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Traveling the world can be an immensely fun experience. Still, it can also be fraught with worry over safety concerns and the possibility of becoming a victim of a crime when away from your native country.
While different countries have different rules regarding the safety of visitors, equipping yourself with the knowledge and tools to protect yourself both physically and digitally empowers you to add an extra layer of security to your life. This not only enables you to stay safe when away from home but also provides peace of mind, a sense of control, and confidence in your ability to navigate unfamiliar territories.
Don't Use Public WiFi
This has to be one of the most common tips for travelers, but using public WiFi, while massively convenient, can open you up to digital threats from hackers scanning the network for unsecured information. As most public WiFi is unsecured, the information you see will be there for anyone to intercept should they need to.
So whether you want to know how to watch Formula 1 in Australia to pass the time or catch up on your favorite sport, or you're trying to access your banking app, use a VPN, not public WiFi. A VPN encrypts your data, making it unreadable to hackers, thereby ensuring that others cannot compromise your data.
Be Aware Of Your Surroundings
The more aware you are of your surroundings, the better you will understand the area's safety and infrastructure. Avoid walking around with your head on your devices or reading a map or something else, and always scan areas for any issues or problems you might encounter, especially for places you've never been to before or are unfamiliar with.
Don't Draw Attention To Yourself
Outing yourself as a visitor and doing typical touristy type activities or actions can make you an easy target for scammers and criminals. These activities include taking lots of pictures, posing for selfies, or giving away the fact that you're not a resident by other actions. Instead, make yourself as invisible as possible and blend in as much as you can to stay under the radar and boost your security.
Use Trackers and Alarms
Another good tip when traveling is to have location services activated on your devices and have people you trust to track you. This way, if anything does happen, they have your location or last known location, and you can be found easily. This preparation can provide a sense of security and peace of mind, reducing any anxiety about potential risks.
Have check-in items that you stick to, be it with your friends or family. If you can, let them know who to contact to get you any help you might need. This can be a lifesaver if you're traveling alone or in high-risk areas. Sharing your travel plans with trusted individuals not only enhances your safety but also fosters a sense of community and support, making you feel more connected and cared for.
Personal alarms or alarms on your belongings can help deter unwanted attention or acts of theft. They can alert others to your predicament if you are in a precarious situation.
Be Careful With Money
Never keep all of your money together or have only one way of accessing funds, i.e., all in cash. Open an international bank account and use local ATMs connected to banks for added security. Keep cards and cash separate and never have all of it together in one place, i.e., in a wallet in your backpack. This way, if you get robbed or mugged, you won't lose everything, as you have other resources separated for this exact reason.
Don't Post To Social Media in Real Time
While it might be tempting to upload your snaps or videos in real-time, don't. By uploading pictures of yourself in certain places, using hashtags, or tagging companies and landmarks, you can be tracked by scammers or thieves who are looking for easy targets. Instead, wait until you have left the area or the next day so that you don't compromise your location and make it easy for people to target you. Share your adventures by all means with loved ones in private chats, but avoid public posts and geotagging for added security.
Traveling, either alone or with others, offers so many wonderful experiences. However, when traveling to new places, being aware of the risks and dangers posed to tourists can help ensure your safety and that of those with you. By following these tips, you can stay safe and get the most from your time without any unwarranted incidents.
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