One of the top searches around travel is whether or not a location is safe to visit. It’s natural to feel uneasy when you’re traveling to a new and unfamiliar place. Safety might not be the biggest concern for travelers visiting the U.S. or Europe, but through stories, the news, and statistics, other countries might prompt more research because of danger. While some destinations require more precaution and preparation than others, it’s always smart to stay alerted and think smartly to keep yourself safe when you travel!

Should you skip visiting a country because of safety? Not counting the obvious situations of a current war or dictatorship, I say go visit. Accidents, scams, and attacks happen everywhere. Don’t put yourself in danger (the below tips will help) but also don’t let fear because of an isolated incident hold you back.

Knowledge is power! Not only will it keep you safe but it will put you at ease when you travel. Here are some general safety tips for your travels.

1. Research your destination.

Know what to expect by researching the city, country, and culture. Be familiar with the dos and don’ts. Not only is this respectful of the traditions but it will keep you safe from the laws. This includes things like wearing clothes with more covering in conservative countries or not using certain hand signs. Also, find out the best neighborhoods to stay in and the parts of town you should be wary of going to.

2. Plan your trip.

Some might like spontaneity but I’m a Type-A planner. Yes, things can still go wrong with plans but at least I have peace of mind when I have my trip planned out. For example, this includes knowing how to find a ride from the airport when I arrive late at night or having the ride waiting for me when I arrive. Having a plan keeps me from making unsafe decisions when I need to make one quickly or when I’m stressed. It also helps me avoid potential scammers if they see I’m not sure what to do or where to go.

3. Double-check companies you employ by checking TripAdvisor and the Internet.

A wealth of information is at your fingertips. Find out how safe and credible the company is by researching reviews and if they have had any questionable business practices or incidences. This goes for tour companies, transport companies, hostels, and hotels.

4. Research known scams.

There are plenty of scams out there! They could include having one person distract you while another grabs your bag, selling you faulty items, selling your passport back to you, saying a service will cost you one amount only to raise the amount later. Be aware of what other travelers have experienced and know how to avoid the scams.

5. Use a lock on your suitcase and carry valuables close.

If someone is determined to break into your suitcase, it will happen, but a lock may sway some to not go through the hassle of figuring out how to break it. I’ve also read horror stories of airport security and crew stealing valuables from suitcases. Anything valuable should be on your carry-on. Check airline policies for having a lock on your suitcase. On ground transportation like trains and buses, keep your purse or backpack on your lap or at your feet.

6. Blend in.

Leave your expensive jewelry and watches at home. Don’t use noticeable camera bags. Try not to wear flashy, colorful clothing and dress more conservatively. Avoid anything that attracts attention and screams “I’m a tourist!”

7. Wear crossbody bags and beware of pickpockets.

Crossbody bags are harder to yank off of you when you’re walking down the street. If you carry a backpack, it’s recommended to wear it in front of you in some countries. Leaving your pockets empty (unless you have pockets with buttons or zippers) and bringing purses and bags with zippers will keep pickpockets from successfully stealing from you.

8. Have emergency phone numbers and addresses handy.

In the case of emergency, carry contact information of people who can help. This includes the tourist police, Embassy, and any local contacts you know. Know how to contact local police. If all fails, have a phone number of someone back home you can contact.

9. Secure your passport.

Always keep copies of your passport on you and a copy accessible online. Keep your passport in a hotel safe while you explore so that if something happens to your bag, you won’t lose it. Give a copy as collateral instead of the real thing when you’re renting something.

10. Take photos of anything you rent.

Photographic proof will help you dispute extra charges or dissuade owners from taking advantage of you in the first place.

11. Drink responsibly and watch your drinks.

Having fun is great but being safe is better. Watch the first episode of “The Night Of” if you want to consider how bad it could get. If I’m in an unfamiliar place and there is no one looking out for me, I want to be in control and remember everything that happened.

12. Designate an emergency contact.

Give a person back home your travel details, especially flight and hotel details, or ask them to keep track of your daily social posts. Check in regularly with this person if you’re away for a long time. They’ll be the one to alert people if you’ve gone missing.

13. Use good ATM practices.

Using an ATM of a bank is usually safer (and a better exchange rate) than one at a gas station. Always cover your pin. Make sure the machine is not missing parts or loose.

14. Carry small bills, and separate your money and credit cards.

Don’t be the tourist pulling out big bills or a big wad of cash to pay for things. Separate your bills in different areas, like some in your wallet and more in your purse. If you carry more than one credit or debit card, put them in separate wallets or areas so that if one is stolen, you have a back-up money source.

15. Don’t walk on beaches at night, and stick to busy, well-lit areas.

If you ever walk on a beach at night, you know it is usually pitch dark! You also want to avoid dark alleys. (Is that too obvious?)

I hope this list doesn’t scare you! Travel is an amazing experience, and preparation and knowledge will ensure you have nothing but good memories. The likelihood of something bad happening is slim but there are still bad eggs out there. Don’t let fear cloud your judgment of others. Stay alerted and aware!

Do you have any additional tips? Have any horror stories? Share them below!

P.S. Want to get the best hotel deals and have awesome hotel stays? Check out my 10 secrets for the best hotel booking and stay.

P.S.S. Feeling wanderlust? Take a look at my latest travel posts!

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Photo by Death to the Stock Photo

The post 15 Ways to Stay Safe When You Travel appeared first on Fearless Captivations.

I’ve taken a handful of trips around the U.S. by myself in the last couple of years, including my recent trip to San Francisco. My parents are appalled by my solo travel and many people shy away from it. During the recent trip, I thought about solo travel and the pros and cons a lot.

My parents aren’t the only ones against solo travel. Solo travel bloggers get the same questions all the time – why do you travel alone, do you feel safe, etc. Let’s break down the pros and cons of solo travel!

Cons

Feeling less safe and more vulnerable

While I didn’t put myself in completely dangerous situations, I was definitely more alert and cautious traveling by myself, especially at night. To feel safer, I recommend knowing what parts of town you should avoid at particular times of day, arriving in an unfamiliar location (especially if you need to find your hotel) before the sun sets, walking and acting like you know what you’re doing and where you’re going, and traveling in busy, public areas. Most of the time when your brain goes into panic survival mode, you are actually safe, and so it’s good to be prepared but stay calm.

Eating by yourself

As someone who travels for good food, eating by myself is a con because I try less food to avoid being wasteful. Instead of sharing a few different plates, my whole experience depends on one dish. Conversing while you’re eating also adds to the dining experience, so if you’re not sitting at the bar, that could feel lacking.

Lacking the shared experience

“Oh, wow, do you see that cool [enter amazing thing here] over there?” …is what you’re saying to yourself. Life is meant to be shared, especially when it’s discovering something new. It’s one of the reasons I love sharing my travel experiences on my blog. You can recap to others but it’s not quite the same as knowing what it’s like. However, it can be a special time for yourself.

Spending more money

Hotel rooms, Uber or Lyft rides, meals, etc. add up! Traveling with others can help split up the costs!

Pros

Making your own schedule

You get to pick what kind of food you eat, what attractions to see, how long to spend where, etc.! For me, I’m sure my packed schedules would not be well-received by most travel companions. I like doing whatever I want on solo trips!

Feeling more independent

Without someone to discuss directions and options, you’re left on your own to learn how to read the map and figure out which subway to take. I’ve walked five blocks in the wrong direction, taken subways to the wrong cities, and had to be brave enough to ask kind-looking people if I were going the right way. Once you get the hang of it, it’s nice to feel like you’ve accomplished something.

Meeting new friends

When you’re lacking the shared experience, you get eager to share it with whoever is around you! I was glad to talk to people on a tour I attended and converse with other guests and servers at restaurants. I’m more likely to talk to strangers when I’m not traveling with people I know. You never know who you might meet and what bonds may form.

Being more present and aware

It’s just me and my thoughts. Me deciding what to eat. Me deciding which way to walk. When you’re by yourself, you’re forced to be alert and open. You have time to reflect.

I’ve learned that I do enjoy solo travel but only on short trips like a long weekend. Solo travel is an eye-opening experience to who you are, what you’re like, and how much you know about survival, and I recommend it to anyone. It’s not as scary as you think! My preference is shared travel because you can still make time and opportunity to meet new people, gain independence and knowledge, and do the things you want on a shared trip.

Have you ever taken a solo trip? Where did you go? What did you learn from it?

P.S. Looking for more travel posts?

• Get ideas to save for travel
• Find out some efficient packing tips
• Explore travel guides linked on my destinations page

Keep up with my travel posts and adventures. You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Bloglovin’. You can also subscribe to the exclusive email list.

*Top photo by Death to Stock Photo

The post The Pros and Cons of Solo Travel appeared first on Fearless Captivations.