Are you insured?
Travel insurance is a huge part of a safe, successful trip. It’s something that everyone should have when they travel abroad. If you have an extensive medical history and you’re concerned about the cost of your premiums, then don’t worry – simply search for travel insurance for pre-existing conditions and you’re sure to find a provider that will cover all your needs. Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to travel insurance.
Get to know your destination before you travel
All it takes is a few simple searches to find out if there are any areas in your destination that you should avoid. You could also make sure you’re clued up on all the latest scams and crimes that are specifically aimed at tourists. And simply make sure you’re aware of local customs, rules and laws, attitudes and etiquettes before you travel. There’s nothing wrong with a little research before you go!
What to take
Don’t get bogged down with all your expensive technology and gadgets – leave that new laptop at home. You won’t need it! If you’re taking your phone abroad to take photographs, try to keep it tucked out of sight when you’ve taken those selfies.
Always take copies of your passport and other travel documents too and keep them separate to the originals. If they get lost or stolen, then at least you have backups and won’t get stranded. If these are stolen, then head to your local embassy.
Keep your family in the loop
You don’t have to call them every time you wake up or go to bed, but the sensible thing to do is to give your family or loved ones a copy of your itinerary. Make sure they know the numbers of your flights, when you should land and the name and number of your hotel or hostel. Make sure they have a contact number for you – if it doesn’t give you peace of mind, at least it’ll stop your family worrying too much!
Cash
Don’t carry all your cash on you at one time, that’s just asking for trouble! Keep it in small denominations in various places in your luggage. That way if some goes awry, then you’re not stranded.
Also, avoid carrying cash in a wallet or purse. If this is spotted, then it’s an easy grab for a pickpocket or opportunist. Keeping cash hidden in your clothing is the best option.