Pack your bags, mark your maps, and ready your wanderlust-filled hearts — but, wait a minute!
Have you given thought to your summer travel safety? Of course you can't live your life in fear, but you also can't live recklessly.
Whether it's the sun-kissed beaches of the Caribbean or the bustling streets of European cities, staying safe should be top of mind.
Here are 12 safety tips to share with people you love.
1. Know Your Travel Buddies: The Art of Selecting the Right Company
Don't just tag along with friends of friends or let friends invite people you don't know. The more the merrier is for vacations - it's for anything but. Ensure you truly know your travel companions. If you don't have someone you trust to journey with, consider an escorted trip with a reputable company. This way, you're with a group and guided by professionals — safety in numbers, right?
2. The Role of a Travel Advisor: Your Safety Compass
They have the expertise to book you at reliable accommodations and tour operators, taking the guesswork out of planning and adding a layer of safety to your trip. Travel advisors are trained and experienced to think of things you might not like avoiding ground floor accommodations near public access and knowing the walkability of a neighborhood.
3. Pre-booking Airport Transfers: Your First Step to Security
Arriving at the airport in a foreign country you can expect for sure to have lurkers ready to prey on unsuspecting visitors who are happy to jump into a ride share with a stranger. By pre-booking your transfers with an actual car company or airport shuttle, you'll be welcomed by safe hands, sidestepping any potential scams or mishaps.
4. Accommodation Security: Making the Right Choice
Does your hotel have security personnel? What kind of access control do they use? Can people who are not guests access the property? Does the hotel or resort have a history if incidents? Knowing the security measures in place at your hotel or resort gives you added peace of mind.
5. Why to Avoid Private Home Rentals: A Cautionary Note
They may seem charming, but remember, you're not the only one with the door code or key. Plus, host accountability can be a gray area from carbon monoxide alarms to cameras, cleanliness standards to home safety. Stick to established hotels or resorts for a secure stay.
6. Door Wedge Alarms: Small Devices for Big Security
These portable devices are great for added security. If anyone attempts to enter your room, the alarm will sound, alerting you and potentially deterring the intruder. It may not stop an intruder but it sure will raise the alarm.
7. Travel Insurance: An Investment Worth Making
It covers everything from lost luggage to emergency medical needs. It's one of the best investments you can make when traveling. You insure your car and your home, why not yourself?! Remember, your health insurance doesn't work outside the country. If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel.
8. Choosing Quality Accommodation: Safety Over Savings
Sure, saving money is great, but not when it compromises your safety. Save a little more and opt for well-known accommodations with amenities and robust security measures. If you can't afford to stay somewhere safe, you can't afford to go.
9. The Power of Location Sharing: Stay Connected, Stay Safe
Enable location settings on your phone and leave an itinerary with loved ones. This way, someone always knows where you are in case of emergencies. Establish how often you'll email, text or call home so that any extended silence is a sign that something has not gone to plan.
10. Think Before You Drink: The Role of Alcohol Awareness in Safety
Always know where your drink is coming from, who has had access to it, and keep track of how much you've consumed. It’s all too easy to let your guard down when alcohol's involved. Make an agreement with your travel mates - what is your limit, what is the back up plan if someone over-indulges?
11. Transportation Safety: The Right Way to Move
Avoid hailing a random cab or using ride share apps. Instead, use the transportation recommended by your hotel or resort. They typically have vetted, reliable options. As kids we're taught not to get into cars with strangers - not sure why people compelled to start doing this on vacation.
12. Enrollment in the STEP Program: Your Lifeline Abroad
The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service that allows U.S. citizens traveling abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. It's an extra layer of security that can be a lifesaver in emergencies. The embassy will know you're in the country and if there is any kind of emergency in your destination, they'll know to account for you.
Safety tips hardly give you Pinterest travel vibes you're after but they'll ensure you get another trip
By following these tips, you'll be setting yourself up for a journey that's memorable for all the right reasons.
Remember, the goal of any trip is to create unforgettable memories and that's much easier when you're safe and sound. Bon voyage!