10 Safety Tips Every Traveler Should Know

Choose Your Ground Transportation Wisely

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), motor vehicle crashes are the number-one cause of death for U.S. citizens abroad. Whenever possible, travel in a vehicle that is in good condition and offers working seat belts. Research the safety records of bus companies, and avoid using less-safe vehicles like rickshaws and mopeds.

Check In with the State Department

Did you know that the State Department provides updated safety information for every country in the world? You can search the website here and get trustworthy details about wherever you're visiting. Find out everything, from which vaccinations you need to the local laws to any travel warnings (including crime and security warnings). While you're on the website, head over to the State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) page, where you can register your travel plans. In the event of an emergency (whether it's a natural disaster, an emergency back home, or civil unrest), they will be able to contact you.

Review the Escape Route in Your Hotel Room

Let's be honest—when you check in to a hotel room, you're more focused on scoping out the amenities than studying the map on the back of your door. But before you get too settled in, you should take a quick look at the emergency escape routes. You'll be glad you did if an emergency arises in the middle of the night.

Leave an Itinerary and Emergency Contact

Unplugging while on vacation can be great, but try not to go too under the radar, especially if you're traveling alone. Leave your itinerary (even if it's just as basic as which city you'll be visiting and when you'll return) with a trusted friend or family member back home, and try to check in with him or her every day. That way, if something happens, they can alert authorities on your behalf.

Scan a Copy of Your Passport

Before you leave, scan a copy of your passport, email it to yourself, and take a photo of it to save on your cell phone. That way, if you need your passport while out (but it's locked up in your hotel safe), you'll have access to all your details. Plus, if it's stolen, getting a replacement will be that much easier.

Confirm Visitors with the Hotel Desk

You're in your hotel room and there's a knock at the door from someone claiming to be maintenance or housekeeping. Before you let this person in, call down to the front desk to verify that someone from the property needs access to your room. Criminals have been known to pose as hotel workers in order to get inside rooms.

Don't Flash Your Cash or Valuables

Keep your cash separated, with some spending money easily accessible and the rest hidden, so that you're not showing off a big wad of cash every time you pay. Although it's tempting to have your smartphone out constantly to look up directions or take photos, be mindful of your surroundings—thieves love to grab cell phones from people using them on trains and run off at the next stop.

Steer Clear of Animals

Cute stray dogs and cats roaming the streets may make for good photo opportunities, but resist the urge to get too close. Wild animals can carry all kinds of not-so-fun diseases (including rabies) that could ruin your trip.

Keep an Emergency Car Kit

Whether you're driving your own car on a road trip or renting one abroad, make sure you keep a fully stocked kit in case of emergency. This should include a backup battery for your phone, a first-aid kit, reflective warning signs, blankets, nonperishable food, a tire gauge, a flashlight, bottled water, and a snow shovel.

Save Emergency Numbers

Remember, you can't call 911 everywhere. Find out what the local emergency hotlines are and save them to your phone (preferably on speed dial). Also research the nearest U.S. embassies or consulates and save those addresses and phone numbers as well.

What are your top travel-safety tips? Tell us in the comments.

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