With the vaccine begin fully rolled out and the pandemic hopefully ending, we are all beginning to think more about traveling again. However, with traveling comes responsibility and we need to stay updated and aware of the dangers and new restrictions that come with traveling.

I have been traveling for many years and I would like to share some useful tips that I have learned along the way when exploring a new destination. Hopefully, these fifteen (15) tips will help you stay safe and informed.

1.        Don’t Tell Your Business to Strangers

Don’t get me wrong, it’s a great idea to talk to the locals and ask for advice on food, directions, and local attractions. In fact, interacting with the locals will enhance your travel experience, however, be careful not to divulge too much information.

Don’t post your travel plans on social media. Refrain from posting photos, status updates, or “checking in” while on vacation. By doing this you are tipping off the criminals. You never know if someone has been watching you or your house.

Never give out the name of your hotel or your hotel room. Always keep your hotel door locked and never answer it for someone you don’t know. If you can, try to get a room near the front desk or the elevator.

2.        Sanitize Your Hotel Room

Even though hotels are stepping up their cleaning routines during the pandemic, you may want to wipe down your hotel room and do some extra disinfecting. The CDC has a whole guide to help you clean and disinfect your hotel room. It’s a good idea to travel with disinfectant wipes. You can also use these wipes to wipe down your seat and surroundings on the plane.

3.        Keep Your Mask On

Even though restrictions have been relaxed and in many destinations restrictions have been lifted, it is still a good idea to wear your mask and wash your hands when taking part in vacation activities. I wear my mask even when I go to the lobby of the hotel or if it’s just down the hall to the ice machine. On second thought, don’t even use the communal ice machine. As a rule, I make it a habit to wear my mask wherever I go. 

4.        Give Your Itinerary to Friends and Family at Home
 
Tell your family and friends about your travel plans. Always let someone know when you’re expected to be back home and what route you’re planning to take. Provide your family and friends with the name and address of your hotel. Always let someone know how they can contact you in the case of an emergency.

5.        Know Local Scams

You can check the U.S. state department website for all dangers and threats that exist in every country in the world. This will allow you to be prepared and aware of any scams that may be circulating in that destination.

6.        Register with Your Embassy

When traveling out of the country, it is a good idea to register with the country’s local embassy. You can do that through the ‘Smart Traveler Enrollment Program,’ provided by the U.S. Department of State.

7.        Know the Local Dress Code

Not only are there customs that are law in some countries, but you do not want to stand out as a tourist. There are predators everywhere, and clothing that is out of place can make you a target for scammers. It is also a good idea to dress in muted colors and try not to be too flashy.

8.        Get Travel Insurance

Spending the additional money to protect your trip as well as your belongings should absolutely be included in your travel budget. This will bring peace of mind in case an unfortunate event takes place while you are traveling. You may miss a connection and must spend the night in an unexpected country, your bags may get lost with your medicine inside. It’s always a good idea to be protected against travel mishaps.

9.        Advise Your Bank of Your Travel Plans

It is always a good idea to inform your bank when you leave the country. If you tell your bank, it will save you time if any transactions get blocked while you are away. Cards like Capital One automatically send you alerts when you make international transactions.

10.      Keep Cash and Credit Cards in Separate Places

Never carry your credit cards, cash, and passport at the same time or in the same place. You’ll want to keep some cash in your wallet, and then stash the rest in a pocket or money pouch. If you have a safe in your hotel room, leave most of your cash in the safe and only bring what you’ll need for the day.

11.      Pack a First Aid Kit

It’s always a good idea to travel with a first aid kit. If you have a first-aid kit you will have the essentials on hand to stay out of an emergency room or scrounging to find items in a time of need. Some of the main items in your kit should be bandages, cotton balls, hand sanitizer, q-tips, alcohol pads, gauze pads and adhesive tape.

12.      Use ATM’s Wisely

Be careful when you use an ATM to make sure no one is watching you or looking over your shoulder. If possible, travel with a group when you visit the ATM machine. The goal is to have your back covered and have privacy when entering your personal information.

13.      Don’t Get Too Drunk

We all like to have fun and party when we go on vacation but being intoxicated while on vacation is very risky. You need to be on high alert with your drinking and always keep your senses. Make sure you watch who is preparing and bringing your drink. It is also a good idea to set a limit on your drinks and stick to it.

14.      Write Down Emergency Information

Keep the contact information in a safe location of two people that can be contacted immediately if an emergency happens. Make sure the emergency info is up to date in your passport. You can also print out this info and put a copy in your suitcase and carry on your person. You can also post emergency plan info in your phone. This may come in handy if there is a disaster.

15.      Make a Copy of Your Passport

You’ll want to make two copies of your passport. Leave one copy at home with a trusted friend or family member and take another copy with you. When you go out sightseeing, take the copy with you and leave the original in a hotel safe until you are ready to travel again. You can also make a copy of your passport with your phone so it will always be with you.

Final Thoughts

Don't forget to have fun! Everyone loves to have fun when they travel, but unexpected things do happen. By taking note of these fifteen (15) tips you will be better prepared if the unexpected occurs.

Do you like this tip? Please let us know in the comments.

Do you know someone who would enjoy reading this blog? If so, please forward.

Contact Cindy at Colesville Travel at 301-989-1654 for more tips and inspiration on travel or visit our website https://www.colesvilletravel.com

Until then, stay inspired

Cindy