03/08/2021
‼️TRAVEL TIP TUESDAY‼️
Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid When Traveling Alone
Tip 1: NOT ENOUGH PLANNING:
To some, planning is almost as much fun as traveling! Do your research and know the risks of your destination before you arrive by checking your government’s travel advisory page. Know what documents you’ll need to enter your destination, how you’ll get there, where you’ll spend the first night, and how you’ll pay for things (cash, debit, credit, money currency, etc.). These are the very basics of planning required. If planning isn’t your thing, contact Heartbeat Travels and we’ll take the hassle away for you!
Tip 2: ARRIVING AT A NEW DESTINATION AFTER DARK:
Schedule your arrival in a new location early…well before dark so that you can find your accommodation in daylight and have time to change it if you’re not happy.
Tip 3: TRAVELING WITHOUT INSURANCE
You should never, ever travel outside the country without travel insurance. If you don’t buy travel insurance, you’re responsible for anything that goes wrong. If you do, you can claim many expenses back. Before buying insurance it’s best to determine whether you’re already covered by your company health plan or your credit card while you’re traveling.
Tip 4: USING PUBLIC WI-FI WITHOUT SECURITY
Public Wi-Fi is just that: public. As a result, personal data can be stolen when you use it. In some cases, the data is not that important, but if you are booking a room with your credit card or signing into a website you could be giving away crucial information. The solution is to use a VPN which is an app that can be added to your phone, tablet, and/or computer.
Tip 5: LOOKING LOST:
If you’re feeling lost or unsure of something, don’t stand around looking vulnerable. Look around with purpose and draw on the support of strangers that you choose, not the ones who choose you. I tend to look for a family.
Tip 6: BECOMING TOO FRIENDLY WITH A NEW ACQAINTANCE
A new friend in a new land cannot be read the same way as someone from home. They may seem great, but you don’t really know them and you don’t have the same back-up resources you would at home. It’s really important to always stay in a public place with a new acquaintance.
Tip 7: TRAVELING WITHOUT A NET
You’re traveling solo but that doesn’t mean that no one should know where you are. Let the desk clerk or some other trusted person know where you’re off to when you leave your hotel. You needn’t make a big deal out of it. Just a casual comment about how excited you are to see this or that could be valuable information should something go wrong. Also, grab the business card of your hotel so that you have its name and address on you in the local language.
Tip 8: GET YOUR PRIORITIES TOGETHER
The hierarchy of safety priorities is: 1) your person, 2) your documents, 3) your money, and 4) your stuff. Money is more important than your expensive camera, your documents are more important than money, and your person, your body is more important than anything else. Try to keep everything safe, but if something has to go, make sure it’s the right thing.
Tip 9: TOO LITTLE SLEEP OR TOO MUCH TO DRINK
Exhaustion or being even a little drunk can compromise your judgment. Being alert is important. Always be aware of your surroundings, where the exits are, who is with you, and various landmarks to orient yourself. Don’t walk in unfamiliar areas listening to music through earphones or talking on your phone so that you are and look distracted. It makes you a mark.
Tip 10: FLASHING EXPENSIVE ITEMS OR JEWELRY
This is a big mistake. Don’t attract the attention of pickpockets and thieves.
HAVE FUN AND BE SAFE!
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