For the most part, traveling all over the world is very safe, but just because you are going away does not mean you should throw all caution to the wind!
Here’s our list of safety precautions you should consider:
- Get the appropriate vaccines:Make sure you understand the health concerns of the country you are going to visit. For example, if you are travelling to Ethiopia, you must have a yellow fever card.
- Use licensed and regulated businesses: It is much safer to use taxis, UBER or other regulated means of public transportation.
- Travel light: It’s so much easier to keep a close eye on your personal belongings when you don’t have a lot of things to carry around, especially on a crowded bus or train.
- Carry your passport around: It is safer to move around with your passport as you may need it to identify yourself and to avoid the risk of misplacing it. However, if you know you will be doing an activity which may cause you to lose your belonging (e.g. paragliding), then it is preferable that you keep your passport in a safer place (e.g. hotel safe).
- Keep a list of emergency numbers on hand: Your family, the police, emergency numbers, your embassy and your insurance company are all numbers you should have.
- Avoid travelling with valuables: Keep your jewellery in a safe, or better yet, leave them at home! If you have to travel with some valuables, like your camera or phone, it is better to keep them out of sight when not in use.
- Refrain from using your back pockets: It is easier for a pickpocket to steal your wallet or phone, if you place it in your back pocket, especially in crowded areas.
- Be in the know about the safe and unsafe places. Find out as much as you can about safe places and risky areas. Research online and talk to the receptionist or concierge about places you should avoid.
- Keep your drinks safe: Always keep an eye on your drinks! Do not accept drinks from strangers, and if your glass has been set down for a long period of time, discard it.
- Stay in touch with someone back at home: Don’t let long periods of time go in between communication. Make it a daily habit of sharing your whereabouts and your updated travel plans with a loved one back at home.
- Avoid walking around at night, especially if you are by yourself. Overnighting in a bus or a car might have its advantages, but we always suggest you assess the risks well before jumping into it.
- Cards over cash: It is more secure to use Credit/Debit cards that you’ve already got to your name as you can always have it blocked if anything goes south. Do keep some cash in lower denominations also for ease.
- Avoid ATMs in secluded areas: Mugging is common in many countries. As much as you can, use ATMs in safe places, such as in banks or malls. Be sure to cover use your hand as cover when entering your pin.
- Avoid remote areas: As much as exploring can be fun and adventurous, if you are more safety-conscious, it would be advisable to travel and visit crowded areas. Even when you are in a busy city, you should keep away from unknown streets or short-cuts.
- Be smart and get yourself (and your family) insured: Travel insurance is a way to make sure that your travels, especially in an unknown nation, is protected, come what may.
Don’t forget, we have the Sacos’ Great Travel Insurance Giveaway going on! Purchase your travel insurance between 16 January and 30 April 2020 to be entered into the April 2020 draw and stand the chance of winning the star prize of a return ticket to Malaysia with Sri Lankan Airline!
Pay us a visit at our new location in town or call us on 429 5000 or send an email to info@sacos.sc for more information on Travel Insurance!
