8 ways to travel safely abroad
It’s no surprise that travel exposes us to more risk, but the good news is that many travel-associated risks are perfectly preventable with due care and attention. To help you travel safely and confidently, we’ve compiled a quick list of things to think about as you plan your trip.
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Don’t use public, unsecured Wi-Fi networks.
According to Experian, 33% of data theft occurs whilst people are travelling abroad, and unsecured wi-fi networks in hotels, restaurants, cafes or airports are usually the culprits. Instead, it’s better to use a local sim card for your phone or tablet to set up your own secure Wi-Fi hotspot. Be sure your phone is passcode protected, too.
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Don’t post about your holiday on social media.
Seventy-eight percent of burglars use Facebook, Twitter or Instagram to target potential properties, and 1 in 12 brits have been burgled after posting about being away on holiday. If you must post about your holiday, disable location tagging and wait until you return home.
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Dress like a local.
If you’re travelling further afield, keep in mind local cultural or religious differences when it comes to clothing. The more you stand out, the more attention you will attract. Pay extra attention to dress codes if you’re visiting places of religious significance – you won’t be allowed into the Vatican wearing shorts, for example.
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Leave copies of your documents behind.
Scan important documents, including your passport, driver’s license, visa and travel itinerary, and leave copies of them with a trusted friend or family member prior to departing. If something happens to your documents while you’re travelling, you’ll be able to get copies with a quick phone call.
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Check your Winter Sports protection is adequate.
If you’re skiing in Europe, opt for resorts at higher elevations with snowmaking facilities if travelling earlier or later in the season. During times of heavy snowfall, be aware of avalanche risk and only ski off-piste with a qualified guide.
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Check your destination’s travel notices and local news.
Even if you’ve visited a country in the past, it’s wise to check the UK Government’s Foreign Travel Advice directory (as well as the World Health Organization) to get the latest country-specific travel notices and recommendations. Some countries will have special requirements or warnings that may have changed since you last visited.
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Find out about any potential health risks.
Will you need special vaccinations? Are there specific health risks associated with your destination? For example, a trip to Namibia will put you at a higher risk for malaria and polio than other locations, so you might need to receive a vaccine before you go. Start planning your overseas travel in advance, to make sure you’ll be up-to-date on all of your shots and medications.
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Consider purchasing emergency travel and medical assistance.
This is especially relevant if you’re travelling somewhere without a nationalised health service or where medical facilities are under-equipped. You’ll have the reassurance that help is only a phone call away in the event of a serious emergency, be it medical, legal, or threats to your safety and wellbeing.
Don’t come unstuck abroad – make sure you’re properly protected when you travel. Get a quote now.
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All content in this material is for general information purposes only. It does not constitute personal advice or a recommendation to any individual or business of any product or service. Please refer to the policy documentation issued for full terms and conditions of coverage.
