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Essential Safety Tips for International Travel

A clear view of the sky from a plane window.
Behind the beauty of new places often lie hidden dangers. Stay safe by following essential safety tips.

The excitement of international travel makes it easy to downplay the safety concerns and dangers that could potentially befall anyone on foreign soil.

As reported by the US Embassy in Bogota, Columbia, there has been a recent string of violence enacted against visiting American men, resulting in at least eight deaths. Tragedies like this are preventable enough, provided that you take the time to educate yourself on the following essential safety tips:

1. Research about Local Travel Scams

Among the first things every tourist should know about their destination is what scams they’re up against. Every place will be different. In some countries where public transportation is not as accessible, taxi scams are prevalent, whereas in places with vibrant nightlife, it’s common for scammers to overcharge tourists for their drinks.

To this end, it pays to have a reliable guide or even kind locals tipping you off about what you need to steer clear of.

2. Take Note of Local Emergency Numbers

Local emergency numbers include the contact details of the police and the fire department. Should trouble come rolling by, being able to call the appropriate authorities will make all the difference in the world. Write these numbers down or store them somewhere safe.

3. Familiarize Local Laws and Customs

Similar to the safety tip above, you should also know the local laws and customs. Trouble may not necessarily come from people with malicious intent, but from misunderstandings and ignorance. Tourists who don’t educate themselves may offend those they shouldn’t.

4. Be Aware of Any Dangerous Weather Conditions

Another danger factor that does not necessarily involve other people is nature itself. Heading to countries with extreme or volatile weather can spell disaster if you get caught in natural calamities. All it takes is a quick Google search on what the weather will be like over the next few days or weeks to better inform you of what may transpire.

5. Acquire Travel Insurance before Departing

You can never know what will happen on an overseas trip. Your belongings could disappear, either due to negligence or theft. Medical issues may arise, leaving you vulnerable. Mitigate these unfavorable circumstances by acquiring travel insurance before departing.

6. Inform Family and Friends of Your Itinerary

One of the worst things about traveling abroad is getting into trouble and not having anyone know where you are. That is why keeping friends and family informed about your trip itinerary is so important. The more trusted people are aware of where you are, the more likely you are to receive help should things go south.

Even the excitement of heading to a must-visit destination should never distract you from your sense of pragmatism. Darkness lurks around every corner, and it is each tourist’s personal responsibility to look out for their well-being. As outlined in the safety tips above, there are always ways to stay one step ahead of potential danger.

Put each of these tips into practice, and the odds of ending up in dire straits should be minimized, if not eliminated altogether.