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How To Protect Yourself When Traveling Abroad

After COVID-19, when traveling the first thing you think about is hand sanitizers and masks. Yes, these are vital supplies during a pandemic but germs are not the only concern. When you are a stranger to a new land, you need to protect your identity and personal security. Here are 6 tips to protect yourself when you are traveling abroad.

1. Get Your Paperwork In Order

Before traveling, you should make copies of the important documents such as driver’s license, travel insurance declarations page, hotel confirmations, airline tickets and proof of vaccination (especially after COVID-19 restrictions are lifted). Make sure you store the numbers to your financial institutions and the last 4 digits of your debit or credit cards safely. That way, you can alert the right people immediately in the event of theft.

What is the right way to store such information? Well, make sure that these documents (especially financial information and identity cards) are not available to the wrong people. You can store copies of these documents in a USB thumb drive and use a strong password. Add the USB to your keychain so you can have all the information you need while traveling and ensure top-notch security. Ensure that you are covered with international health insurance.

2. Share Your Itinerary With Your Trusted Loved Ones

When traveling, you should always leave a copy of your itinerary for people you love and trust. Make sure they know your daily schedule and your travel details. At least one person should have an idea of where you are at all times. It’s the best way to maintain personal security when traveling alone abroad. If you are going on an extended trip, you should set up a routine checkup. That way, if you miss a check-up or fail to return, your loved ones can alert the local authority or call the embassy.

3. Choose The Right Accommodations

When booking your accommodation for your trip, you might consider things like the cost and the amenities available. You should also consider the safety and security of the area when considering your accommodation options for your trip abroad. Are you staying in community lodgings such as rental apartments, hostels or hotels? Well, start by asking about the security measures in place.

For instance, are there CCTV cameras monitoring the guests coming in and out of the public areas? What type of access control system is in place? Are there standard keys or modern electronic models to protect you? Any accommodation or host should protect you against identity theft by updating the information system in place.

When booking lodgings online you should check for website security by checking the lock icon on the upper left corner of the address bar. If you are planning to work while traveling, you should always connect your devices to a password-protected network. Also, you should always use a VPN (a virtual private network) to hide your online identity successfully.

4. Blend In

When traveling, you should always look like one of the locals. Avoid wandering down the public streets with your camera and surprised face since you will look like a vulnerable person to malicious third parties. Some of the locals you meet will instantly realize you are not one of them, especially if you are volunteering. However, you should avoid announcing yourself to everyone else. Always keep a low profile when traveling.

When walking to new destinations, you should always be confident, even when you are actually lost. Have a phone number to an emergency contact, fellow traveler, program coordinator or volunteer crammed if you lose your bearings. Also, you can step into a shop and ask for directions instead of stopping a stranger on the street. When enjoying new locations, you should always keep your safety in mind. Before leaving, you should always think about travel safety tips to avoid a lot of anxiety. Remember, most tourist areas are crowded so you need to take care of your belongings and yourself.

5. Stay Alert

When you are on a vacation, you are likely going to overindulge in alcohol. Yes, that’s alright but you need to be wise about it. Always know your limits when you are drinking. You can take a non-alcoholic drink for every alcoholic one. That way, you will always have your judgment and wits intact. You will also protect yourself. If you are part of a program or volunteer group, you can have fun on your time off but you should always remember your job comes first.

6. Take A Personal Safety Course

Finally, you should learn some self-defense before traveling to boost your confidence. These courses will allow you to stop appearing vulnerable to predators when traveling or anywhere at home. You should always be prepared because you don’t know when something might happen. In the event of anything, you will always protect yourself and avoid bad consequences.

Yes, traveling abroad might seem a little overwhelming. However, if you are completely prepared, you should be able to enjoy your vacation or trip without worrying about being attacked. Use these tips to keep yourself safe when traveling, get back home safe and avoid any serious incidents.

This article does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors or the management of EconoTimes

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