Ah, the thrill of adventure! The excitement of discovering new places, meeting new people, and immersing yourself in different cultures. But amidst all the wanderlust, one thing must always remain your focus: your safety. How to stay safe while travelling?
For a lot of people, this is one of their main concerns when deciding to pack up their comfortable home life and travel the globe to see the wonders the world has to offer. The world can be a scary and daunting place, with most people fearing the unknown.
Staying safe and exercising caution is especially important for the digital nomad life, since you will more than likely be solo most the time. So what can you do to minimise risks while living your best life as a digital nomad? Lets jump in and find out!
Research Your Destination
Before you even think about packing your bags, dive deep into research about your destination. Check online advice, travel advice, government advice. Check local forums and gain advice from people you know who have visited the country you plan to tick off. Know where you should and shouldn't go in certain counties, areas to avoid, and where to stay.
Is it okay to wonder alone at night? Is the neighbourhood your dream apartment is in safe? Are there travel warnings? - although, as important as it is to be aware of this one, from personal experience, the warnings don't always reflect the reality on the ground. Know them, but take them with a pinch of salt!
Check The Local Laws and Customs
What's the local culture like? Are there any customs you should be aware of? Local laws to follow? This is an important aspect of your research, because laws and customs change from country to country.
Just because something is legal and accepted in your home country doesn't mean that it is in your destination. And what could possibly ruin your new digital nomad lifestyle more than ending up in jail?!
Check The Health Situation
No one wants their dream vacation ruined by a pesky illness. Check if you need any vaccinations or medications for your destination. Packing a basic first aid kit with essentials like pain relievers, band-aids, and antiseptics can be a lifesaver.
You don't want to be stuck in an apartment feeling sick with no medication in a place where you don't know anyone. ALWAYS have painkillers (I learnt this the hard way). Check the water quality in your destination too - is it safe to drink or cook with? Take precautions to lower the risk of illness as much as you can. Check https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/ for country specific information
Travel Insurance - Stay Safe While Travelling
Travel insurance might seem like an unnecessary expense, and we know how much you would rather spend that extra money on a hike or sangria, but trust us - it’s worth every penny. Insurance covers everything from health emergencies to trip cancellations and theft.
Make sure you choose a comprehensive plan that suits your needs, especially if you plan on doing those fun activities like sky dives and mountaineering! For digital nomadding check Safety Wings. They offer monthly plans specifically for us guys!
Our top pick? The extensive Safety Wing insurances for Health & Travel. Have a look at their offers here: www.safetywing.com
Make Copies - Lots of Copies
Imagine losing your passport in a foreign country. Nightmare, right? To avoid such scenarios, make copies of all your important documents, including your passport, visa, travel insurance, and itinerary. Keep one set with you, another back home with someone you trust, and another locked in your accommodation.
When you are on the move, keep them in different locations. One in your bag and one in your suitcase for example - just in case.
Emergency Contacts
Always have the contact information of your country's embassy or consulate in your destination - it can be a lifesaver in the unfortunate case of emergencies. Memorise the emergency numbers for ambulance, police and fire in your destination. And memorise the contact details of someone back home!
Always Have A Plan
I can't stress how important it is to always have a plan for an emergency. You more than likely won't need it, but it's important to have. What will you do in case of a lost or stolen phone? What will you do if you are unable to access your bank? What will you do in the case of an natural disaster? (especially important if you are travelling in locations prone to them, such as Nepal or Mexico). And ALWAYS keep some emergency cash on you - but of course, do not carry too much!
Stay Aware and Trust Your Instinct
Always be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is. Don’t hesitate to remove yourself from uncomfortable situations. It is way better to be safe than sorry, so always err on the side of caution if you are in doubt. If you meet someone and you're not 100% comfortable, then be hesitant with what information you share.
Turning strangers into friends is so important when travelling, but be sensible with what information you share with people you have just met. For example, don't disclose the location of your accommodation to someone you've known a day or two, and don't share your itinerary with strangers.
If you're talking to someone you don't feel comfortable with and you're alone, tell them you have friends or a partner waiting for you at your (undisclosed) accommodation. Don't walk back at night alone after meeting people who you feel are off. Be smart.
Get a Local SIM
One of my best travel tips is get a local SIM as soon as you arrive in a new country - preferably at the airport upon landing. This allows you to have a way of contacting people in an emergency, as well as allowing you to update people on where you are. Another huge bonus of having a SIM is maps.
If you get lost you can just hop on Google Maps to check your location and how to get back. And this also allows you to check that taxi services are also driving in the right direction of your destination.
Don't Live Post
Okay so this one largely depends on your travel destination, and your personal preference. But if you're travelling in a more 'at risk' destination, then it might be better for you not to live post your locations to social media - especially if you have a public account. Maybe save that cute coffee snap until after you leave the cafe, or delay posts until you have left the city you are in.
Lock Doors
Okay I am seriously guilty of not doing this one - the amount of times I forget to lock hotel room doors is horrendous - BUT LOCK THEM! Lock your hotel room door, lock your apartment doors, check windows are closed or on the latch, store valuables in the safe. For added security, consider using a portable door lock or doorstop. Also, familiarise yourself with the emergency exits in your accommodation. Knowing your escape routes can be crucial in case of emergencies.
Ensure Someone Knows Where You Are
Always ensure that someone back home knows where you are. Tell family or trusted friends your travel plans, cities, and accommodation details. Tell them when you are planning to move on. If you're going remote and off-grid then tell then exactly when you plan to get back to connection and tell them to expect communication from you on that day. If you are wondering off to do some hiking or other such activities then tell your accommodation/friends/people back home where you are going, your planned route, and when you plan to be back.
Stay Safe While Travelling in short
Travelling opens up a world of opportunities, allowing us to explore new landscapes, taste exotic cuisines, and immerse ourselves in diverse cultures. Yet, amidst the thrill and excitement, ensuring your safety is crucial for a truly memorable experience.
Think of travel safety as the secret ingredient to a perfect trip. It’s not just about avoiding risks; it’s about enhancing your peace of mind so you can focus on the wonders of your journey. When you’re well-prepared, you’re free to embrace the spontaneity of travel with confidence, knowing that you have strategies in place to handle any challenges that come your way.
Safe travels, and may your journey be filled with wonder, joy, and countless unforgettable moments! 💕☀️
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