There are a number of situations to be prepared for that many do not think of before heading off on their next trip. From dangerous encounters with strangers to preventing illness, it’s always best to plan ahead and implement safety practices while on the go.
Whether you’re a badass travel chick getting ready to tackle your biggest solo trip yet, or you’re planning the group trip of a lifetime with your closest friends, never let the fear of safety hinder your wanderlust. Continue reading to learn about travel safety and wellness tips for women so that you can begin your next exploration without hesitation!
1.Pack smart
When we talk about packing smart, we usually refer to its space-saving and money-saving convenience. But packing smart can actually be a saving grace when it comes to our safety. Packing lightly isn’t just a good rule of thumb for easy maneuvering from place to place, but a lighter load means there is less that can get lost or stolen.
Be sure that what you do pack plays a part in keeping you safe while traveling. Some safety items that are often overlooked include sunscreen, daily medications, phone chargers with the correct wall adapter, and anti-theft luggage straps.
2. Make your whereabouts known
We can all agree that it’s always better to be safe than sorry – especially when big travel plans are involved. You never know what plot twists you may encounter on your journeys like a flat tire, unexpected sickness, or something much worse. To keep everyone’s mind at ease, make your whereabouts known. You can touch base with someone at home at a certain time each day, or give them a copy of your itinerary before you leave.
Don’t forget that you have technology on your side! Use your smartphone to share your location with your travel companions as well as your loved ones back home. Don’t sweat it if you have different devices. Google Maps allows anyone to share their real-time location, regardless if they’re using an iPhone, Android, or computer. Additionally, when you post on social media, consider tagging your location as well so your steps can be traced if need be.
3. Plan ahead for healthy travel
We always hope for good health during travel, but it’s best to get ahead of the game and take preventative measures. Make sure you’re up to date on your general vaccines and do research on the country you’re traveling to. Depending on the country, additional vaccines may be required.
While doing research on your destination, pay close attention to the weather and UV index, especially in warm, sunny places or locations in higher altitudes. Even if you don’t plan on hiking or camping, a strong UV index can do a lot of damage in a short amount of time. Prevent painful sunburns and the development of cancerous cells by applying sunscreen daily.
If you take a daily medication, plan ahead to ensure you have enough to last the entire trip. A medication like birth control could cause many different issues if it isn’t taken correctly. When it comes down to dealing with insurance companies and pharmacies it can be time-consuming. Don’t forget — if you’re traveling outside of your home time zone, calculate what time you will need to take your medications once you’ve reached your destination. It’s best to take medications at the same time every day to ensure its effectiveness and to avoid migraines, nausea, and other side effects that can prevent you from having the best experience possible.
4. Keep important documents stored in multiple places
Depending on where you’re traveling, you’ll want to make duplicate copies of any important documentation specific to your trip. These items may include your passport identification page, driver’s license, visa, travel insurance, basic medical information, credit cards, airline, train, and bus tickets, as well as hotel or hostel confirmations.
Additionally, make sure a friend or loved one at home has a copy of all these records as well. To practice extra caution, upload these files to a secure storage space like your iCloud or DropBox account. Be sure to share your trusted at-home emergency contact in on whichever digital storage method you choose so they have quick and easy access to it if you need it.
5. Invest in a good external battery charger
Have you ever wondered how mankind ever survived without cell phones? Traveling is not the time to relive life pre-constant connection. Though you’ll want to put your phone down from time to time to take in the sights, sounds, smells and people around you, it’s crucial to invest in a high-quality external battery charger. Being stranded without a working cell phone is sure to make for a highly stressful situation and can pose a safety hazard.
In addition to keeping your phone fully charged at all times, remember that each country will have its own variation of “911.” With a quick Google search, you can easily find each country’s three-digit emergency number. Make sure you research thoroughly, though – some countries have different numbers for fire emergencies and medical emergencies.
Stay safe and enjoy your trip!
