Once the irresistible idea of travel has taken hold, the temptation to book flights, throw a towel, a pair of shorts and some undies into a backpack and make for the airport, can be all too strong.
But travelling unprepared can mean your trip can goes from travel utopia to holiday hell. So please, before splashing out on sun cream, read Skyscanner’s top tips for staying safe on your travels.
1. Keep your cards safe
We all think it will never happen to us but sadly, credit card fraud can happen when you’re abroad. So, keep all your receipts as you travel, check your account online (or over the phone) periodically to ensure everything adds up. Be especially vigilant when paying in a foreign currency; check those exchange rates and be sure that an extra zero has not been added to your bill.
When paying, try to avoid handing over your card and instead, insist all transactions are done in front of you. If you lose your card or suspect any foul play, call your credit card company immediately. One of the best things about paying by card is that you should be insured for any losses if anything does go wrong.
2. Stash your cash
Pickpocketing is common in many cities and these skilled thieves have a whole range of techniques to part you from your possessions. But your undies could be the answer to keeping your valuables safe. There are hundreds of money belts on the market, and some people even go as far as sewing secret pockets into their undergarments or jackets to stow away spare cash in case of emergency.
3. Dress like a local
A handy tip for women, learning the local dress code as soon as you arrive and buying appropriate clothing if necessary can save a lot of potential harassment in countries like India for example. In Islamic countries, wearing a headscarf is often for your own protection as well as a sign of respect for local culture and customs, so read up and come prepared.
4. First Aid – kit yourself out
The last thing you want on holiday is for that minor cut that came from trying to open a bottle of beer on a Thai beach at 3am, to turn septic and result in the amputation of youe digits. Therefore, it’s advisable to carry a small first aid kit with plasters, mosquito repellent and diarrhoea medication in your pack. They’re tiny and light and will help you avoid numerous unpleasant situations; we recommend a Gelert – a compact little piece of kit which has all you need to patch yourself up on the road. Another top tip is to always carry a small torch, just in case you should find yourself in a dingy alley in deepest darkest Delhi. We recommend the Maglite Solitaire which is so small it clips to your key ring.
5. Papers and passports
Before you go anywhere, make sure someone knows where you’re going and has a copy of your itinerary. It is also a good idea to leave copies of your passport and any visas with a reliable family member or friend in case yours are lost, stolen or simply ignored in the unlikely event of a military coup. An even better idea is to scan your details and email copies to yourself so that you can print them out en-route should you need to. Keep embassy contact details handy too.
6. Use local knowledge
The most valuable knowledge you can get when aboard will always come from local. When arriving in a new place, try and seek out someone who you can trust. This might be a tour guide, your rep, or a local bar owner. Their advice can really be a lifesaver and help you avoid any unnecessarily dangerous situations (as well as inform you of the best places to eat, drink and be merry!).
7. Family travel? Bring photos of your children
If you are a family convoy of travellers and have some children in tow, ensure you have some recent photos of each of them in case they wander off. Imagine this happening on a packed, bustling street and you will begin to see that these photos could be vital for recovering your lost loved ones.
