How to Have a Safe Trip

Many people unfamiliar with international travel may hear a horror story of how a visitor ventured into a foreign domain and had a harrowing experience. This is probably the exception than the rule. Unless you are a real risk taker as far as adventure goes, you are going to find a good many touristy locales inviting and quite safe to visit. Granted, just as you do where you reside, certain precautions are needed. In order to make travel safer and less of a hassle, here are some tips on how to have a safe journey.

The first rule is to leave your expensive jewelry items at home. Also in order to travel more comfortably wear clothing made from comfortable material – it can still be stylish. After all you are a tourist so you might as well make the most of your nice weekend and casual wear. You won't need accessories so much if you take along jeans and cotton polo shirts.

Naturally, put together an agenda before engaging in any type of foreign travel. With tools such as Google maps at your fingertips and the ability to engage the Internet for information, there is no need to be without proper information as to a) plans for getting around the city where you'll be traveling; and b) knowing beforehand which tourist attractions or sights you'll visit.

Just for safety's sake, make it a point to be very aware of your surroundings. When leasing an automobile lock it once inside and always keep the windows up. Since you aren't totally familiar with the city, a person may approach you once traffic is stopped. You want to make access to the automobile as difficult as possible. If you just keep the auto locked and windows closed any unsavory type who is looking at you as a target to rob may decide you are just too inaccessible.

Maintain a continual awareness of your environment. The person who takes advantage of tourists realizes many of these individuals are weary and not aware of their surroundings or even any suspicious activity that may be occurring nearby. Don't be like that; always keep an eye peeled for strange activities at all times and you are less likely to become a statistic of a crime. Another tip is to always park in a well-lit area of the parking lot at night.

If you are traveling about the city on foot then it is best you walk with other people with whom you are familiar. If you can arrange travel with a familiar group such as your church or family that is best.

A travel itinerary is important since you can schedule most of your sight-seeing activities during the day, and avoid getting lost in areas that are not so well-lit or even isolated. Also, another important advantage to pre-trip planning is that it allows you to review the map of the city where you intend venturing.

When visiting touristy areas, it is best to become familiar with the core or central area of the city first. From this starting point, plan all your sight-seeing activities. Don't take some idealized rustic back road adventure, especially when you are not fully familiar with the city you are visiting. This isn't to say you can't travel the road-less-traveled it just isn't advisable when you first arrive at your point of destination.

Carry something safe in the way of currency such as traveler's checks and have a predetermined amount with you which you plan on spending each day. Carry your cash by way of an inconspicuous money belt maybe hidden under clothing and never pull cash out in front of others and count it.