Smart Traveler’s Guide
“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.”
When I was 20, my friend and I decided to go backpacking through Europe. He had signed up for a summer abroad program in England, so the plan was to meet him there and start our adventure once he was done with his program.
I had never really been anywhere outside of California, much less a different country. I was so excited to spend 3 weeks out of the country and finally explore these cities I had only read about in textbooks. But my parents were worried sick, since I had never been away from home for that long.
Keep in mind that this was back in 1996 and we didn’t have smartphones that could connect us with family members from anywhere in the world, with a tap of a button. But I promised my mom I would call her once I got to my friend’s dorm.
Before I left for my trip, many people who had traveled to the cities that I was planning to explore, warned me to be careful. Tourists were easy targets for the locals. Keeping this in mind, I tried to pack clothes that didn’t make me stick out as much.
We were planning on visiting a number of countries and were going to travel by train to save on costs. During one of our stops, we decided to grab a bite to eat at a local cafe. The weather was beautiful, so my friend and I decided to sit at a table outside to enjoy the sun.
Before too long, we had two young men approach us and start asking questions. We tried letting them know that we didn’t understand what they were saying, as we didn’t speak the language. It seemed like they were asking for money. Or maybe they were asking for food. We couldn’t tell. But what I noticed from the corner of my eye was a third individual trying to grab my friend's backpack while the other two distracted us. I quickly grabbed his bag and all 3 guys realized I was on to their scam. Without hesitation, they quietly walked away.
My friend and I encountered several other situations like this in many different towns. After the first incident, we were both on high alert and were watching out for each other.
In 1996, my friend and I visited Strawberry Field while on a Beatles tour in Liverpool, England.
Fast forward to the present day, you might have plans for a summer trip that is coming up soon. Maybe it’s a getaway with your friends or maybe it’s a family vacation. Whatever you have in store for your next adventure, it’s important to stay safe and avoid having your dream vacation turn into a nightmare.
When trips go wrong, it can get expensive fast. To avoid big costs from lost or stolen items, changing flights, you need to prepare ahead by being careful and making smart decisions.
Action Items
To ensure your travel experiences are pleasant and free of any unforeseen issues, it is crucial to adhere to the following safety guidelines designed specifically for the modern traveler:
Blend In with the Locals: Dress like the people there to not look like a tourist. Don't wear expensive clothes or fancy jewelry. Act modestly and adjust to the environment. Consider getting a safe travel bag with tough fabric and strong zippers to prevent theft.
Be Prepared for an Emergency: Have emergency contacts handy on your phone. Memorize the local emergency number when traveling and know where you can find the nearest U.S. embassy. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), so you can get alerts.
Pack a Basic First Aid Kit: Make sure to pack your essential medications, like allergy pills or inhalers. Also, bring band-aids, cleansing wipes, and pain relievers for small injuries. Remember to include sunscreen, bug spray, and an Epi-Pen for serious allergic issues.
Make Digital Copies of Vital Documents: Scan your ID, passport, travel plans, flight tickets, and hotel bookings. Keep digital copies to confirm your identity and have info on hand in case you lose physical papers. For extra prep, scan vaccine cards, meds info, and emergency contacts. Save these digital files in a secure online vault, like WealthCompass, for easy access anytime.
Avoid Solo Travel: Travel with others for safety against potential dangers. Consider joining a group tour initially to meet people and make friends.
Regularly Check In with Home: Contact a friend or family member every day to share your plans and location for safety. Regular check-ins in the morning or evening are helpful. Leaving a message is as good as a live conversation.
Stay Alert: Sit and look around calmly. Notice those close by. Listen to your instincts—if something seems wrong, it likely is. Remember, be cautious when talking to new people. Keep information about yourself private to stay safe.
Hide "Emergency" Cash: Always make sure to divide your money and cards into two sets for extra security: keep one set easily accessible and the other well hidden. This way, in case you misplace one set, you always have a backup available. Consider concealing cash in creative locations such as a toiletry bottle, sock, shoe, or phone case to further safeguard your funds.
Safe travels!
~Alex
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