Travelling safely: good habits
Setting off on an adventure, discovering new horizons, or immersing yourself in other cultures is one of the greatest joys of travel. However, to travel safely, every journey requires careful planning. By anticipating the unexpected and taking the right precautions, you can fully enjoy your experience while minimizing risks.
Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or with friends, these recommendations will help you approach each trip with greater peace of mind, reduce potential risks, and ensure a pleasant and safe stay.
Essentials to Prepare Before Departure
- Back up your essential documents: scan your passport, driver’s license, visa, ID card, and travel insurance. Email them to yourself or store them on a secure cloud. This can save you in case of loss or theft.
- Research your destination: check the latest alerts and advice on the Foreign Travel official website. Avoid discouraged areas, and consider health and cultural recommendations.
- Register your trip: for stays abroad, sign up on the Ariane platform. In case of a crisis or emergency, authorities will be able to locate and inform you quickly.
- Get comprehensive travel insurance: make sure it covers medical care abroad, cancellations, and loss or theft. It can be a valuable ally for your peace of mind.
Behavior to Adopt During Your Trip
- Inform your loved ones of your itinerary: especially if you’re going trekking or visiting remote areas. Share your route and approximate schedule. It makes search efforts easier in case of an emergency.
- Adopt daily safety habits: avoid displaying money in public, spread your cash in different places, and use hidden pockets. Be wary of common scams in some tourist cities.
- Stay alert upon arrival: travel fatigue and excitement can make you less attentive. Pickpockets often target distracted travelers in stations, airports, or public transport.
- Avoid flashy accessories: fanny packs or open backpacks draw attention. Opt for discreet, secure models, and if possible, wear them in front of you in crowded areas.
- Use a VPN when connecting to public Wi-Fi: this protects your personal and banking data, especially in hotels, cafés, or airports.
- If faced with a theft attempt, do not resist: your safety comes first. Giving up your phone or wallet is better than taking unnecessary risks. Be sure to save local emergency numbers on your phone.
Anticipating Incidents: Health and Emergency
- Carry a first aid kit: bandages, antiseptic, basic medication, and personal treatments. It can save you a lot of trouble with minor injuries.
- Keep emergency contacts handy: embassy, insurance, personal contacts. Also write them down on paper, since a dead or stolen phone can complicate things.
- Avoid posting your location in real-time: social media is a source of information for malicious individuals. Wait until you’re back or have left a place to share photos.
To Go Further
Do you travel often? To deepen your preparation and travel with peace of mind, we invite you to read our article on the respectful traveler, which teaches you how to adopt a kind and responsible attitude toward local cultures. You can also check out our guide on traveling with diabetes to better anticipate specific health needs while on the move. Each article offers practical tips to help you travel worry-free, no matter your traveler profile.
And you—what are your tips for safe travel?
Feel free to share them in the comments!
