Anticipating a vacation abroad is very exciting, but you must definitely prepare for every scenario. Unfortunately, accidents happen when people are on vacation – they get sick, robbed, or hurt; and there is nothing you can do to prevent it. However, you can be prepared for the worst when you travel abroad. To ensure a safe and worry-free experience on your travel, there are some things you can do to get the odds in your favor.
Get Familiarized with the Destination
The more you know about the place you are visiting, the more prepared you will be. Research the customs, regulations and rules of the place you are visiting – the Internet will provide you with all the information you need. Check travel blogs, purchase a travel book, and simply get a feel for their culture.
Make a list of the places you want to visit, but also of places you might need in case something happens. Check where the nearest hospital and pharmacy is, and have backup hotel options in case something goes wrong. You can even learn where the nearest embassy of your country and police office is in case your passport gets stolen or lost.
Put Your Safety First
Make sure that you embark on this journey safely. Start with a travel insurance you can use if you get into an accident or get sick, bring some vitamins and pills with you, and plan your itinerary to the very detail.
Given the ongoing global situation, opting for travel insurance that covers Covid-19 is essential, ensuring you’re protected against pandemic-related incidents and providing peace of mind throughout your trip.
If you are traveling to a sunny location, pack plenty of sunscreens. If you are traveling to a cold location, bring plenty of warm clothing. In the case that you suffer from any kind of allergies, pack the prescriptions and medication you need in your bag.
Figure Out Your Budget
Have you planned your budget for the travel expenses already? Consider emergency expenses in this budget, and have several payment options. In this way, your budget will be able to sustain you throughout the entire vacation and you won’t be left penniless in case you are a victim of a burglary.
Get your credit cards with you, but also carry some cash. Keep this cash with you and leave some in the hotel in case something like that happens.
To be on the safe side, set alerts on your credit cards and bank accounts. You might not be able to prevent being robbed if you lost your card or someone hacks your credit card info, but you can find out right away and call the bank as soon as possible.
Pack Smart
Everyone has a way of packing, but you should have this process organized, too. If you want to avoid having to roam through the luggage to get a jacket, you need to get organized.
Wear heavier clothes on the plane to save some room in the luggage if you cannot fit everything in it. Pack some essential clothing in your carry bag in case your luggage gets lost or stolen. Use space saver bags and put the things that could spill and ruin your clothing in secure boxes or bags. And most importantly, don’t pack your valuables in the checked bag.
Download Apps (Offline Maps, Too)
Apps can come very handy during travels. You can download apps for hotels, airlines, an offline map in case you don’t have access to an Internet connection, dictionary, currency converter, packing guide, etc. Do this before you go on your vacation, not when you get there.
Wander a Little
Move in secure areas only, but don’t be afraid to do a bit of wandering around the city. This will help you get some orientation, and you can always turn on that offline map application if you can’t find your way back. Once you learn how to move around in the new place, you will feel much safer.
That’s it! These six tips should help you prepare for your new journey and avoid all those accidents that many people experience abroad. When you are ready for all common scenarios, you can handle them without ruining your travel experience abroad. Being prepared makes you not only safer but also helps guarantee a great vacation!
