MANILA, Philippines - With the escalating criminal rate all around the globe, we can somehow say that the world is not a safe place. Therefore, taking safety precautions is always necessary especially when we are traveling to an unfamiliar place.
Tourists usually stand out from the crowd, making them an easy target for thieves. They usually carry money, credit cards and other valuables, which makes it even more dangerous for them to roam around the strange streets.
Researching the safety of your destination is always a good idea. Asking some friends who had already gone there is also a must to avoid cultural faux pas. Some things that may seem normal to you may be offensive to the culture of the people in your destination.
Aside from that, here are some basic safety measures that you have to follow when traveling:
Check all your major documents
Aside from leaving a copy of your travel documents with someone at home, scanning your travel documents and emailing them to yourself is also a best way to keep your documents safe. By doing that, you would decrease the risk of losing a copy of all your documents.
Get traveler’s insurance
Getting injured while abroad aside from the physical hassle can be costly. Getting an insurance can help protect you from high, unexpected costs like these. It also provides you a peace of mind as well knowing that you are insured.
Know the local emergency numbers
You should be familiar with the contact numbers of the local police and fire stations, nearby hospital or medical center, and local cab company. Speed dialing someone back at your country would not really save you in a pinch in case of emergency.
Do not put your money in one place
Consider that possibility that you may lose your wallet while going from a place to another. If you lose your wallet with your money and cards in it, your trip is doomed. One because getting card replacement on the road is difficult, two because money is the most essential traveling buddy. Place some on your pocket, bag, and some on your wallet. Leaving little amount on your rented room is also an option, provided that the storage is locked.
Do not leave your things unattended
This is the most basic precaution, yet some people still leave their bags at their feet or hanging from the back of chairs when they are at cafes or restaurants. Be aware that in some large metropolis areas, homeless people roaming the streets are everywhere. Therefore, it is never wise to leave your things out of your sight.