Embarking on a trip or vacation should be an exciting time; full of possibilities and thoughts of adventures to come. However, if you are a first-time traveler, whether you are young or simply inexperienced in globetrotting, it can be a scary and daunting time.
With safety being the main concern for most first-time travelers, both their own and of those traveling with them, you will want to ensure you have taken the correct precautions.
However, do not fear. There are several travel safety tips that if you adhere to, will ensure you and your family remain safe and sound throughout your first, exciting trip abroad.
Make sure you are insured
This may seem obvious, but you will be surprised at how many first-time travelers forget to take out adequate travel insurance.
Can you imagine anything worse than arriving at your destination to find that you have no luggage and then remembering that you are also uninsured? Not the best start to your first ever vacation abroad.
Don’t flash your cash
Another simple tip, but a good one, nonetheless. Do not open your purse or wallet and show off your entire budget for a two-week vacation to anyone who happens to be looking your way. In the same way, you should not take all your worldly possessions with you either; you do not need your most expensive jewelry or every technological device that you own on vacation. Keep the bling minimal.
Avoid public transport
Yes, it can be nice to experience an area like a local, but if you are a first-time traveler it can be better to book a hire car instead. Do you really want to get lost your first time abroad and be unable to communicate where you want to go? It is just additional stress that you do not need.
Luckily there are some great discount international car rental companies, meaning that you do not need to bust your budget to stay safe.
Be aware of the local culture
What may be considered appropriate in the U.S, may be frowned upon, or even found insulting in another country. Avoid unnecessary conflict by ensuring that you are well informed about the culture and customs of the country that you are visiting; from what is and what isn’t acceptable to wear, to how you should approach someone you don’t know.
It is also advisable not to dress too over the top or flashy as this will only attract potential thieves and pickpockets; instead, try to blend into the background as much as possible.
Keep yourself healthy
You may think that it is a good idea to go out one night (or multiple nights) and overindulge, you are on your vacation after all; however, have you considered what you would do if you had an accident while out, or if you became unwell and needed medical attention?
Not many travel insurance policies cover medical costs abroad, so it is in your best interest to keep yourself as healthy and safe as possible. That being said, it is also a good idea to know where the local clinics and hospitals are in case the worst does happen, as well as how to contact the local emergency services.