Top Tips For Staying Safe On Your Travels
When you go on holiday, it can be so easy to throw caution to the wind and gain a false sense of security. You’re relaxed, bathed in sunshine and in an environment surrounded by other happy holidaymakers, it is easy to drop your guard. However, travel safety should be your top priority. You don’t want to be walking around terrified of course, but having a good awareness of safety in the back of your mind is a good idea.
Here are some top tips for staying safe on your travels:
Before You Set Off
Before you set off you’ll want to ensure you have all the practical elements sorted. This includes travel insurance, vaccinations and holiday money. Travel insurance should always be comprehensive – never buy a cheap policy as a formality. Make sure it covers you for all your holiday activities, including travel and excursions and take at least one copy with you in case luggage gets lost or stolen. It is also worth having a small note of emergency numbers in your purse or wallet, including the number of your travel insurance company along with your policy number. With your vaccinations you should speak to your GP as soon as you have booked a holiday, they will be able to offer you advice on which vaccinations to get and when.
Holiday money should be placed cautiously in various different bags and suitcases if you are taking it all in cash. The safest way to have access to travel money is by having a small amount in cash, then some on a prepaid travel card, and some in a bank account accessible by debit or credit card.
When You’re On Your Way
When you’re travelling it can be easy to get a bit stressed for various reasons! However, if you’re prepared you should just be able to sit back and enjoy the journey. Remember to keep all your important items with you in your carryon bag – do not pack them in your suitcase. Keep travel documents, passports, tickets, medicine, money and any valuables with you. This not only means you have instant access to them whenever you need it, but it also means you know where they are throughout the journey, so you don’t need to worry about them getting lost or stolen.
When you’re travelling it is also important that you do not prematurely end your holiday by misbehaving. Airlines in particular will not tolerate drunk passengers, so saying something controversial or being rowdy could stop you even getting on the plane in the first place. Plus, would you want loud drunks near you while you’re travelling to your holiday destination? Play nice and don’t overdo the airport tipples, it really isn’t worth getting drunk.
When You Get There
Yay! You have reached your hotel room! After you have gotten over the excitement of actually getting on holiday, you’ll need to bear in mind the following:
- Where are your valuables while you’re out of the room? Don’t trust that your room will be safe when you’re not in it. Your hotel should offer a safe in your room or behind reception – use it for peace of mind.
- Check the fire escape details. You don’t have to do a full on drill, just check over the fire escape details to you know where the nearest fire escape is if there is a fire.
When You Are Actually On Holiday
When you are in the full swing of your holiday enjoying the beautiful scenery and relaxing atmosphere, bear the following in mind:
- Be aware of the area – don’t stray from areas you know are safe.
- Keep your bag close and your wits about you – it doesn’t matter where you are, there will be pickpockets and scammers looking to take advantage of you. Keep your bag around you rather than over one shoulder so it cannot be easily snatched, keep it zipped up and close to you when you sit down.
- Don’t drink the water – it’s an age old rule not to drink the local water, but it still stands. To avoid stomach upsets, try to stick to bottled water.
- Be careful in the sea – be aware of the risks the local beach poses. In the UK we have weever fish, in other countries they have their own local wildlife posing a risk on the coastline. Read up on what to be aware of so you know what to look out for.
- Sun safety! Always keep your sun cream topped up, sunburn can ruin a holiday and does not make for nice holiday pictures! Read this article by the NHS for extensive sun safety tips.
