A vacation is supposed to relax you and prepare you for the stresses of everyday life at home. Vacation is meant to be free and full of happiness — not worries about being safe. But unfortunately, this isn’t always true. There are lots of places in the world where safety is a real issue. Before traveling, a lot of people want to know how to stay safe while on vacation. They want to know whether or not they should worry about safety when going sightseeing around town.
● Don’t Broadcast Your Travel Plans on Social Media
This is especially true if you’re going to be visiting the top states for human trafficking. For example, if you’re traveling to Nevada or California, don’t mention where exactly you’re going or what hotel you’ll be staying at. Instead, tell friends and family that you’ll be out of town and don’t give out any specific details about when or where you’ll be back.
● Make Sure Someone Knows Where You are at all Times
It can be tempting to cut off communication with loved ones when you are traveling, but it’s important that someone always knows where you are at all times and has the ability to reach out for help if needed. If possible, have someone stay in contact with you via social media (not text) using a burner phone that has no service once it leaves the coverage area (or turn off data). This way, they know where exactly you are at all times.
● Lock Up Your Belongings
If you’re staying at a hotel, make sure to lock up your valuables in the room safe. Don’t leave anything valuable out in plain view, even if it’s just for a few minutes. If you’re not staying at a hotel, make sure that your car is locked at all times — especially when it’s parked in the garage at home or another location where there are other cars nearby.
● Keep Your Smartphones Out of Sight
As long as smartphones exist, thieves will continue to target them for theft — especially when they’re left unattended in public places like restaurants and bars. If you don’t want to risk losing your phone while on vacation, keep it out of sight as much as possible so that thieves don’t think it’s worth stealing. Also, avoid using public Wi-Fi networks unless absolutely necessary because criminals can use these unsecured networks to access sensitive information such as passwords and financial account numbers without needing physical access.
● Be Mindful of Your Surroundings
Stay aware of your surroundings at all times. If you’re walking down a street, keep your head up and be alert for suspicious people or vehicles. If there are people around who look out of the ordinary, don’t hesitate to turn around and go back in the opposite direction.
● Keep a Modest Amount of Cash on You
When traveling, it’s best not to carry large sums of money with you at all times. Keep enough cash for emergencies and leave the rest in the hotel safe. This way, if you do get robbed, only small amounts will be taken from you instead of everything in your wallet or purse.
● Avoid Drinking too Much
When it’s hot outside, it’s tempting to want to drink more alcohol than usual — but that can lead to dehydration, which can make you more susceptible to heat exhaustion and other illnesses. Sticking to no more than two alcoholic drinks per day when traveling during warm months.
● Know Exactly Where You are Going When You Leave Your Hotel
It’s easy to lose track of time while traveling, especially if it’s your first time in a new place. Make sure that you have a cell phone or other communication device with GPS so that you can always find your way back home should anything happen.
● If a Stranger Befriends You, Be Wary
If you’re approached by someone who seems overly friendly or tries to engage in conversation with you, be cautious and alert. People who prey on others often use flattery and compliments to gain the trust of their victims.
● Learn about Local Customs Before Traveling Internationally
Different countries have different laws regarding what’s considered acceptable behavior in public places and how people should dress and behave around each other. Make sure that you understand these cultural differences before stepping foot on foreign soil so that you don’t inadvertently offend anyone or break local laws yourself by accident.
When it comes to summer vacation, relaxing on a sandy beach and sipping blended drinks with a paper umbrella sounds like an amazing time. Sadly, there are some people out there who aim to harm tourists while they’re not looking. Staying safe while on vacation requires preparation before you leave home, and taking the right precautions while you’re away can help keep things safe and enjoyable.
