Travel safety – 15 simple tips for everyone

Travel safety is one of the most important things to keep in mind when planning even the shortest trip. Traveling is more than getting from point A to point B. It’s exploring, learning about new cultures, tastes and people. They are also moments that are often remembered for a long time – both the positive ones and the… less pleasant ones.

Unfortunately, even the best-planned trip can quickly turn into a stressful situation if we ignore safety issues. It is worth remembering that not everything can be predicted, but much can be minimized by preparing properly.

15 simple travel safety tips everyone should know

You don’t have to be a survivalist or extreme traveler to take care of your safety. All it takes is a little common sense and knowledge of a few practical rules. Below you will find 15 specific tips that will be useful to everyone – whether you are planning a solo city break, a family trip to the seaside, or a trip to the other side of the world.

1. Make copies of important documents

Losing a passport or ID abroad is a scenario no one wants to experience. Therefore, before you leave, make digital copies of all important documents: passport, ID card, driver’s license, insurance policy or airline ticket. Store them in a secure cloud (e.g. Google Drive, Dropbox) and additionally on your phone in a password-protected folder.

It’s also a good idea to have one paper copy of the documents tucked away somewhere other than the originals – such as in a second bag or in a hotel safe. In an emergency situation, such a copy will make it much easier to contact the embassy and confirm identity. Remember, too, to make sure that a close friend has access to these copies – they will be able to send them to you if you need them.

Check out our text Child on the move: how to make a passport and ID card? »

2. Use official apps and maps

The phone is today the command center of any trip. Installing a few tried-and-true apps can really make life easier and… increase your security. Google Maps, public transportation apps, local guides or airline apps allow you to keep your finger on the pulse.

If you’re traveling with children in Poland, we also recommend the Poland for Kids app, which features tried-and-true family attractions, including some that were awarded in our GOLD PINS poll. With official apps, you have a better chance of avoiding rogue carriers, closed routes or suspicious neighborhoods.

3. Don’t flaunt things of value

While for you a smartwatch, camera or laptop are everyday tools, for a thief they can be easy prey. Especially in crowded places – markets, train stations, public transportation – it is a good idea to limit the visibility of valuables. Don’t carry everything on top, and if you must carry something with you, keep it close to your body – preferably in inside pockets, kidneys or special pouches.

This also applies to phone use – taking out the latest smartphone in a crowded subway can end up disappearing in seconds. In some countries, such as South America and Southeast Asia, though more recently in London as well, tourists with expensive equipment are a tasty morsel for motorcycle thieves. It is worth being aware of this and acting with your head.

4. Establish an emergency password with loved ones

When traveling with the family, and especially with children, it is a good idea to establish in advance the so-called “family”. Emergency password – one word or phrase that will allow you to identify yourself in a crisis situation. It can come in handy when a child gets lost or when a stranger tries to take them somewhere – if they don’t know the password, the child knows they shouldn’t go with that person.

It’s also great if you’re traveling with another family or a larger group – set a simple security code together. Children learn it very quickly, and in a stressful situation it can really save the situation. It’s worth practicing this a few times before you leave. It is useful, moreover, on a daily basis, not only when traveling.

5. Insurance is a must

Travel insurance is a topic not to be underestimated. Even in European countries where the EHIC card works, not everything is reimbursed – for example, medical transport to Poland can cost several thousand zlotys. Meanwhile, good insurance is often an expense of several zlotys a day.

Pay attention to whether the policy covers the activities you’re planning – such as water sports, trekking, car rental, and whether it takes into account the regions you’ll be traveling through (especially countries like the US, Canada, Japan or treks above 3,500 meters above sea level).

If you are traveling with children, make sure your insurance also covers pediatrics, outpatient care and hospitalization.

It is better to have and not need than the other way around.

6. Avoid walking at night in unfamiliar places

While exploring cities at night has its charms, not all places are safe after dark – especially those less familiar to tourists. Before going out in the evening, check reviews of the neighborhood and ask the hotel’s front desk if it’s worth venturing there. In many cities there are areas that are lively during the day and turn into places where it is better not to appear in the evening.

If you plan to return in the dark, prepare your return route in advance – preferably well-lit and frequented. Avoid shortcuts through parks, empty streets or alleys. If you’re traveling with your family, it’s a good idea to stay close to your accommodations after dark and choose attractions in safe, touristy locations.

7. Always have a backup plan

When traveling, not everything goes according to plan – it pays to be ready for that. Write down the address and phone number of your hotel (on a piece of paper or on your phone), emergency numbers in your country, contact information for your embassy or consulate. In some places there may be a problem with coverage or internet access – it’s a good idea to have key information offline.

If you are traveling with children, teach them basic information: name, surname, phone number of guardian and place of accommodation. You can also give them a wristband with your contact information. Such a small thing can work wonders when a child gets lost or in a crisis situation.

8. Don’t rely on just one means of payment

In the age of contactless payments, it’s easy to forget about cash, but it’s not possible to pay by card everywhere – especially in less developed regions or marketplaces. Always carry some local currency, preferably divided into smaller denominations.

The same goes for cards – it’s good to have at least two, tucked away in different places. If one is blocked, lost or stolen, the other can save the situation. Such security gives greater peace of mind.

9. Check reviews of attractions and services

Before you go to any attraction, book transportation or a restaurant – check the reviews of other travelers. It’s not just about quality, but above all about safety. There are places that look great in pictures, but in reality can be dangerous, especially for tourists. There are also, unfortunately, companies that can pull quite a punch on the spot.

With access to the Internet these days, one can easily and quickly try to verify various information. Just be careful, because not all opinions are necessarily true.

10. Learn a few words in the local language

Knowing the local words not only helps win the sympathy of locals, but can be really crucial in emergency situations. “Help”, “hospital”, “I’m lost”, “child”. – are words worth knowing in any language we go to.

If you are learning together with your children, make it fun – learning basic phrases can be part of the preparation for the trip. In a crisis situation, such knowledge can not only save time, but even save lives.

11. Keep an eye on drinks and food

In restaurants, bars or parties – never leave an open drink unattended. This is especially important in countries with higher crime rates. There are cases of adding intoxicants to drinks – and this doesn’t just apply to women traveling alone.

If you are traveling with children, pay attention to the quality of the food – it’s better to avoid raw food in countries with different sanitary standards. It’s a good idea to bring along some basic snacks for the little ones to avoid stomach problems resulting from accidental purchases.

12. Secure your luggage

Whether you’re flying, traveling by train or car, it’s a good idea to secure your luggage well. TSA locks, special straps to secure suitcases, covers – a small expense that can prevent theft or accidental opening of luggage.

At the airport, do not leave your suitcase unattended, even for a moment. At the hotel, stash documents and valuables in the safe. And when traveling by car, don’t leave backpacks on the seat – even if you’re only parking for 5 minutes.

13. Always have a first aid kit on hand

A first aid kit is not just a must-have for your car – it’s something that should accompany you on every trip. Even if you don’t suffer from any chronic illnesses, it’s a good idea to have some basic supplies with you: plasters, gauze pads, disinfectant, pain medicine, diarrhea medicine, something for allergies and mosquito repellent. If you are traveling with children – add a thermometer, fever syrup and bite gel.

In exotic countries or those with lower standards of medical care, it is often difficult to find proven medications – and even more so with a leaflet in Polish or English. So it’s worth packing the products you know and use on a daily basis. You can keep them in a small organizer – so that they are always at hand, in your backpack, not just in your suitcase.

14. Follow local news and announcements

In the age of the Internet, it’s easy to stay up-to-date, but it’s worth taking care to do so consciously. Following local news, weather warnings or embassy announcements can help avoid surprises. This applies not only to countries with a tense political situation – protests, strikes, public transport breakdowns or natural disasters can also happen in popular tourist destinations.

Subscribe to the newsletter or notifications of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Odyssey system) – in case of an emergency you will receive information in real time. And if you have plans to visit outdoor attractions, keep track of local weather forecasts – in some countries, tropical storms or forest fires can pop up overnight and change plans 180 degrees. We know something about that ;)

15. Trust your intuition

Finally, the most important thing: trust yourself. If something seems suspicious – it most likely is. If someone behaves unnaturally, tries to forcefully puzzle or offers the “opportunity of a lifetime” that no one else sees – this could be a warning signal. Intuition, especially in frequent travelers, is often the best safety compass.

This also applies to family situations – if your child says he feels uncomfortable or that someone has frightened him, don’t ignore it. It is better to react “out of the blue” than to regret not doing so earlier. Travel is supposed to be a pleasure, not a source of stress – so it’s worth listening not only to maps and guidebooks, but also to each other.

Summary: Travel security is an investment in peace of mind

Travel safety is a topic to take as seriously as choosing accommodations or planning attractions. Adequate preparation does not have to mean giving up on the adventure – on the contrary, it allows you to fully enjoy your trip, because you are aware that you have taken care of key issues.

Each of these 15 tips may seem simple, but it is their consistent application that makes for safer, calmer and more informed travel. And after all, that’s what it’s all about, especially if we travel with children, who learn the world through our decisions.

If you know of other ways to make your travels safer, be sure to share them in the comments! Have a safe journey and only beautiful memories!