Stay safe on your next trip with these essential travel safety tips. Smart, simple advice for stress-free adventures abroad.
- Introduction to Travel Abroad Safety Tips
- My Top Travel Abroad Safety Tips
- 1. Research Travel Safety Before You Go
- 2. Keep Your Documents and Money Safe
- 3. Choose Safe and Secure Accommodation
- 4. Stay Aware of Your Surroundings
- 5. Use Reliable Transport Options
- 6. Health and Hygiene Precautions For Travel Safety
- 7. Stay Safe While Driving a Rental Car Abroad
- 8. Be Cautious Around Water and When Swimming
- 9. Stay Connected and Share Your Travel Plans
- 10. Don’t Take Unnecessary Risks
- Travel Abroad Safety Tips for Solo Travellers & Women Travellers
- Final Thoughts: Be Smart, Not Scared
Introduction to Travel Abroad Safety Tips
Travel is one of life’s greatest joys – but unfortunately it does come with a few risks. Most trips go off without a hitch, but being prepared can make all the difference when something unexpected happens. A little bit of knowledge and common sense goes a long way – and that’s where this guide comes in.
I wish I could say that my family and I have not experienced any safety issues whilst travelling but sadly this isn’t the case. You can’t always see what’s around the corner but the best thing is to be prepared. Your safety while travelling is something you should always plan for. Being ‘safety aware’ abroad should become second nature as it is in our everyday lives.
In this post, I’ll share practical, travel-abroad safety tips that will help you stay confident, secure, and in control wherever you go. From protecting your valuables and avoiding scams to staying healthy and connected, these tips will help you travel smart – not scared.
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Guide to Travel Insurance and Protecting Your DIY Trip
My Top Travel Abroad Safety Tips
1. Research Travel Safety Before You Go
Do Your Web Research
A good starting point is to check the Government website for Foreign Travel Advice and there is also an NHS website called Fit For Travel, which gives you practical advice if the worst happens.
Local Laws and Common Scams
Google the place you are travelling to find out local laws, customs, areas to avoid and common scams. Travel blogs often give you a heads-up of common scams to avoid. I think the easiest way to avoid them is to be suspicious of anyone who is nice to you for no reason.
Wildlife
Research local wildlife risks. Know which animals you might encounter and what to do if you come across them.
Download Maps and Safety Apps
Download maps of the areas you are travelling to from Google Maps, this way you will still be able to navigate without internet.
Trip Whistle is a global SOS app with emergency numbers for travellers abroad. Life360 tracks where you are and notifies your chosen group when you have landed safely at an airport.
See my guide 28 Best Travel Apps
2. Keep Your Documents and Money Safe
Carry Copies of Your Important Documents
Have backup copies of your passport and travel insurance. Keep all important documents and cash in your accommodation safe (if there is one). We never take large amounts of cash and instead, we withdraw money gradually, using our cards to pay whenever we can.
If there isn’t a safe in your accommodation and you don’t feel it is secure, take your passport with you. Don’t keep your cash all in one place (like a wallet) – spread it about.
Use a Money Belt or Neck Wallet
Keep your important documents like your passport, driving licence and cash in a money belt. There are a fantastic range of money belts available that are sleek and subtle. When travelling by public transport, have these important items on your person – never in an overhead locker or under a seat.
We’ve bought some Waterproof phone pouches for while we’re travelling in Mexico. They’re great for holding your phone, cash cards and money so you don’t have to worry about anyone stealing your valuables while you take a dip in the sea.
Check out Waterproof phone pouch on Amazon
3. Choose Safe and Secure Accommodation
Use Trusted Booking Sites
Book through trusted platforms with verified reviews. Fake accommodation is a common scam.
Check the reviews and use Google Maps to take a look at the area. Check for mentions of noise, theft or sketchy neighbourhoods.
Lock Up
Always lock up your accommodation and use the safe for valuables and important documents. We have heard of burglaries and thefts from what seem to be the safest resorts.
4. Stay Aware of Your Surroundings
Avoid Crowded Areas and Distractions
Pickpockets tend to operate in crowded areas like bus and train stations and where there are distractions like tourist attractions and entertainment. Be ultra vigilant in these kinds of situations.
Remember your phone is a distraction. We all tend to zone out from our surroundings while on our phones so be careful where you use it.
There’s been a few of times where we’ve had or almost had stuff stolen. One in a pub in London, where the thief distracted me by politely asking if they could take the chair next to me, one in Barcelona, where the thief tried to distract my husband by placing items he was selling on top of his phone and another where my friend was ‘accidentally’ pushed on the metro in Paris while they tried to steal her bag.
Trust Your Instincts
If the situation feels untoward then trust your instincts. Those instincts are designed to help you detect danger that might not be obvious. If you feel uncomfortable, take yourself away from the situation.
Blend In If Possible
Tourists always stand out to locals but try not to be the tourist who really stands out from the crowd. Dress appropriately, don’t wear designer gear and flashy jewellery.
Don’t draw attention to yourself by being overly loud.
5. Use Reliable Transport Options
Have a Planned Transfer
There’s nothing worse than arriving somewhere new in the middle of the night and not knowing how you will get to your accommodation. Make sure you know what time the public transport stops or arrange a transfer for when you arrive.
Use Official Taxis or Rideshare Apps
Don’t pick up cabs or lifts from the street, use official taxi companies or apps like Uber and Bolt and official rideshare apps.
Avoid Walking Alone Late at Night in Unfamiliar Areas
Make sure you have a plan as to how you will get back to your accommodation at night.
6. Health and Hygiene Precautions For Travel Safety
Check Vaccine Requirements
Check with your doctor which vaccines you might require. They will give you sound advice and anything that you are entitled to for free (in the UK). If there are any vaccinations that you require that they cannot provide, they will be able to give you details of places that can.
Remember to Bring Your Medications
Have essential medication in your hand luggage in case your hold luggage goes missing. Make sure you have enough for the length of your stay.
Check to See if Tap Water is Safe to Drink
If not, drink bottled or filtered water. Don’t eat uncooked food like salads, chopped fruit and ice-cream. Don’t have ice in your drink.
Carry a Basic First Aid Kit
I always make sure we have the following: Antihistamine, bite relief cream, pain killers, Imodium, electrolyte powders, plasters, antiseptic cream and wipes.
7. Stay Safe While Driving a Rental Car Abroad
Keep Doors and Windows Locked
Keep doors locked and valuables out of sight, especially when driving in unfamiliar areas. It is very obvious when you are driving a rental car and in some places tourists are targeted. Ensure you are well informed about the area you intend to drive.
Condition of Vehicle and Insurance
Always check the condition of the vehicle – breaks, tail lights, etc – and take photos and videos of any existing damage.
Make sure you are covered with the right insurance, especially for international driving.
Driving Rules
Look up the driving rules and laws of the country you are visiting – speed limits, drink-driving laws and if you require a International Driving Permit.
See my guide to Hiring a Car Abroad for further advice.
8. Be Cautious Around Water and When Swimming
Supervise Children Around Water
Drowning is a silent killer. Never leave children unattended at a pool or beach however good their swimming skills. It only takes one trip or careless jump and they could end up unconscious in the water.
We actually don’t allow any of us to swim alone when we’re on holiday.
Sea Water Safety
Only swim in designated safe areas and pay attention to local signs and flags. In our hometown, we have tourists getting into trouble frequently because they don’t read the signs.
Check if beaches have lifeguards on duty – if not swim with someone else and stay close to shore.
Be aware of currents, tides and unexpected drop offs.
Don’t swim after drinking alcohol or when overly tired.
9. Stay Connected and Share Your Travel Plans
Travel Communication
Let a trusted friend or relative know your itinerary and keep in contact or invite them to join your Life360 group.
SIM Cards
Don’t trust open WiFi networks, it is better to purchase an eSIM or buy a local SIM card.
10. Don’t Take Unnecessary Risks
Dangerous Activities
Don’t take risks for the sake of a photo or thrill. Safety standards abroad are often a long way off what is expected in the UK.
Do a risk assessment before you take part in a thrill seeking activity and don’t put yourself in danger for the sake of a photo.
Make sure your travel insurance covers you for any activities you partake in.
Party responsibly
Know your limits and don’t leave drinks unattended, or accept drinks or shots from strangers.
In many parts of the world, methanol or fake alcohol can be a poisoning hazard. This is a difficult one because the fake alcohol looks like the branded alcohol. Buy from reputable venues and if the price seems too good to be true – don’t buy it!
Don’t drink and swim.
Illegal Drugs
Taking illegal drugs abroad is extremely risky. Not only will it invalidate your travel insurance if something does go wrong but if you get caught, the penalties abroad can be catastrophic.
Travel Abroad Safety Tips for Solo Travellers & Women Travellers
Thankfully, the number of sexual assaults reported by travellers abroad is relatively low but from personal experience and conversations I have had with female friends it is a risk we cannot ignore. Sometimes people take risks on holiday that they might not in their normal lives.
Here are some safety tips to remember
- Dress appropriately for the culture
- Avoid isolated areas at night
- Connect with other travellers via hostels or local apps
- If you feel unwell on a night out – always seek help immediately
Final Thoughts: Be Smart, Not Scared
I hope you’ve found these travel abroad safety tips useful. Remember that most trips are safe and go without any incidents. However, you will feel more confident if you are prepared for any eventualities, so do your research and save this post for future reference.
Always take out appropriate travel insurance.
See my guide to Travel Insurance for DIY Holidays
What safety travel tips do you have? Let me know in the comments.
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