The last 12 months have been frustrating ones for those who love to visit new countries and experience different cultures. But even if you weren’t a regular traveler before the strange events of the past year, the chances are high that when all the restrictions are lifted, you’ll be keen to spread your wings and explore new places.
There’s no doubt about it, travel broadens the mind and helps you appreciate life from completely different angles. But it can also place you in difficult, and sometimes hazardous, situations if you don’t keep your wits about yourself. That’s why we’ve compiled this guide for safe travel, considering both the new challenges of 2021 and the factors that have always existed and always will.
Get vaccinated
Inoculation is a hot topic at the moment, and of course, you should check the requirements regarding the COVID vaccine in your destination country before you do anything else. But that is not the only vaccination you might need. Some countries require visitors to be vaccinated against typhoid, yellow fever hepatitis-A, hepatitis-B, tetanus and more. Be clear about what’s needed and how recent the vaccination shot needs to be, and ensure you have your vaccination certificates with you. Otherwise, as well as endangering your health, you risk being denied entry at the airport.
Don’t go looking for trouble
Some countries are more dangerous than others. That’s a given, and you don’t need an expert to tell you you’ll be safer visiting France than you will in Afghanistan. But some high-risk destinations are less obvious. For example, did you know that Los Cabos in Mexico and Caracas in Venezuela are statistically the most dangerous cities in the world? Check out resources like the Bureau of Consular Affairs to get the low-down on your proposed destination. There’s advice on specific risks, and on particular cities or regions that are best avoided.
Safety in numbers
Let’s be clear, there’s something very special about solo travel, and you should not automatically dismiss the idea. But if you are not traveling with friends or family, it’s definitely worth becoming part of a group. You only have to watch a nature documentary to know that predators will pick a lone animal that’s separated from the pack as the easiest prey. As well as making you less of a target, it’s also good to have the support of a group in the event that you suffer some misfortune such as illness or losing your wallet or passport.
Stay safe online, too.
Most of us will be keen to keep loved ones updated during our travels, and social media provides a great way of doing so. You’ll also be likely to go online to keep track of your finances and for a host of other reasons. Hooking your cell phone up to a local carrier is the easiest way to do so, but be sure to research the options before you travel. Keep in mind that some sites you routinely visit at home might be blocked in other countries and can only be accessed via VPN, so for full privacy pick an operator that allows you to stay private. After all, you never know who might be watching.
Hire local help
If you are out of your westernized comfort zone, for example in a country in East Africa or the Indian Subcontinent, some local support is absolutely vital. It’s well worth employing the services of a local guide, but again, this needs to be properly researched in advance. A personal recommendation is best, and you should arrange for the person to meet you at the airport and stay with you whenever you go sightseeing. For one thing, the local knowledge helps you get the most from the experience. Even more importantly, your guide will protect you from the hawkers who tend to congregate at tourist hot spots and whose hard-selling tactics can easily cross the line from irritating to intimidating.
Have some emergency cash
You would be amazed at some of the places that now accept credit cards. But the fact remains that in more remote parts of the world, cash is still king. Don’t be caught out, there are few experiences more upsetting than being hundreds of miles from anywhere and unable to get a room for the night or to fill the rental car with gas because you can’t lay your hands on the means to pay for it. Keeping a spare stash of cash in a safe place such as in your glasses case or tucked inside the battery compartment of a pocket flashlight also means you have emergency funds in the event that your wallet is lost or stolen.
Drink responsibly
Finally, if you enjoy a beer or a glass of wine, then there’s absolutely no reason not to try out the local fare while you are on your travels. However, you need to be extra vigilant as to quantity. Jet lag, a new environment and alcohol are not a good combination, so it might be a better idea to focus on rehydration and stick to soft drinks on your first night. Also, be aware of local customs and regulations. For example, in some Middle Eastern countries, you can buy and consume alcohol in a bar or restaurant, but if you then stagger out of the door to head back to the hotel a little worse for wear, you will likely find yourself arrested for public drunkenness.
