Travelling can be an exciting opportunity to see the world and immerse yourself in new cultures. While the idea of heading off to another country may seem enticing, there are, unfortunately, some safety concerns that unsuspecting tourists can fall victim to. 

From getting lost to falling ill, accidents can happen to anyone at any time — and this is especially true when you’re in an unfamiliar environment.

Thankfully, with simple precautions and safety awareness, your journey can start without unexpected turbulence. Here at Trtl Travel, we’ve compiled our top 10 tips to travel safe abroad.

Why is it important to stay safe when travelling?

While travel safety may not be the most thrilling topic when preparing for a holiday, you shouldn’t underestimate its importance.

Whether you’re a first-time traveller or have been doing so for decades, it is always important to remember your safety when you travel. The sad reality is that crime exists everywhere in the world, and being identified as a tourist can sometimes put you at a higher risk of falling victim. In fact, around 44% of tourists have reported that they’ve fallen victim to theft while they’ve been abroad.

Similarly, general safety risks that affect our day-to-day lives are still at large when we travel abroad. Being aware of the potential dangers and preparing yourself both physically and mentally to be able to handle them is the key to creating positive memories during your travels.

What are some of the risks when travelling?

Although travelling abroad is often a fantastic experience and gives us the chance to really explore the world, there are a variety of travel risks that tourists should make themselves aware of. Some of the most common risks include:

• Accidents – Unfortunately, accidents can occur anywhere in the world. Making yourself aware of the relevant processes and authorities will mean you can respond to the situation better should the need arise.

• Illnesses – As we all know, illness can affect us at any time. Travelling abroad increases the risk of picking up both food-borne and regional diseases. Additionally, being unprepared for long-haul flights can cause you to suffer from jetlag when you arrive. This can be alleviated with a great travel pillow, like the Trtl Pillow, ensuring you are well-rested during the flight.

• Pickpocketing – Sadly, some destinations are known for having a high volume of pickpocketers who try to take advantage of tourists who look like easy targets. This is especially true in Europe, with Italy ranking as the most likely destination for pickpocketing. In particular, Milan and Florence saw over a thousand tourists each year falling victim. If your chosen travel destination is known for having high volumes of pickpocketers, it’s so important to keep your possessions in a safe location.

• Theft and assaults – Thankfully, tourists are far less likely to be the victim of a violent crime than local people. Instead, travellers are three times more likely to be victims of theft than assault. While the likelihood of being assaulted on holiday is thankfully low, being aware of the risk is the key to avoiding it as much as possible.

• Loss of items – Whether it’s during the airport check-in process, after the flight, or even during your hotel transfer, there are many opportunities for luggage or other belongings to get lost — and this could mean you spend a large portion of your holiday trying to get them back or replacing the items you need asap.

• Travel scams – A wide range of scams are designed to target tourists. Researching the typical tourist traps in the country you plan to visit will help you avoid falling victim to them.

• Kidnapping – While being kidnapped on holiday is highly unlikely, it is crucial to ensure that you do not travel in any unsafe areas by yourself and that you know how to contact the relevant authorities if you suspect anything.

What are high-risk destinations?

While many countries have plenty of beautiful experiences to offer to travellers, some destinations have a reputation for being dangerous for tourists. These are known as ‘high-risk destinations’; caution is advised when travelling to these countries. 

Many factors, including crime rates, ongoing conflicts, food safety and hygiene standards, and the presence of law enforcement, can determine risk.

Some examples of high-risk destinations include:

• Afghanistan – Entire country
• Belarus – Entire country
• Brazil – Favelas and satellite cities
• Cuba – Entire country, except Havana
• Egypt – Entire country
• India – Northeastern India
• Russia – Entire country
• Ukraine – Entire country

(Correct as of March 2024)

Safety tips before you go

Although it may seem logical to worry about your safety once you’ve arrived at your holiday destination, you can take a surprising number of measures to boost your safety before you even board the plane.

• Share your travel information – Letting your family and friends know which destinations you plan to visit is so important. This includes giving your loved ones the addresses for your hotels, flight times and numbers, and any other relevant information.

• Research transport for your destination – Familiarise yourself with the local bus and taxi companies, and figure out which ones provide the safest ways to travel. Will you need to carry cash to pay, or do they accept cards? Is there anyone you can contact if something goes wrong? It’s always a good idea to share your location with someone you trust once you step into a taxi. 
  
  
• Plan for safety overseas – Do some research to find the contact information for your nearest embassy or consulate in your chosen destination, as well as noting down any significant numbers, such as emergency services.

Top 10 tips for safe travel

1. Keep valuables hidden and avoid carrying large amounts of money

While we always want to look our best on holiday, walking around wearing valuable jewellery can make you an obvious target for thieves. Similarly, travelling with large amounts of cash is guaranteed to catch the eye of those with unpleasant intentions. 

Make sure you keep your valuables close to you or even place them in the safe in your hotel if you’re feeling a bit unsure.

2. Stick to well-lit, busy areas

One of the biggest safety tips is to only hang around in well-lit areas with lots of people. While this isn’t guaranteed to deter criminals, you are far less likely to fall victim in an area with many witnesses. Use online navigation services to plan your route and identify main streets. Reaching your destination may take slightly longer, but your safety is worth it!

3. Respect local customs and traditions

Whenever you travel to another country, you must be aware of the local customs and traditions and ensure that you respect them. Some cultures may feel protective of their traditions, and failure to follow them or dress modestly may attract unwanted attention. 

Holidaymakers may be surprised to learn that they could be hit with hefty fines for dressing inappropriately overseas, with several regions of Spain — including Malaga and Marbella — making it illegal for women to wear just a bikini or for men to go shirtless. Doing so could cost you up to £500 each!

4. Use reputable transport links

If you use transport such as taxis and buses, ensure that you only use reputable transport providers and never get into an unmarked vehicle. Sharing your location with a trusted loved one in real-time is also a top tip.

5. Check hotel reviews before booking

While many hotels offer their guests excellent safety features and amenities, others may not have safety bars or 24/7 security. It’s important to look at hotel reviews before booking to make sure you only stay in accommodation with positive reviews from other travellers.

6. Be cautious when accepting food and drinks from strangers

Accepting food from strangers can, unfortunately, come with multiple risks. If you are in a country known for having high volumes of food poisoning or drink tampering, it is best to avoid accepting anything from strangers in case it has been contaminated. Make sure to keep an eye on all your food and drink and where it comes from.

7. Be aware of popular travel scams

Each country has its travel scams. The best way to avoid being caught out is to make yourself aware of the types of scams in operation in the area you’re travelling to. Some examples include false cash machines that clone your credit card information and street vendors that give you a “free” product and later demand payment.

8. Stay connected with family and friends

Throughout your holiday, keeping in regular contact with your friends and family is one of the best ideas. Share your itineraries with them and update them if your plans change, sharing the addresses of any new locations you weren’t originally planning to visit.

9. Keep your travel documents and Passport safe

Your travel documents, including your health insurance, visa, medication lists, allergens, and passport, are vitally important. You should keep these documents safe where they are unlikely to be lost or stolen, like in a safe in your room or in a locked bag or suitcase!

10. Be aware of emergency procedures

Finally, another crucial piece of information is the emergency service contact details for each country you visit during your trip. You may also want to research the procedures for different types of emergencies, such as if you are involved in a traffic accident or suspect that someone has stolen something.

Is it safe to use public Wi-Fi when travelling?

When travelling, it may be tempting to use public Wi-Fi to access your social media and perhaps even to transfer money — especially when you’re waiting for flights. This can, sadly, come with risks of its own. 

Public Wi-Fi doesn’t offer you protection from online criminals. This is especially true in countries with higher poverty levels and far less investment in data protection and fraud prevention.

Thankfully, there are some alternatives to using public Wi-Fi. If your device is 4G-enabled, this will offer you some encryption to protect your information. Alternatively, purchasing a VPN can shield your identity and protect you from hackers on public networks.

Is solo-travel safe?

Solo travelling has become increasingly popular in recent years, providing a nomadic lifestyle that allows you to see more of the world. However, there are some concerns about the safety of travelling on your own. 

There are ways to ensure your safety while solo travelling, including:

• Choosing destinations with a low crime rate
• Being more vigilant about monitoring your surroundings
• Researching the customs in your chosen country
• Keeping open communication with your loved ones
• Booking accommodation with positive reviews
• Using reputable transportation companies

What should I do if I’m the victim of a crime?

If you become the victim of a crime whilst abroad, it’s important to know how to get the correct support. While you should always phone emergency services and notify them of a crime, you should also contact your embassy or consulate. 

You will usually need to report the crime before you leave the country if you want it to be investigated. Similarly, if you plan to claim against your travel insurance, there will often need to be proof of a police report. Your embassy can provide you with access to a translator, help you understand the legal process in that country, and find your medical treatment if needed. 

However, they will not be able to provide any legal advice, nor can they influence the outcome of an investigation.

Start your journey on the right foot with Trtl Travel

Taking care of your well-being while overseas can help you to avoid falling victim to various travel risks. Part of ensuring that you are safe and healthy when travelling is providing a comfortable environment that allows you to get plenty of sleep. 

Our travel pillows will help you stay well-rested and refreshed in any destination, whether sleeping through a long-haul flight or catching some Z’s in the airport before boarding. 

To find out more helpful tips and tricks for all things flying, check out our blog page.