- Riding a roller coaster, walking across glass bridges, a skydive, or swimming with sharks. The willingness to take risks and the need for safety is very different and individual - and this also applies to travel. But we all have one thing in common: we want to return home safely and in one piece! Unfortunately, the most beautiful trip can become a disaster if your only bank card is blocked, all your belongings are stolen, or you are hospitalized and injured. That's why we have helpful and easy-to-implement tips for you in this article, with which you are safer on your trip.
Table of Contents
1 Travel Health Insurance
In some countries, travel health insurance is mandatory for entry. A scooter accident, a tooth filling that comes loose, a sprained foot while hiking, or a burst appendix happens faster than you think. Depending on the country, a few thousand euros can add up quickly, and sometimes you even have to be flown home. We recommend that you always take out travel health insurance for your trip and never skimp on it!
2 Emergency Numbers
Probably everyone knows the number of police in the USA. But what was it in Argentina? What number do you need to call in case of fire in Cuba? When disaster strikes, still looking for the numbers? You'll probably be too upset to think clearly. So save the numbers in advance on your mobile. Also, always save the number of your current accommodation.
3 Save Important Information
All significant allergies, your blood type, and your emergency contacts – Save them on your mobile, a piece of paper in your wallet, and a piece you always wear in your outfit. Some people have tattoos like that, and at the latest, if I were allergic to a specific medicine, I would have a tattoo like that.
4 Talk to Your Bank
You wouldn't believe how often we've heard stories about blocked banks or credit cards. Banks are quickly alert for sudden foreign withdrawals and block the cards. And then you're left with no money. This can often be solved with a phone call, but save yourself the stress and inform your bank in advance about your trip.
5 Have Emergency Cash
Always have a cash reserve and maybe a credit card. In case the ATMs go on strike or your credit card is stolen. With a nest egg, you're not immediately screwed. Whether you keep it in your suitcase, in a secret pocket in a pair of pants, in two places like a suitcase and a backpack, or a hairbrush with a stash or a diversion sun lotion bottle– the sky's the limit. How much nest egg should you plan for? We have a nest egg of $200. Yes, the nest egg is in dollars because it is the easiest currency to exchange worldwide.
6 Adapt Clothing
Cover your knees and shoulders if you are visiting a religious place. Topless as a woman on the beach is forbidden in many countries, and even as a man, you should not sit in a bathing suit in the café – even if it is on the beach. In some countries, leaving your purse in the hotel is better. Adapt to the customs of your destination. And summery city clothes won't immediately put you on everyone's tourist radar. Instead of flip-flops, swim trunks, and a tank top, a light summer shoe, a pair of linen shorts, and a T-shirt or shirt will do.
7 Ask Locals
You can get tips about safety from locals on the ground. We have often been warned about certain areas by locals during our trips exploring cities. Some of them also accompanied us back to the safe corners.
- Tip: Ask also for local scams and read our guide about the most common scams
8 Pay Attention to Hygiene
There are many countries where you're not supposed to drink tap water. And also, stay away from salads, ice cubes, and ice then. Contaminated food can happen to you anywhere in the world, so we advise you to have a good medicine kit. If you do not feel better after two nights, please inform the reception, the neighbors, or the janitor – depending on how you stay overnight. Because for some diseases only local medicines work, you should take them after 2 days at the latest.
9 First Aid Kit
A proper first aid kit with all essential things has helped us immensely. From plasters to disinfectants, scissors, and bandages. Everything was already in use with us.
10 Safety Gear
Everyone's need for safety is very individual. Before your trip, think about what makes you feel safer. The type of accommodation is not the deciding factor.
Keychain Alarm
Pull out the pin, and a deafening alarm starts immediately. It is small and fits in any pocket. The keychain alarm stops only when the metal pin is put back.
Protection Whistle
Small, light, and very effective. It is not directly recognizable as a protection whistle but is very loud.
Security Door Stopper
The non-slip security door stopper must be pushed under the door slot from the inside. There are also door stoppers without an alarm.
Pepper Spray / CS gas
Pepper spray is the classic among the self-protection options. However, handle it with caution because using it should be practiced. It is not allowed in hand luggage and is not legal in all countries.
Window Alarm
You can attach the window alarm to the window frame with adhesive tape and set the switch to “ON.” As soon as someone tries to open the window, a loud alarm sounds for one minute.
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