Important Things to Know Before you Travel

 

Tips for Staying Safe While on Vacation

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TRAVEL SAFETY APPS
Your cell phone may be the best safety tool you have when traveling if it is loaded with the right apps. 

Here are 5 of the best travel safety apps available at the moment,

and the reasons you should load them onto your phone and get to know how they work before your next vacation.

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  SITATA which is  focused on health and safety, the company behind this app monitors media sites worldwide for news on real-time events happening around the globe that can disrupt travel. 

Their alerts are displayed on a map alongside additional information and “what to do” advice currently in over 200 countries. Neat feature -  Sitata has a community board where travelers are permitted to write — and read — posts about their experiences on anything from a transportation tip to warnings about pickpockets.

In Case of Emergency or “ICE”  is an app that stores important information for first responders and hospital staff to use in case of emergency. It stores a list of people to call – right from the app –

like Insurance information, doctor information, allergies, medical conditions, medications and any special instructions or other information you wish to provide. The app even works when the phone is locked and translates the information into 10 different languages.

TripWhistle Global SOS - Available in 196 countries, this free safety app has more than 70 emergency numbers. This is your international SOS assistance. No matter where in the world you are, you can call the local emergency number just in case you need police, fire, or medical assistance.

GeoSure  Whether you’re planning your itinerary weeks in advance or exploring a new city on a whim, be sure to check in with GeoSure before you go.  This app rates 30,000 cities and neighborhoods based on their safety conditions including violence, theft, human rights issues, and more.  GeoSure even factors in the safety of those in marginalized communities and scores areas based on LGBTQ+ and women’s safety.

This one is definitely worth downloading when researching new travel destinations.

 bSafe  shares your movements with loved ones, and sends out an alarm if you need help.

The alarm can be activated by voice, and once activated it automatically records audio and video and sends it to the cell phones of you and your emergency contacts. bSafe also has a “Fake Call” feature, and can send a friend an exact pickup location. bSafe is a great app, especially for solo travelers.

Having a Safe Vacation Begins at Home

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Before leaving for your trip, inform your neighbor about your travel plans and request their assistance in watching over your property for any suspicious activity.

Secure your home by locking all windows and doors, including those leading to the garage or second-story windows.

To avoid indicating that nobody is at home, make sure to suspend mail and newspaper delivery by contacting your carrier and the Post Office.

You can also ask a neighbour to take in the garbage bins.

Keep up the appearance of your home by hiring someone to tend to your yard work, as an unkempt lawn or unshoveled walkway can be a clear sign that nobody is home.

Store all yard tools away to prevent them from being used as tools for break-ins, including ladders, rakes, & furniture.

Avoid posting your travel plans on social media, as it can make your home more vulnerable to burglaries.

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Drink Alcohol Responsibly

Alcohol is a major contributing factor of personal safety incidents on both Cruises & Resorts,

Be aware of your limits. There's alcohol aplenty and it's easy to get carried away,

be mindful of how much you're consuming.

Be aware of who is buying you booze, and don't accept drinks from strangers.

However inebriated you are, don't accept a walk back to your room from a stranger.

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Buddy Up

If you're a solo traveler, find a friend early on. That way you can watch out for each other.

You're also far less of a target when traveling in a pair than you are solo.

Don't advertise the fact you are traveling alone, and don't walk around solitary areas by yourself late at night.

If traveling with a friend, make sure you have a buddy system in place, and make a plan to meet up at certain times.

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Make copies of important documents

You never know when you might need a copy of your passport, driver’s license or another form of identification.

Scan these documents to save online and print out several hard copies. That way, you won’t be scrambling to find proper documentation if you need to get home.

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Be Wary of Public Wi-Fi

Don’t let the convenience of Internet access cloud your judgment.

When you use public Wi-Fi, hackers looking to steal valuable information can access your data including credit card or Social Security numbers.

If you do need wireless Internet service, set up a virtual private network (VPN) that will allow you to access the Internet securely while traveling.

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Be Aware of your Surroundings

Don’t let your guard down to snap the perfect picture for your social media platforms.

Keep an eye on your personal belongings at all times and use good judgment when talking to strangers.

A big part of the joy of traveling is the opportunities it affords to meet new people and learn about their cultures.

But if someone near you is acting suspiciously, or if you feel uncomfortable, leave the area immediately.

Following these tips can help you travel safely, but no matter how many precautions you take the unexpected can always happen. Stay protected with Travel Insurance from Style 4U Travel, and get peace of mind no matter where you go.