Travelling abroad this summer? Staying safe abroad is crucial before you even pack your bags. The first thing you need to lock in is your visa. Not all countries let you stroll through customs with just a passport. If you’re heading to destinations like Egypt, India, Vietnam, or Kenya, you’ll need to secure a visa in advance. Even popular European hotspots may require an ETIAS travel authorisation if you’re not from the EU. Skipping this step can mean denied boarding or worse, getting turned away at your destination. To make things easier, use a trusted service like On Trail Visa, which offers a hassle-free application experience for British passport holders.
Once your entry requirements are sorted, it’s time to focus on staying safe. Here’s a clear-cut, practical guide to help you travel smart and enjoy your summer abroad without unnecessary risks.
Photo by Holly Mandarich on Unsplash
1. Research Your Destination Thoroughly
Understand the local laws, customs, and current political climate. What’s legal at home might get you fined or jailed abroad. Pay attention to:
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Local scams targeting tourists
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Areas to avoid (especially after dark)
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Cultural norms around dress, alcohol, or public behaviour
Check your government’s travel advisory site for real-time updates. It’s not just bureaucracy; it can flag crucial info like unrest, health outbreaks, or natural disasters.
2. Health Precautions Aren’t Optional
Don’t assume your destination has the same healthcare standards or availability as back home. Before you go:
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Get the recommended vaccinations (and bring your vaccination record)
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Pack any prescription meds in their original packaging with the prescription
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Consider travel insurance that covers both health emergencies and evacuations
If you’re going somewhere tropical, read up on mosquito-borne illnesses and bring repellent. Don’t gamble with your health.
3. Secure Your Documents and Money
Make copies of your passport, visa, and travel insurance, store one set digitally and keep a physical copy somewhere separate from the originals. For money:
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Don’t carry all your cash in one place
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Use a money belt or neck wallet in high-risk areas
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Notify your bank that you’ll be travelling to avoid card freezes
Also, consider using a travel card or app that lets you freeze/unfreeze your card instantly.
Photo by Chris Lawton on Unsplash
4. Stay Connected and Share Your Itinerary
Keep someone back home in the loop. Share your itinerary and check in regularly, especially if you’re going off the grid. For solo travellers, this isn’t optional, it’s vital.
Use apps like WhatsApp or Signal to stay in touch. And always have a backup power bank on hand. Dead phones don’t help in emergencies.
5. Trust Your Gut and Stay Aware
This one’s simple: if something feels off, it probably is. Don’t let politeness override your instincts. Whether it’s a too-friendly stranger or a shady taxi route, it’s okay to walk away or say no.
Stay aware in crowds; pickpockets thrive in tourist hotspots. Keep your bag zipped and your phone out of back pockets.
Safe travel isn’t about paranoia, it’s about preparation. Get your visa sorted early, learn the rules of the road before you land, and make smart decisions while you’re out there. The world’s waiting. Just don’t leave your common sense at home.
Got your own travel safety tip or a lesson learned the hard way? Drop it in the comments, someone else might thank you for it.
