Travelling to a new destination, is always exciting! New places, new people, new experiences! In order though to have a nice time during your trip, you should follow some common sense tips, that will help you minimize the dangers...
1. Do not carry all of your valuables in the same place
2. Keep a backup credit or debit card in a separate bag from the one you will be using most often
3. Keep a small amount of local currency in a separate pocket which is easily accessible so you don’t have to flash your cash each time you want to make a small purchase
4. Prefer to use ATM machines located in public areas
5. Make sure your credit, debit or prepaid card is accepted in the country you plan to visit
6. Be on the lookout for anybody who is offering to help you with your bags at a train or bus station
7. Use a money belt worn under the clothes for items you don’t need to take out regularly
8. Don’t carry expensive advices
9. Learn what could be termed offensive behavior at your destination
10. Give to your friends and family copies of your itinerary
11. Whenever you move to a different locality or register in a new hotel, message the contact numbers and contact people’s names to your family
12. Make two copies of your passport, driver's license, credit cards, ATM cards and any other important documents you might be carrying and leave one copy at home with someone you can reach in an emergency
13. You will always find better rates on exchanging foreign currency if you plan in advance, rather than changing it at the airport or abroad
14. Try to wear clothing with pockets and keep your valuables on you. If you must carry a bag, one with a cross body strap is best
15. When booking a hotel or hostel, make sure it has good reviews when it comes to security and that they offer a locker or in-room safe
16. If you have any life-threatening allergies, wear a medical alert bracelet and bring an Epi-pen kit
17. Obtain an international driving permit in advance from your local motor vehicle authority
18. Travel with pairs as much as possible. Solo travelers are usually targeted more often by criminals than those in a group
19. Learn a bit of the local language, at least enough to get answers to basic questions
20. Scan all your documents into a computer as a PDF file and e-mail it to yourself
21. Put passwords at your phone and laptop to keep your personal information private
22. Understand local cultures, rules, laws, crime rates, weather conditions, attitudes, etiquette, price of things and similar information
23. Don't trust people too quickly! Anyone who is coming to help, is not always with good purpose
24. Always stay alert
25. Read up on common scams and crimes in your destination area
26. Try not to stand out as a tourist. Blend with the locals
27. Save on your phone the emergency phone numbers
28. Avoid public demonstrations and marches
29. Find the location of the nearest police station, hospital and other safe places
30. Always walk like you have got a purpose, even if you don't know where you are going
31. Don't wear expensive jewellery on obvious display
32. Drink in moderation
33. Don't share taxis with strangers
34. If you wear glasses, bring an extra pair or a pair of contact lenses as backup
35. Put a label with your name and your phone number on your baggage
36. In case you are mugged, just give what they ask! Don't fight back... !
37. Leave in the hotels safe most of your cash, passport, plane tickets and one of your credit cards
38. Carry with you a pepper spray or a safety mechanism, in order to protect yourself in case of emergency
39. Before you get in your cab, take a picture of the licence plate