Illinois Tourism & Travel

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12 Simple Travel Tips Every Traveler Should Know

12 Simple Travel Tips Every Traveler Should Know

Tourist Attractions : Simple Travel Tips Every Traveler Should Know

It doesn’t matter if you travel frequently or if you are planning a vacation once in a lifetime, safety should be a priority. Traveling is about discovering new places and expanding your horizons. But what if you are unable to let go of your worries and enjoy your travels? 

Traveling can be eye-opening and exciting. It is easy to get lost in the excitement of adventure. Travel security and safety concerns should not be overlooked while abroad.

You can avoid any potential problems by making sure you have some safety tips in place before you go. 

Follow these 12 travel safety tips to help you take a trip that’s memorable for all the right reasons. These tips will help you plan a safe and comfortable trip.

1. Do your research

Before you travel, get to know the area. The first rule of safe travel is to be knowledgeable about the place you’re going. 

Learn as much as you can about the country, its political and cultural contexts, the best places to visit, safe accommodation options, and areas that should be avoided. To avoid unexpected surprises, keep your eyes open as you travel.

Do your research

It is important to be able to identify the emergency contact numbers for your country. Find the information of the nearest consulate or embassy, as well as the phone number for any other emergency services.

For information on safety, crime rates and where to stay, read reviews from travelers and speak with locals. 

2. Keep your friends and family updated

It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling for an overnight trip or a long-term international adventure, it’s always good to inform your family and friends back home. 

Keep your friends and family updated

Before leaving, make sure to share your itinerary with someone who you trust. Please include the phone number and address of your accommodation and information about transportation, such as flight numbers.

Send a copy to trusted friends so they can track your movements. Keep in touch with your contacts to make sure they are aware of where you are.

3. Keep your belongings safe

Do not carry too many luggage pieces. Instead, invest in a sturdy lock that will hold your luggage. You don’t want it to be too obvious so that you don’t seem like you have anything valuable in there. 

Keep your belongings safe

Always keep your hand-carry close at hand. 

4. Don’t flash your wealth

Showing wealth, whether it is with cash or expensive equipment, will make you more attractive to pickpockets and scammers. 

Don't flash your wealth

You should always keep a small amount of cash in your wallet so you can give it to muggers.

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5. Be aware of your surroundings

You don’t want to be too careful when you snap that perfect photo for your social media accounts. Be careful with your belongings and be discerning when speaking to strangers. 

The joy of traveling lies in the opportunity to meet new people and learn more about their cultures. If you are uncomfortable or suspicious of someone, you should leave immediately.

Be aware of your surroundings

6. Safeguard your hotel room

You can make your room more secure even if the hotel has security measures in place. Keep your windows closed and lock the door. A jammer is a small device that slides under the door to provide additional protection.

You can give the illusion that you are in your room, even when you aren’t there. For example, you could place the Do Not Disturb sign outside your door and keep the blinds or windows shut.

Safeguard your hotel room

Even if they claim to work for the hotel, you should not allow strangers into your bedroom. To verify if someone has been ordered to enter your room by the hotel staff, you can always call them at the front desk.

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7. Make copies of important documents

It’s possible to need a photocopy of your passport, driver’s license, or other form of identification at any time. These documents can be scanned online to save them and printed out multiple copies. 

This will make it easy to locate the right documentation when you return home. Make e-copies of your documents – apps like myCWT offer speed dial assistance too.

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8. Get travel insurance

No matter if you’re a natural worrier, it doesn’t hurt to get travel insurance. Insurance can not only cover unexpected injuries or trips to the hospital but it can also protect you against theft and loss of personal property.

Travel insurance

9. Be wary of public Wi-Fi

Do not let Internet access and its convenience cloud your judgement. Hackers can gain access to your information, including credit cards and Social Security numbers, if you are using public Wi-Fi.

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Be wary of public Wi-Fi

You can use wireless Internet service if you need it. To do this, you will need a virtual private network (VPN).

10. Stay safe in transport

Avoid mishaps when traveling by checking frequently whether your flight has been cancelled or rescheduled. Trusted bus companies with many positive reviews are a good choice. 

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You should also make sure to book your tickets well in advance so that you don’t get stuck at remote bus stops without transport.

Stay sage in transport

In the event that the taxi driver doesn’t have a meter, it is a good idea to agree on the fare before you hire them. To avoid getting lost, you should also have a map.

11. Have emergency info at hand

These numbers should include contact information for local emergency services (police and fire department) and your country’s embassies (if one is available in the area you are visiting).

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12. Have a Plan B. 

While it’s impossible to have a plan for every scenario, considering the following scenarios could help you avoid getting into a difficult situation.

1.Are you comfortable with your surroundings? You can feel more connected if you take note of landmarks like restaurants or drugstores. You’ll be able to find help if something does happen.

Plan B

2.Do you know the exact address of your lodging if you get lost?

3.Is there a place they could go to find you if you are not with the group?

4.Do you have a backup charger for your phone and some numbers that you can call in case it dies? Have you activated international phone service if you are traveling outside your country?

5.Do you have a map in case your GPS stops working?