We’re only 2 days into 2019, but a lot of people have already started to make their travel plans for the year! Whether you’re visiting an entirely new country or just spending a weekend in a favourite city this year, there is a lot to consider in regards to security when you’re travelling. It’s important to always stay aware and informed of any potential security threats, but this is especially true when travelling. New places and cultures bring about new considerations and new systems to navigate, so travelling requires an increased awareness. Here are some tips to keep in mind so that you can travel securely in 2019:
Do The Research
This is extremely important. Knowing what to expect from your destination and what to prepare for will allow you to avoid most of the problems that you could encounter. Be sure to look into things like country entry requirements, required vaccinations, the legal drinking age, dangerous areas to avoid, potential language barriers, local transit systems and even local emergency response systems, just to name a few. In case of emergency, it’s important to have local emergency response info written down and available so that you know where to turn if needed. As a general rule of thumb, do your research. Take time to learn about the places that you’re travelling to, this will help with ease of travel and avoidance of security threats.
Don’t Opt Out of Insurance
This can be a simple fix for a lot of potential issues, and is almost always worth the investment. Short term insurance plans can be purchased from a number of providers and are often quite affordable. Travel insurance keeps you covered in case of emergency or health complications, and can save you a lot of hassle and money in the long run. Consider property insurance for any valuables that you’re worried about losing, like expensive cameras or laptops. If you plan to drive or rent a vehicle upon arrival, be sure to look into auto insurance as well.
Communicate Your Plans
It’s important to make sure that others are aware of your itinerary and travel plans. Communicate any updates or changes with someone back home and make sure to share your current location with family or a close friend. It’s also recommended that you leave a copy of your passport, visa, identification, credit card and any other important documentation with a trusted family member. This can be hugely beneficial in case of theft or loss. Losing documentation while abroad can be very challenging, but leaving copies with a family member is a great way to mitigate the stress or trouble that this can create.
Consider Your Finances
Be sure to research your destination ahead of time so that you know what currency you’ll be using, and how much you can expect to spend. Inform your bank and credit card companies of your exact travel dates and locations, so that they can monitor and track account activity and flag anything that seems suspicious. Informing your bank also ensures that they don’t freeze your account based on transactions that take place upon arrival at your destination, foreign transactions can look suspicious or fraudulent to a bank or credit card company if they aren’t aware of your trip.
Stay Subtle
Openly displaying cash, passports, electronics or other valuables can often lead directly to targeted theft in a lot of tourist destinations. Areas that are popular for travel and tourism often experience high levels of pickpocketing and theft. Research the area and make note of any common scams to avoid and stay aware. In general, never keep valuables in open or accessible locations - like your back pocket - where they could be easily stolen, and be sure not to flash valuables around in public. Consider investing in a money belt or a wallet or purse with additional security features. Most of all, always stay aware of your valuables and keep them close.
There’s a lot to consider when it comes to safe travelling, but planning ahead makes all the difference. Take the time to research your destination and plan accordingly. It’s also worth considering the security of your home or business, so that you don’t have to worry or stress while you’re away! If you need any assistance with a security plan, need some extra business security coverage while you’re away or have any feedback, as always don’t hesitate to contact us.
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