5 Tips On How To Stay Safe Whilst Travelling.
Summer is a great time to travel, the internet can be a great source of information but unfortunately most travellers will spend more time researching restaurants and activities than searching for potential dangers and health issues.
Here’s the International SOS list of the top ways to stay safe as you travel:
1. Maintain a low profile. Don’t draw attention to yourself while in public or share any personal information about your profession or finances. Sharing personal facts increases your risk. Don't Tweet or post on Facebook or any other social media, even though very tempting it's an open invitation for unwanted visitors to your empty home.
2. Be aware of cultural differences. Take the time to research the location to which you are traveling so you understand local practices and act appropriately.
3. Always have a Plan B. Vacations and business travel don’t always go as planned. Have a back-up plan for how to handle a medical or security emergency. Have a local medical or diplomatic contact and someone to rely on for transportation, security assistance, medical help, or emergency funds. Carry a map and contact information for your travel agent, learn a few phrases in the local language and listen to the news.
4. Communication is key. Be sure you can make international calls; have a charger that works in that particular country; and pre-program essential contact information. Make sure friends and family and your travel agent know where you are and how to stay in touch. Give them copies of your travel documents – such as a passport and itinerary – and carry an extra copy of your passport as well, these could be life savers in the event of loss.
5. Safety on the road. The threat of terrorism and natural disasters is far exceeded by the danger of traffic accidents. In fact, vehicle crashes are the number-one hazard for travellers. In many parts of the world, driving is chaotic, streets are crowded and roads are under-maintained. Do not try to drive on your own. Instead, look for a trusted driver, always wear your seat belt and speak up if you don't feel safe. If you are going to hire a car make sure that you are covered for:
Theft Protection.
Third Party Liability (if you run a pedestrian over and they prosecute you-just the same as driving at home).
Collision Damage Waver, sometimes called Loss Damage Waiver (covers repairs of your hired car as well as damage to the other vehicle).
6. Safety in your hotel. Don't shout out your room number to anyone after you have checked in. On entering the room, look around and get familiar with your new home, check under the bed, the balcony or terrace and call reception to test that your room phone works. Also make sure that your balcony door locks and your front door locks correctly and that it has an "in door" viewer to the hallway.
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