How to Manage Safety Risks
While Travelling

How to Manage Safety Risks While Travelling

A very good friend of mine used to work for the United Nations and one day I came to his house and he was doing a mandatory UN training about hotel bookings. The training was how to avoid safety risks while staying in hotels. It was full of such rules as (i) in developing countries only book rooms that are not higher than 3rd floor (as firefighters cars might not have ladders that can reach higher); (ii) always book a room near staircase to be able to run away quickly in case of any danger; (iii) if during check-in the reception team says your room number loudly, immediately ask to change the room; (iv) if you come to your room and see that a door is slightly open – immediately run away; etc.

Before launching this blog I decided to run a quick survey amongst my colleagues at my former job and I was so surprised that for so many people one of the key concerns about travelling is safety. For this reason, I have decided to write this post to explore what are the key travel risks and how to reduce them:

The most important thing to get from this post – do a thorough research about your destination for every trip. This goes beyond just attractions and accommodations; you should also look into critical details such as safety, good medical clinics, areas to avoid, currency exchange rates, the quality of water and food, and potential health risks. This information will help you plan your trip more effectively.

Losing your passport, wallet, other important stuff.

Based on various public data, there is a slightly below 10% likelihood for an average person to lose a passport, wallet, phone, keys, bags, watches, or other important items during a single trip. While this happens not so often, the consequences of this can be quite dissapointing and can significantly damage a trip.

The most important thing is: before the trip make sure to create copies and scans of all your important documents. Email the scanned copies to yourself and store the physical copies in different locations. This can be extremely helpful if your passport gets stolen.

Besides that, the following measures are recommended from my personal experience.

1. Buy several iPhone / Samsung tags and keep in each bag/wallet
2. Keep your documents and keys in a “tagged” (waterproff) bag
3. Make copies (both printed and scanned) of all your documents, send them to your email, put hard copies into different bags
4. Make and keep the keys duplicate with your family or a close friend
5. Apply for the second (duplicate) passport (if allowed)
6. Have all your data in cloud and know the access to it
7. Learn by heart the phone numbers of your fam/friends and embassy
8. Register in advance on Find my iPhone / Find my Samsung
9. Save somewhere your phones’ IBAN numbers
10. Don’t keep all cash with you while touring

Having a Health-Related Issue

Traveling can be very exciting and enriching experience, but it also comes with the risk of various health-related issues. Spcifically, common health issues during travel are:

1. Diarrhea
2. Respiratory Infections like colds, flu, etc.
3. Tooth pain
4. Sunstrock
5. Personal incident injuries
6. Motion Sickness
7. Other

Below are my personal list of recommendations on what to do to reduce risks as much as possible:

1. Get any necessary vaccination in advance.
2. Make sure you have a valid widely covering insurance
3. Research in advance 2-3 good health clinics (save the list)
4. Carry necessary medications and a basic first aid kit
5. Have a tourniquet and bandage to be able to stop bleeding.
6. Use insect repellent, sunblock, and appropriate clothing to protect against environmental hazards.
7. In countries where traffic regulation is a problem (for example, in India or Egypt), it is better to abandon the driving altogether and use taxi.
8. Water poses a unique risk because it can carry numerous infections and parasites that can contaminate vegetables. Always purchase bottled water, and ensure it is properly sealed before drinking, as reused bottles are common in some places. It’s also wise to avoid drinks with ice, as the ice is likely made from tap water. Even when brushing your teeth, it’s safest to use bottled water.

Getting lost and without internet

Finding yourself lost without internet while traveling can be a daunting experience, but with the right preparation and strategies, you can navigate your way back safely. Here are some practical tips and recommendations to help you stay safe and oriented during such situations.

1. Always have Apple/Samsung tags with you and give access to them to your relatives or close friends
2. Always download in advance offline maps and if possible get in advance with you a physical map of the area you are visiting
3. Familiarize yourself in advance with the layout of your destination, including major landmarks and the general direction of key locations like your accommodation, city center, or transport hubs.
4. For remote locations travel – buy a satellite phone.
5. Learn by heart the phone numbers of your family and friends.
6. Learn a few basic phrases in the local language can be incredibly helpful in these situations. Phrases like “Can you help me?” or “Where is [landmark/street]?” can go a long way.
7. Have 2 fully charged power banks with you.
8. Avoid venturing into poorly lit or secluded areas, especially after dark. Instead, stay in populated and well-lit places.
9. Any large gathering of people can potentially become a site for an emergency. So, always identify the exits and plan your escape route in case of an emergency. Additionally, agree on a meeting point with your companions in case you get separated or lose phone connectivity.
10. Share your itinerary and expected return times with your companions or someone you trust back home. This way, if something goes wrong, someone will be aware and can initiate help if you don’t check in as planned.

Having an issue with your appartment while on a trip

Whenever you are travelling (especially as a family so no one is at home) many various risks can arise and it is super important to do some prevention measures to reduce such risks. Specifically, the risks can be:

1. Water leakage or flooding
2. Electrical short circuit
3. Burglary
4. Other issues

Taking the steps below (the list is non-exclusive) might be singificantly helpful to prevent many of the above mentioned risks.

1. Make and keep the keys duplicate with your family or a close friend
2. Turn off all sockets, electricity, water and gas supplies
3. Check your AC to ensure it is not leaking
4. Make sure you have a valid appartment insurance
5. Record a detailed video of your appartment before travelling
6. Buy and install mini cameras that allow you to watch from phone
7. Ask a trusted neighbor or friend to check on your property
8. Ensure the smock detectors are working (check the last audit)
9. Ensure there are no flammable items near potential ignition sources.
10. If you have community security, inform them you are travelling.

You could be subject to a crime

Before you embark on your journey, take steps to minimize your risk and be prepared in case you encounter a crime. Start by researching your destination to understand the local crime rates and common types of crimes. This will help you stay alert to specific risks such as:

1. Your cell phone or clothes might get stolen
2. You might get burglared in a hotel room
3. You might get robbed on a street or be subject to pickpocketing
4. Your credit / debit card data might get stolen in ATM
5. Other issues

First and foremost, consider purchasing travel insurance that covers theft and loss of personal belongings. Make copies of important documents such as your passport, visa, and travel insurance, and store them separately from the originals. Having digital copies stored securely online can also be helpful in case of loss or theft.

1. Download the React Mobile app to select a list of contacts who will be alerted if you encounter an emergency. With a single tap, you can send them an SMS or post on social media. These designated responders will receive your GPS location and the contact number for the local rescue services.
2. Avoid displaying valuable items like jewelry, expensive electronics, or large amounts of cash.
3. Keep your documents either in a hotel safe or in a “under-T shirt bag”
4. Make and keep the keys duplicate with your family or a close friend
5. Try to dress and act like a local to avoid drawing attention to yourself as a tourist.
6. Always read the UK / other government websites about travel situations in a particular country.
7. Use reputable transportation services and avoid unlicensed taxis. If possible, arrange rides through trusted apps or hotel services. When using public transport, stay alert and keep an eye on your belongings.
8. In hotels, before leaving the room, taking a photo of a suitcase, a laptop, the room as a whole – and then taking the same photos after arriving and uploading them to the Photo Trap App – shows the differences.
9. Have a spare phone with you on a trip (leave it in a hotel safe)
10. Learn by heart the phone numbers of your most family members and friends.
11. Give access to Find my Iphone / Samsung profile to your good friend
12. Buy a cloud and keep copies of everything (phones, photos, documents) there.
13. If, despite your best efforts, you find yourself being robbed, try to stay calm and assess the situation objectively. If the assailant seems particularly unstable, it might be wiser to hand over your money. Consider carrying a wallet with a small amount of cash to give them, saying it’s all you have.
14. Any large gathering of people can potentially become a site for an emergency. So, before you enjoy your favorite band’s concert or sip mulled wine at a Christmas market, take a moment to survey the area: identify the exits and plan your escape route in case of an emergency. Additionally, agree on a meeting point with your companions in case you get separated or lose phone connectivity.
15. In hotels (especially in developing countries) it is advisable to very carefully hide things in the rooms – potential spaces to consider: remove the shower bar and hide some of the cash in it (do not take everything with you), tape other important items to the bottom of the shelf (under the shelf) in the closet , or unscrew the socket and hide it in it.
16. If you have travel insurance, contact your provider to report the crime and begin the claims process. Provide them with any documentation, such as police reports and lists of stolen items.
17. Share your travel itinerary with a trusted friend or family member and check in regularly. This way, someone will be aware of your whereabouts and can raise an alarm if they lose contact with you.
18. Trust your gut feelings. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s better to err on the side of caution and remove yourself from the situation.