Travel is always exciting, but at the same time, it can turn scary. This is true especially when an individual travels to an unknown or lesser-known place. All across the globe, the unwary tourists happen to be the easier targets for thieves. Often, tourists turn out to be the victims of criminal activities. In order to save themselves from these any kind of dangers during travel, people are always recommended to follow some essential tips in order to make their travels safer. These tips would facilitate safety trips for travelers, and here they are.

Checking with the State Department

Some people are unaware that the State Department is providing updated information about safety on trips. On its website, the safety information for each and every country can be found. This is one of the easiest ways to learn about the safety aspects of the destination country and thereby, preparing for the same. Since the information is being provided by the State Department, the information should be reliable.

For instance, an individual can get to know the information regarding the vaccination needs in the destination country. The vaccinations are important when an individual is traveling to a new place because it could save him or her from any disease outbreak being faced there. Also, one can get to know the travel warnings (if any).

Once being on the State Department’s website, a person is advised to go to the “Smart Traveler Enrollment Program”, where he or she can register his or her travel plans. This way, they will be able to reach you in the case of any natural disaster, civil unrest, or any other emergency situations.

Keeping a Backup

It’s always good for people who are traveling to take some photocopies of their license and passport. One of these copies should be kept separately from the originals, and another copy should be given to a trusted friend or relative. In case the passport and license get stolen, this would help. Again, the “Smart Traveler Enrollment Program” will come to the rescue here.

In addition, it’s safer to have the passport scanned and send it to oneself via e-mail or have it saved in the mobile phone. This way, one can still access his or her passport while the actual passport is not in the hands. It’s also easier to get the replacement with these scanned copies.

While it’s safe not to reveal the whole tour plan to anyone else, one should try not to go too far from the radar. This is especially important for the lone travelers. It’s advisable to leave the itinerary (at least a basic one) with a trusted friend or relative along with the passport copy. It would be more helpful if that person is checked every day through phone or e-mail. This way, if something happens, that person can alert the authorities immediately on your behalf.

Knowing about the Hotel

It’s important for the traveler to check the map of the that hotel he or she is going to stay at. But, most people won’t do this as the focus will be on scoping out the available amenities. One should not miss out on this aspect before settling in completely. He or she must have a quick look at the emergency exit routes. This would help in case of any emergency. What if an emergency alarm rings in the middle of the night? The person could quickly reach the emergency exit and escape. He or she will be glad that they checked for it in advance.

Also, while the person is in his or her hotel room, a knock can be heard at the door at any time. The person standing outside might claim to be the house keeping or maintenance staff. But, before letting the person inside, it’s important to call down to the reception for the purpose of verifying if someone from hotel management needs access to the room. In several cases, criminals have been seen dressing up as a hotel worker in order to get inside.

Keeping Electronics to the Least:

Nowadays, people have become more and more tech-savvy. Everyone, especially the millennial generation, tends to tote around all the camera accessories that are available in the current. But, they are forgetting the fact that when it comes to electronics, less is more. A person would not need a big digital camera or recorder for every trip. Also, it’s wise to just keep laptops at home. A vacation is supposed to be for relaxing, anyway!

On the other hand, mobile phones are important to stay in touch with family and friends. Also, a phone could capture great-quality photos and if needed, it can be helpful in sending emails, too. Remember, lugging around the larger electronic goods would make the person an obvious target for robbers out there. Therefore, it’s good to keep all the electronics at home, except the mobile phone, for safer trips.