5 Security Tips When Traveling

Travelers are the most vulnerable when venturing into a new city. With backpacks carrying money, tickets, passports and valuable cameras, thieves and predators know who to target and often do so systematically.

Instead of finding yourself stranded with no passport, phone or cash, make sure you are adequately prepared to travel to a new area before you arrive.

1. Security Back Home

When it comes to traveling security, one of the most important areas people overlook is securing their home before leaving. Focused on packing the essentials, getting to the airport on time and not forgetting anything like a passport or important document, most people don’t spend enough time considering their home’s security.

Coming home to a burglarized house is absolutely the worst way to end a vacation. Before leaving, even if a person lives in the safest of areas and is sure their home will be fine, homeowners should implement a security strategy.

If unsure where to start, travelers can research the top security brands by comparing prices, reviews and quantity after doing a quick search such as “Alexandria Home Security.”

Once the home is taken care of, travelers can focus their attention on the trip at hand and how to keep their on-person valuables protected.

2. Research

It is important for tourists to know some of the secrets of the country or area where they are traveling. For example, tourists in China are cautioned about wearing backpacks because Chinese pick pockets are known to stealthily slash the bottoms of backpacks and steal the contents inside. Thus, travelers in China need to wear a purse or some other bag that can be positioned in front of their bodies.

In order to avoid disasters like this, tourists should research traveling tips in their destination location. Apart from being robbed, researching can aid tourists in knowing what kind of gestures, words or symbols are offensive in the area, lest they accidentally give an obscene gesture and find themselves in serious trouble.

3. Be Prepared

Security on a trip can mean anything from health to being in possession of personal valuables. The best way to avoid disasters is to be prepared.

Most people know in advance where they will be headed and what they will need. Purchase a small, wallet-sized travel booklet that holds a passport, tickets, extra money and any other travel documents. Having it all in one place will make it more convenient to keep tabs on. But copies and back up documents are also a good idea, so that if you lose this one item you don’t lose everything. You might even exchange information with your traveling companions so that at least somebody will be prepared in an emergency situation.

Additionally, do not put all your money in one place. Stash bills in different locations between wallets and bags. In the event that someone does steal a wallet, having money hidden in other places will ensure that you have the means to get back home.

4. Be Alert

Be focused when traveling. While journeying is exciting and breathtaking, many thieves can spot a tourist and will be willing to take advantage. Tourists need to be aware of their surroundings at all times, where their bags are, and who is around them.

Traveling is meant to be an unforgettable experience—make sure it’s unforgettable for all the right reasons.