Traveling overseas can be an unforgettable experience with lots of new sights, sounds, and cultures to immerse yourself in. However before you dive in, you need to be aware of the dangers that are out there – and that being careless could very quickly turn a great trip into a cautionary tale.
Want to make sure your trip doesn’t turn out to be unforgettable for all the wrong reasons? Let’s take a look at some of the best safety secrets that experienced travelers use to protect themselves, dodge the drama, and enjoy the magic instead.
1. Blend In
Sometimes standing out is a good thing, but when you’re traveling overseas it definitely isn’t. The more you stand out, the more you’re going to make yourself a target for every pickpocket, petty thief, or scam artist lurking around popular tourist spots and looking for an easy mark.
To save yourself a lot of trouble, focus on blending in. Pack your bag with neutral-colored clothing in styles that locals normally wear. Leave flashy jewelry or expensive watches at home, and don’t walk around with a selfie stick.
If you must consult a map, do it discreetly. Nothing screams ‘tourist’ more than someone standing in the middle of the street, looking at a map, while spinning around trying to get their bearings.
2. Learn to Say No
When you travel overseas, especially to touristy areas, you’ll probably find yourself accosted by street vendors, taxi hustlers, and local guides. At first it can be charming, but if you don’t firmly say ‘No’ – some may start to get a little pushy. Others may even accuse you of leading them on or wasting their time, and try to guilt you into hiring them or buying something.
The good news is that ‘No’ is a word that is fairly universal, and stating it firmly while shaking your head will normally get the job done. It doesn’t hurt to learn how to politely turn people down in the local lingo, and if someone does get too pushy – walk away immediately
3. Avoid Free WiFi
At first glance, the free public WiFi at airports, hotels, and cafes may seem like a convenient way to connect to the internet when you’re traveling overseas. But while they are cheaper and more easily accessible than other options, they’re also unencrypted and unsecured – which makes them risky.
Typically these networks are a playground for hackers looking to distribute malware, or intercept and steal data. As a rule, it is best to avoid them – and download maps, information, and everything else you need onto your phone so you can access it offline while you travel.
If you ever find yourself in an emergency where you absolutely need to use free public WiFi to connect to the internet, be sure to avoid any sensitive transactions. Using a VPN service to encrypt your data can also help make it secure.
4. Vet ATMs Before Using Them
While on vacation, you may need to get some cash quickly and spot a nearby ATM. But before you withdraw any money, be sure to check the ATM carefully and make sure it hasn’t been tampered with by thieves looking to steal credit card details and PIN numbers.
To vet ATMs and make sure they’re safe, there are a few simple steps you need to follow:
- Use ATMs inside bank branches as far as possible, and during work hours.
- Check the card reader isn’t out of place, misaligned, or loose in any way.
- Examine the keypad for buttons that feel ‘off’, or a secondary keypad that is placed over the original.
- Look for hidden cameras that may be in suspicious small holes directed towards the keypad.
- Cover the keypad with your hand when entering your PIN number.
Last but not least, set up text alerts for every transaction so you find out quickly if your card details are stolen while traveling.
5. Secure and Backup Important Documents
The last thing you want is to lose important documents such as your passport, visa, insurance, or booking details while you’re on vacation – either accidentally or because they were stolen. Always try to keep them safe, but at the same time prepare for the worst and back them up.
Before you go on your trip, scan all important documents and keep two copies: One on the cloud, and one that you email to yourself. That way if anything does go wrong you will at least have a copy that you can refer to or show the authorities to verify your information.
6. Don’t Overshare (Online)
Having a great trip and can’t wait to upload photos or videos of it online? Wanting to share the excitement you’re feeling with friends and family is understandable, but posting it on social media immediately will give the entire internet a play-by-play look into your holidays – including where you are, what you’re doing, and whether you make a good target.
To put it simply, oversharing can give bad actors everything they need to know to rob you blind. On the bright side, all you need to do to avoid it is only upload photos or videos of locations after you already leave them – and don’t use geotagging. Also, don’t share your itinerary or post your upcoming plans publicly,
Be Prepared
Traveling overseas is thrilling, and although it is sometimes messy – on the whole, it is worthwhile. The six safety secrets we just looked at aren’t about being paranoid or fearful – they’re about understanding the risks, staying sharp, and being prepared to face them head on. That way you can chase sunsets, stay out late, and collect amazing stories of your adventures without any mishaps.