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Heading out on a tour is probably one of the best ways to beat stress and the monotony of daily life. Especially for first-time travelers, the thrill and excitement can be immense. However, no matter if you are traveling solo or in a group, there are a few precautions that need to be taken before embarking on the tour.
It’s not possible to ensure 100% safety at all times during your travel, but following a few simple tips can ensure that you have the basics covered. So, read on to know some of the essential travel safety tips for a first-time traveler.
1. Research Ahead the Country’s Political Situation
One of the first things you need to do is find out about the current state of the country that you are going to visit. Your security is of utmost importance, so it’s imperative that you find out the country’s political stability before you plan the trip.
If something troubling comes up, then you must think of alternative travel destinations. You must also find out your country’s embassy contact information. In case of an emergency situation, they
might be able to help you out.
2 Find Out About the Typical Weather Conditions
Being safe while traveling also includes staying safe from extreme weather conditions. So research ahead about how the weather of the location is going to be during your visit.
Certain regions might be periodically affected by harsh weather conditions such as hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, or landslides. So it’s best if you know this beforehand. You can find out about a particular region’s weather forecast from Google.
3. Keep Friends and Family Informed
It’s a good idea to inform people who are close to you about your travel plans. This would come in handy if something untoward happens to you on the trip.
You can inform them about your itinerary and the contact details of the hotel you are planning on staying. This will be useful if they can’t contact you on your personal numbers. You can download some apps that will enable your friends and family to keep track of your whereabouts once you’re on the trip. They can do this by turning on the Follow function of the app.
They might not be able to come to your rescue instantly but can at least notify the local police if they suspect that something is wrong.
4. Avail Travel Insurance
This is one detail that you must not overlook when planning your trip. According to TheBrokeBackpacker.com, getting a good travel insurance plan that will cover you and your essentials are required for your peace of mind.
It also ensures that if something were to get lost or damaged, then your insurance will have it covered.
In some countries, you need travel insurance to get access to health care. Moreover, it also safeguards against canceled flights or lost luggage. So be sure to sign up for travel insurance before you travel, if you don’t already have it.
5. Don’t Make Yourself a Target
You have to be inconspicuous when you travel for the first time. Scammers usually target tourists, so walk with your head up to make people think that you know the surroundings. Ask for directions in an established place if you’re lost.
Your clothes also need to be similar to what the locals wear. Try to blend in as much as possible.
This will also help in maintaining the norms of the locality you’re in. Blending in will ward off untoward scammers as well.
Also, be sure not to flash around your money or expensive gadgets. Counting money in public or checking your expensive smartphone in a public area will make you a target of pickpockets or robbers. So keep them locked away, if possible, at the hotel when you travel.
6. Behave Responsibly
Many countries have rules and customs, and as a responsible traveler, you must abide by them. Make it a point to research these details beforehand, so you know exactly what laws to follow.
While traveling solo, don’t take the risk of venturing out alone at night. You are the easiest target when you are out at night alone, so it is better to stay indoors. Travel with a group if you must go out at night.
7. Carry Copies of Your ID & Travel Documentation
It’s imperative to carry a copy of your passport with you. It’s a good idea to keep a copy of your hotel’s address and a contact number on a piece of paper in case of an emergency.
Carry emergency contact numbers of your closed ones with you so they can be instantly contacted if you were to meet with an accident.
8. Follow Your Instincts
It’s always a good idea to trust your instincts when you are traveling for the first time. If your gut is telling you not to do something, then it is better if you don’t do it.
Don’t get too friendly and trust a local implicitly by giving away all your information. Follow your instincts about people you interact with.
When it comes to trying new activities, always skip doing it if it feels unsafe. Keep in mind what activities might be too much for you to take, like certain extreme sports.
While it may be manageable for some of your tour mates, you just may not have the stomach for something like bungee jumping.
Conclusion
Travelling is fun and adventurous, especially if it’s for the first time. You have to be aware that there will be some safety concerns wherever you are traveling.
However, that must not deter you from having the time of your life on your trip. Just follow the simple steps above and make sure to have the most fabulous time on your trip.
