Top Tips to Stay Safe While Traveling
Traveling opens up a world of adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories, but it also comes with risks that can catch even the most seasoned explorers off guard. Whether you're navigating bustling city streets or remote countryside trails, prioritizing safety ensures your journey remains joyful and stress-free. Our seasoned travel advisors have curated a list of expert suggestions to help you travel wisely, ensuring your trips are secure, stress-free so you can focus on the important things!
1. Leave Valuable Jewelry at Home
Never travel with expensive jewelry—it’s a magnet for thieves and a heartache if lost. Instead, purchase affordable, stylish faux pieces on Amazon that look great but won’t leave you devastated if they go missing. You’ll travel with peace of mind and still sparkle in your vacation photos.
2. Track Luggage with AirTags
Losing luggage—or leaving a backpack on a train—can derail your trip. Pop an AirTag in every suitcase and backpack. If something goes missing, you can track it in real-time using your phone, turning a potential disaster into a quick recovery.
3. Prep Kids with a Safety Talk
Before you head out, sit down with your kids to review the itinerary. Quiz them on key details like the name and address of your hotel, so if you get separated, they know where to go or what to tell authorities. Empowering them with knowledge builds confidence and safety.
4. Track Family with Life360
Download the Life360 app to keep tabs on your kids’ locations in real-time. Whether you’re in a crowded theme park or a sprawling city, this app ensures you can find each other quickly if anyone wanders off.
5. Pack a Pocket Pharmacy
Health hiccups don’t take a vacation, and finding the right medication abroad can be a hassle—or impossible in some areas. I always carry a compact “Pocket Pharmacy” with essentials like pain relievers, antihistamines, anti-diarrhea meds, and any prescriptions. It’s a small kit that saves big headaches.
6. Book Pre-Arranged Transfer Companies
Skip the stress of hailing random taxis. We only use vetted, trusted transfer companies with drivers we’ve worked with before. It’s safer, reliable, and ensures you’re not overcharged or taken to the wrong destination.
7. Hire Pre-Arranged Tour Guides
Exploring with a knowledgeable, vetted tour guide enhances your experience and safety. They know the area, steer you away from risky spots, and provide insights that make your trip unforgettable. We handle all of your tours for you, making your life easier!
8. Carry Two Power Banks
A dead phone can be a safety nightmare. Always carry two power banks to keep your devices charged. Here’s why it’s critical:
Communication in Emergencies: A charged phone lets you call emergency services, contact family, or look up local emergency numbers if you’re lost or in danger.
Navigation: Without power, you lose access to GPS, maps, or translation apps, which can be risky in unfamiliar or remote areas.
Access to Travel Info: Flight updates, hotel bookings, and transport schedules live on your phone. A dead battery could leave you stranded or vulnerable.
9. Practice Wallet and Cash Safety Tips
Streamline Your Wallet: Leave most of its contents at home. Bring only your ID, one or two credit cards, and an ATM card. Load your cards onto Apple Pay for secure, contactless payments.
Limit Cash: Carry minimal cash—banks and ATMs are ubiquitous in most cities. A small amount covers tips or small vendors, but don’t flash a wad of bills.
Document Backup: Take photos of passports, IDs, and cards, and store them securely in your phone’s Notes app. If anything’s stolen, you’ll have the details to cancel or replace them quickly.
Secure Carry: I swear by my Lululemon crossbody pack, worn in front, to keep essentials like my phone, cards, and ID safe and accessible.
10. Use an RFID Zipper Passport Holder & Wallet
Keep all family passports in one secure, RFID-blocking zipper passport holder. Designate one person to manage it to avoid misplacement. This keeps sensitive documents safe from theft and electronic scanning while streamlining border crossings.
Protect your financial information with an RFID-blocking wallet. These wallets prevent thieves from scanning your credit cards’ chips, keeping your accounts safe in crowded markets or public transport hubs.
11. Use A Foldable Crossbody Bag
Lightweight Waist Pack for Travel & Everyday Use. The Foldie Crossbody is a Anti-Theft RFID-Safe Fanny Pack with Smart Lockable Zippers and a Cut-Resistant Strap.
12. Pack a Travel Carbon Monoxide Detector
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a silent, odorless gas that can be deadly, and not all accommodations—especially budget hotels or vacation rentals—have CO detectors. A portable travel carbon monoxide detector is compact, battery-powered, and can alert you to dangerous levels of CO in your room. Place it near your sleeping area for peace of mind, especially in places with gas heaters, fireplaces, or poor ventilation.
Additional/Important Tips
Print a Passport Copy
Before you travel, print a copy of the photo page of each family member’s passport. Store it separately from your actual passports, such as in a hotel safe or a different bag. If your passport is lost or stolen, this copy can speed up the replacement process at an embassy or consulate. For added safety, leave a digital copy with a trusted friend or family member back home.
Travel Insurance with Emergency Coverage
Purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost belongings. Ensure it covers evacuation in case of serious injury or political unrest. Keep a digital and printed copy of your policy details, including the 24/7 emergency contact number, for quick access. We can help you with all of this, reach out and let’s chat!
Local Emergency Numbers and Embassy Contacts
Research and save the local emergency numbers (e.g., police, ambulance) for each destination on your phone. Also, note the contact information and address of your country’s nearest embassy or consulate. Store these in your Notes app and share them with your travel companions for quick access in a crisis.
