You can’t go wrong with going on a much-deserved vacation overseas. It’s healthy in a way that exposes you to new cultures and allows you to slow down and appreciate the beauty of humanity that transcends races and borders. However, this appreciation for international travel should also come with a word of caution. This does not intend to scare you in any way, but regardless of where you are in the world, safety will always remain a top priority.

Whether you’ve scheduled a visit across Schengen countries in Europe or a quick respite in the Far East, it matters to always think about keeping your identity as well as your possessions safe. Hackers and fraudsters will always find ways to steal sensitive data, and travelers are always a prime target for pickpockets and other criminal elements. No matter your destination, it pays to be prepared and set up a robust defense. Here’s a rundown of every security essential every international tourist needs to follow.

1. Take time to research your destination

It’s easy to get lost in the details and the excitement of having to vacation in another country. Normal as it is for any first-timer, diving into the trip without researching your destination would be a fatal mistake. Keep in mind that you will be in unfamiliar territory where anything can happen. 

Giving yourself ample time to review local travel laws and advisories, as well as other considerations, will help you make adjustments to your plans and assess the most likely risks you will be facing once you’re there. For this reason, give yourself at least a month or more of preparation time to assess the situation and set clear goals.

2. Update and secure your documents

Since you will be traveling outside your home country, it is important to bring documents that have been updated months before your scheduled trip. This is to ensure a smoother visa application and boarding process. Major transport hubs are already using ID and passport scanners from providers like OCR Studio, so it pays to be prepared with updated documents. 

Even more important is making sure these documents are secure. Apart from creating digital copies of your passport, travel insurance, and itinerary, secure these in a carry-on bag with a waterproof interior lining. In case anything happens to these, you can always contact your country’s embassy for help. 

3. Inform the right people

Especially if you’re traveling overseas for a long time, you need to let certain people know where you are going. Your loved ones will have to be on standby in case anything happens to you, so consider sharing your itinerary with them so they will know where you will be if you’ve reached isolated areas with poor internet connectivity. 

It also matters if you could inform your bank weeks before departing. That way, you will not only ease financial transactions in the place you’re visiting but also allow your bank to flag unauthorized transactions and freeze your account if ever your credit card gets stolen. 

4. Know who you’re dealing with

Solo travels abroad can be exciting until you come across people who initially want to help but end up scamming you. Being scammed would be the least of your concerns if you travel to places that have had a poor record in tourist safety. For this reason, it pays to trust the right people once you’ve arrived. 

That’s not to say you can’t trust the locals, but it adds a layer of protection and convenience to your travel experience. To be on the safer side, it helps if you could contact a friend or acquaintance living there or ask your travel agent if they could give you a list of reliable guides and accommodation providers. 

Endnote

Don’t allow your first international trip to go south quickly. Keep these travel essentials in mind so you can focus more on the best parts of the experience.