While the media want to make us believe that the world is a terribly dangerous place, the truth is that most travelers don’t experience any problems on their trips. But of course, that doesn’t mean you can be reckless and forget about common sense. Safety should always be a concern wherever you travel. Here are some of the things to consider:
* Get travel insurance. I repeat. Get travel insurance. It doesn’t matter where you’re going or where you’re from, accidents can always happen. Travel insurance is a necessary evil of any trip and you should never leave without it. Not only will you be covered in case of medical emergencies (think, being airlifted from a mountaintop in Peru), but depending on your cover and plan, you’ll also be protected in case your flight gets cancelled, you lose your luggage or have to return home for a family emergency.
* Get your shots. Another must-have item on your travel prep to-do list is getting vaccinated. Ask your doctor or visit a travel clinic at least a few months before your travels, to leave enough time to get a full course of vaccinations. Find out what immunizations are required and advised for your destination and keep a record with you when traveling, as you might have to prove you got the shot to be let into the country.
* Do your research. Before booking any trip, make sure you are aware of the political situation in the country you’re visiting. You can check out any travel warnings for the country you’re visiting on your state department’s website.
Beware of scams. An easy way to prepare for any possible tourist scam is to google the country or city you’re visiting, plus the word ‘scam’. You’ll find all the most common scams, ranging from classic taxi rip-offs to more elaborate tea ceremony scams in China. It’s good to protect yourself from any dodgy situations that can easily be avoided. When in doubt, trust your gut, it’s usually right!
* Get travel insurance. I repeat. Get travel insurance. It doesn’t matter where you’re going or where you’re from, accidents can always happen. Travel insurance is a necessary evil of any trip and you should never leave without it. Not only will you be covered in case of medical emergencies (think, being airlifted from a mountaintop in Peru), but depending on your cover and plan, you’ll also be protected in case your flight gets cancelled, you lose your luggage or have to return home for a family emergency.
* Get your shots. Another must-have item on your travel prep to-do list is getting vaccinated. Ask your doctor or visit a travel clinic at least a few months before your travels, to leave enough time to get a full course of vaccinations. Find out what immunizations are required and advised for your destination and keep a record with you when traveling, as you might have to prove you got the shot to be let into the country.
* Do your research. Before booking any trip, make sure you are aware of the political situation in the country you’re visiting. You can check out any travel warnings for the country you’re visiting on your state department’s website.
Beware of scams. An easy way to prepare for any possible tourist scam is to google the country or city you’re visiting, plus the word ‘scam’. You’ll find all the most common scams, ranging from classic taxi rip-offs to more elaborate tea ceremony scams in China. It’s good to protect yourself from any dodgy situations that can easily be avoided. When in doubt, trust your gut, it’s usually right!
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