How to Protect Yourself While on Vacation
Protect your health., Protect your valuables., Protect your money., Protect yourself., Dress like a native., Guard against pickpockets., Read the news before departing.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Protect your health.
Medical assistance while abroad can be very expensive, difficult to find, of dubious quality — or all of the above.
Purchasing travel insurance before you leave your home country can protect you if you should fall ill or have an accident while abroad.
Coverage amounts and deductibles will vary, but it is an inexpensive way to prevent financial catastrophe.
In addition, make sure that you have all the necessary and suggested vaccinations when traveling. -
Step 2: Protect your valuables.
The best way to protect your valuables while traveling is not to take them in the first place.
If you insist on traveling with jewelry or expensive items, carry them with you instead of packing them into luggage.
Luggage can be stolen or searched; don't risk losing your valuables this way.
Instead, put them in a purse or bag that you carry with you at all times.
Leave unnecessary forms of ID and credit cards at home.
When at a hotel, secure your valuables in the room safe. , Rather than carry cash, purchase traveler's checks from your bank before you leave home.
Traveler's checks are widely accepted, and most large hotels will exchange them for local currency.
If stolen, traveler's checks can be canceled and replaced.
The same can't be said for cash. , Even though millions of people travel each year without any incidents, accidents can happen.
The best way to protect yourself is to stay in groups when wandering around, and don't venture far from your hotel at night.
Never go into unlit areas at night, and stay off beaches after dark.
Always know how to contact the local police whenever you enter a foreign area.
Never accept rides from civilians; stick with Taxis or public transport.
Most importantly, listen to your intuition.
If a situation or area doesn't feel comfortable, move someplace else. , One of the best ways to protect yourself and your belongings while traveling is to not dress like a tourist.
Big, bulky cameras, beach bags, floppy hats and brightly colored clothing all advertise that you're a tourist.
You'll draw much less attention to yourself if you dress more demurely, or even like the locals. , Fanny packs and loose purses are a pickpocket's primary target.
Their straps can easily be cut, and the culprit can be off into the crowd without a trace.
Instead, wear purses that cross across the chest, and wallets kept in a breast pocket. , Reading the news, or checking for travel advisories from the government, can help you avoid journeying into a potentially dangerous area.
Civil strife, an upswing in crime or even natural disasters can happen at any time.
Be aware of the conditions of the area into which you're traveling. -
Step 3: Protect your money.
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Step 4: Protect yourself.
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Step 5: Dress like a native.
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Step 6: Guard against pickpockets.
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Step 7: Read the news before departing.
Detailed Guide
Medical assistance while abroad can be very expensive, difficult to find, of dubious quality — or all of the above.
Purchasing travel insurance before you leave your home country can protect you if you should fall ill or have an accident while abroad.
Coverage amounts and deductibles will vary, but it is an inexpensive way to prevent financial catastrophe.
In addition, make sure that you have all the necessary and suggested vaccinations when traveling.
The best way to protect your valuables while traveling is not to take them in the first place.
If you insist on traveling with jewelry or expensive items, carry them with you instead of packing them into luggage.
Luggage can be stolen or searched; don't risk losing your valuables this way.
Instead, put them in a purse or bag that you carry with you at all times.
Leave unnecessary forms of ID and credit cards at home.
When at a hotel, secure your valuables in the room safe. , Rather than carry cash, purchase traveler's checks from your bank before you leave home.
Traveler's checks are widely accepted, and most large hotels will exchange them for local currency.
If stolen, traveler's checks can be canceled and replaced.
The same can't be said for cash. , Even though millions of people travel each year without any incidents, accidents can happen.
The best way to protect yourself is to stay in groups when wandering around, and don't venture far from your hotel at night.
Never go into unlit areas at night, and stay off beaches after dark.
Always know how to contact the local police whenever you enter a foreign area.
Never accept rides from civilians; stick with Taxis or public transport.
Most importantly, listen to your intuition.
If a situation or area doesn't feel comfortable, move someplace else. , One of the best ways to protect yourself and your belongings while traveling is to not dress like a tourist.
Big, bulky cameras, beach bags, floppy hats and brightly colored clothing all advertise that you're a tourist.
You'll draw much less attention to yourself if you dress more demurely, or even like the locals. , Fanny packs and loose purses are a pickpocket's primary target.
Their straps can easily be cut, and the culprit can be off into the crowd without a trace.
Instead, wear purses that cross across the chest, and wallets kept in a breast pocket. , Reading the news, or checking for travel advisories from the government, can help you avoid journeying into a potentially dangerous area.
Civil strife, an upswing in crime or even natural disasters can happen at any time.
Be aware of the conditions of the area into which you're traveling.
About the Author
Thomas Hart
Enthusiastic about teaching lifestyle techniques through clear, step-by-step guides.
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