Travel is a fun topic to talk about, read, and in my case write about. But one of the unpleasant aspects of traveling is that things can go wrong. From natural disasters to violent protests, from food poisoning to petty theft, every adventure has risks. Unexpected situations can waste time and money at best, and jeopardize at worst.
Travel is a fun topic to talk about, read, and in my case write about. But one of the unpleasant aspects of traveling is that things can go wrong. From natural disasters to violent protests, from food poisoning to petty theft, every adventure has risks. Unexpected situations can waste time and money at best, and jeopardize at worst. You must act proactively to avoid dangerous situations and protect yourself when they occur.
Different destinations have different risks, but the following tips will help you put your safety first and travel with peace of mind.
Situational awareness exercises
Simply put, situational awareness is the ability to understand your surroundings and take appropriate action based on what you observe. This is one of the most useful skills you can develop as a traveler. But these days, situational awareness is harder to achieve than it sounds. Think about the last time you stood in line at a pharmacy.
You might be checking your email, scrolling through social media, or reading your favorite podcast. It's okay to autopilot in a familiar environment, but stay focused while you're on the move. Observing your surroundings can warn of pickpockets and protect you from reckless driving. Of course, that doesn't mean you should be paranoid, but you should try to be aware of what's going on nearby.
Situational awareness is not easy, but with practice you can become more present. Before you travel, try incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine. While waiting for your Starbucks order, check your social media feeds to see what people around you are doing. Keep your cell phone away while walking your dog and keep an eye on what's new in your neighborhood. Even if you drive to the grocery store without a radio, you can still focus on the drivers around you. With enough practice, mindfulness can feel like second nature.
Embrace your beginner status
The older you get, the less you feel like a "beginner". Regardless of the job, if I don't know what I'm doing, I'm always reluctant to admit it. Some call it "determination," but honestly, it's pride. And leaving this kind of pride alone can unintentionally lead to dangerous travel situations.
On the go, the right mix of anxiety and pride can lead to recklessness. Whether you're going down a hill that's too steep, or pretending to understand directions when you don't speak the language, remember that pride is far more important than safety. Instead of “saving face,” speak up when you don’t understand, say “no” when necessary, and enjoy the slow but rewarding process of getting things right.
Keep inconspicuous
It's important to make adjustments along the way, especially if you're traveling alone. That means adopting a modest dress code in conservative cultures, speaking softly in conservative cultures, and being mindful of manners in any culture. , casually look at it. If you feel lost or confused, don't show sadness. Instead, feel free to find someone who can help you, such as a hotel porter, a police officer, or a family member with older children. Avoid unwanted attention.
Brush up on neighborhood language and the subculture
As a visitor, you are not obligated to emerge as an professional approximately your vacation spot earlier than you arrive. You should, however, have a primary know-how of, and appreciate for, your host city's language and subculture. Start simple:
examine terms like “excuse me,” “assist,” “please,” and “thank you.” Then flow directly to phrases and terms particular to what you will be doing:
“in which is the trailhead?” “is there Wi-Fi here?”. Understand a touch little bit of your city's records and the way modern-day activities have impacted locals. With a running know-how of your vacation spot's language and subculture, you will keep away from misunderstandings, navigate greater smoothly, and be capable of ask for assist in case you want it.
Manage your cash
Regardless of your budget, take into account of ways you take care of your cash at the same time as you are at the road. Before you depart, ensure to name your financial institution to allow them to recognize approximately your experience. Also, take a look at to peer whether or not your card is customary withinside the u . s . you will be visiting. If you pick the usage of playing cards overseas, be careful whilst the usage of ATMs or getting into your PIN in busy areas. To keep away from undesirable interest whilst the usage of coins, be inconspicuous whilst you're taking cash from your pockets, and stay with smaller-denomination bills. Bring greater playing cards and coins to shop on your motel room, if your pockets or handbag get stolen. There's now no longer lots it is scarier than being stranded overseas with out cash. Taking preventative measures can pass an extended manner.
When in doubt, say no
One of the maximum storied blessings of tour is the manner it pushes barriers and forces human beings out in their consolation zones. There's without a doubt fee in embracing new experiences, however it is also critical to pay attention in your gut. If some thing appears uncomfortable or unusual, communicate up. Say “no” to something that seems like a rip-off or may want to placed you in harm's manner. Forget what tour and life-style experts say—it is ok to forgo a brand new enjoy if saying “yes” makes you sense unsafe.
Get guide from the specialists
Some of the maximum precious methods to preserve your self secure at the same time as visiting are to 1) sign up for S.T.E.P and 2) get a tour coverage plan that suits your needs. The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (S.T.E.P) is a loose provider supplied to U.S. residents and nationals who're staying overseas for an prolonged period. When a traveler enrolls with S.T.E.P, their experience is registered with the Embassy or Consulate closest to their vacation spot. The Embassy will then ship the traveler periodic updates at the protection situations in their vacation spot, alert the traveler to any emergencies, and assist the traveler's buddies and own circle of relatives get in contact with them within side the occasion of an emergency.
Finding the proper tour coverage—from tour medical health insurance to experience safety coverage—is an vital step in shielding your self from the unknown. Travel comes with lots of twists and turns, as an instance 12 percentage of vacationers have had their journeys impacted with the aid of using a few kind of herbal disaster. With the proper abilities and guide, you will be capable of discover with confidence.
