How to Stay Safe and Healthy While Travelling Internationally

People travel abroad for different reasons that may include going for vacation, health, studying and business.

11:39 18 February 2019

It provides tourists the opportunity to have a first-hand experience of other culture and connect with like-minded individuals. Some even search for things to do & food experiences in Hong Kong or other tourist attractions on the internet. 

Traveling locally or internationally comes with different risks. Without mincing words, illnesses, mugging and security issues can ruin an individual’s vacation plans. There is no need to worry once you adopt the following security measures.

• Have the right travel insurance

Your travel insurance should be able to cover you even when you're out of the country. Having this type of insurance will eliminate the need to pay high medical costs in case you get sick or injured. Understand your travel insurance policies and ask questions from your providers if some things are unclear. This will enable you to look for another option before it's too late.

• Visit your doctor

Do your due diligence and discover the diseases that are prevalent in the area you're visiting. The best thing is to schedule an appointment with your doctor at least two months before your departure date. Your health care provider will check whether you're fit to travel or not.

Ensure that you share any health issue and take the appropriate vaccinations. Some vaccines may require a booster dose to make them effective. As you plan your trip, remember to pack your prescription medicine, eyewear prescription, and a customized first aid box.

• Avoid wearing expensive jewelry

It’s not a good idea to show off costly jewelry or expensive gadgets when you’re abroad. Leave your valuables in a secure place if you want to avoid unnecessary attention or mugging. Truth be told, pickpockets usually target flashy individuals. In case you’re being harassed or threatened, don’t hesitate to contact the local authorities.

Opt for simple clothes and minimal jewelry and blend in with the locals. Try to pick the essential things you need so that you will move around without any hassle. Another similar mistake is to carry wads of notes around. The ideal thing is to use the ATM or pay with your credit or debit card each time you have the chance.

• Make a reservation at a safe hotel

Booking the cheapest hotel room is risky. It's likely that they will offer poor service which can put their customers' lives at risk. This is the reason why you should start looking for accommodation once you've made up your mind to travel. Confirm whether the hotel is hygienic and has competent security personnel, customer service rep and other staff.

You can always get all the information you need via the search engines. Take a look at reviews and ratings apart from asking for recommendations from people you trust.

• Keep your loved ones updated

Several travelers often make the mistake of sharing their exact locations on social media platforms. Unscrupulous individuals can take advantage of this information and burgle their homes before they arrive. Stay connected with your loved ones and update them concerning your whereabouts from time to time.

This will give them peace of mind and boost your security. Make sure that you travel with a power bank to charge all your mobile devices when you’re on the go. 

• Be mindful of what you eat

The fact that you're on a vacation isn't an excuse to eat junks. It's imperative to fuel your body with a balanced diet even if you're determined to binge on exotic cuisines. Your meals should contain fresh fruits and vegetables. The good thing is that it's possible to eat healthy meals in top tourist destinations around the world.

Confirm that street foods are hot and come from a hygienic source. This is the key to reducing the risks of consuming contaminated food. Wash your hands frequently or use hand sanitizer to protect yourself from germs. Drinking bottled water will help you to stay hydrated throughout your trip.

• Create an electronic backup of your documents

Although you can make extra copies of your travel documents, you still need to have electronic copies and back them up in the cloud. You can gain access to your data from anywhere in the world later on. Ensure that you take this step for your passport, visa, immunization record, travel insurance, plane tickets, and the likes.

• Research the destination

Learn more about the custom, culture, language and other important information of your preferred destination. This will come in handy when planning your trip and assist you to have a rewarding experience.

In addition, you will know some of the things that the locals find offensive and the mistakes that can land you in trouble. Endeavor to install travel apps on your smartphone to reduce stress and have a memorable experience. This can include an updated map so that you won’t get lost.

• Stay alert

Pickpockets can be found in most tourist centers. Be security conscious whether you’re moving around during the day or at night. Tourists can be easily carried away as they take pictures and admire the beautiful landscapes and structures. Never keep items in your back pockets or leave your wallet and smartphones carelessly on tables.

It's advisable to place your backpack in front of you and keep an eye on your drinks in public places. Traveling internationally offers many the opportunity to try different drinks and cocktails. The bottom line is to drink in moderation to avoid losing belongings or having an accident.

• Get adequate rest

The human body needs adequate rest each day to function properly. Inasmuch as you want to enjoy the nightlife of your destination, it's not worth sacrificing several hours of sleep for each night. Try as much as possible to relax during your vacation.

You can book a massage session before heading back home. Get rid of distractions like smartphone and bright lights to help you sleep better. You will be refreshed and energized by the time you’re ready to go back to your normal routine.