16 Travel Safety Tips to Consider in 2024 | Tijuana, Mexico
What does travel safety mean to you?
Travel safety involves proactive planning, awareness of potential hazards, and adherence to safety guidelines to minimize the likelihood of encountering harmful situations while away from home. You know the term - better safe than sorry? Whether you are traveling for the day, or planning to travel abroad - these tips will equip you to be more aware, cautious, and confident of your surroundings at all times. Protect yourself from the unexpected and thank yourself later.
Speaking from Experience:
In 2018, I moved to a tiny town called Imperial Beach, CA. The most Southwestern County before hitting the US/Mexico border. I was 22. The border was about 12 miles from my front door. I spontaneously decided to solo trip to Tijuana, Mexico just for the day. Naive and unprepared my wallet and my passport were stolen from me. A local I thought who was trying to help with directions ended up pit pocketing me.
Luckily that's all he did and I was able to walk myself back to the boarder. After having to explain my situation to the US Boarder Patrol, I was lucky to have made it home still without any documentation. It was a tough situation to navigate but I'm lucky to have made it back at all. This isn't to say if I had done my research I wouldn't have gone, I would have been more prepared with directions and kept to myself.
Travel safety should always be considered when planning a trip. Learning from my vulnerable experience I'm here to help lower your risk by increasing your knowledge on the importance of travel safety. Follow my 16 travel safety tips before booking your next excursion.
Travel Research:
Research! The first travel safety tip to consider before booking your excursion is to conduct thorough research of your destination’s political stability, current events, laws, local culture, and any travel advisories issued by your government. Familiarizing yourself with local transportation options, hotels/lodging, and dining preferences will allow you to utilize your time to the fullest. Efficient planning will maximize the enjoyment of the journey.
Researching the historical and contemporary aspects of a foreign region provides a deeper context and appreciation for your destination's unique identity. Be mindful of local sensitivities and act respectively towards them, such as foreign culture and dress codes. Treat others how you wish to be treated.
In essence, investing time in foreign travel research not only contributes to a smoother and safer trip but also adds layers of cultural and historical appreciation to your adventure.
Register with your Embassy:
Registering with your countries Embassy is an extremely important travel safety tip. The process takes about a month or so and is similar to applying for your passport. You will receive a list of services available to registered citizens and how to contact the embassy in case of emergencies.
It's crucial to keep your contact information updated with the embassy throughout your travels. If your itinerary changes or if you relocate to a different city or country, notify the embassy promptly to ensure they can reach you if needed. While registered with the embassy, you may have access to a range of services, including assistance in emergencies, passport replacement, notarial services, and updates on travel advisories or security alerts.
Share Travel Location & Itinerary
Share itinerary & Location with a family member or friend. Solo travelers this tip is vital for you. Although you will be sharing your travel plans with your Embassy it is equally valuable to share them with a family member or friend. Keep in contact with updates on your whereabouts during your excursion, especially if plans change.
iPhone users - share your location with whomever has your travel plan. If you lose your phone or it runs out of battery, your location can still be tracked. Travel plans change often, and you may decide to visit other countries surrounding your initial location. Sharing your iPhone’s location will ensure your friends and family have access to your location in case of an emergency.
Secure Important Travel Documents:
Securing Important Documents keeps things like your passport, visa, credit card, lodging schedule, and insurance policies in a secure location - such as a hotel safe. Double check that you have multiple photocopies or digital scans of your important documents and store them with a trusted individual for easy access in case of an emergency. Especially if you have trusted friends in the country you are visiting.
Remember to write down or memorize your emergency contacts for additional peace of mind. If you must carry them on you, make sure they are visible and within easy reach. Foreign travel is not the place for wearing a backpack everywhere you go and carrying your favorite Chanel. Anything can happen, increasing your knowledge and travel safety know how - severely reduces you to risk.
Traveling with Cash:
Do not carry large amounts of cash on you! duh! It's advisable to carry some cash for emergencies or situations where cards may not be accepted, just try not relying exclusively on cash. Strike a balance.
While cash is widely accepted in many places, there are instances where a credit card or Visa may be the preferred or only accepted form of payment. This is specifically true when making larger purchases like hotels and restaurants in tourist areas.
Cash cannot be easily replaced if lost or stolen. Once cash is gone, it's gone. Most financial institutions offer fraud protection and the ability to cancel lost or stolen credit cards.
Just Say No Thank You or Nothing at All:
Just say "no thank you," or nothing at all. Use good judgment when you travel aboard. If you are approached by a foreigner claiming to be "collecting personal information for [insert excuse]", DO NOT COMPLY. These individuals may appear to be harmless but remember, you are visiting a foreign country there isn't a valid reason why your personal information would be needed for whatever petition you're being asked to sign.
Do not entertain "small talk" with strangers who right away ask you where you are from, this is specifically important for solo travelers. They could be sizing you up to see how vulnerable you are. This information is confidential, and you don't have to tell anyone anything that you don't want to - especially if you feel threatened or have that all too familiar gut feeling. Simply walk away calm and confident and continue to travel safely. This is most common at airports.
Learn The Lingo:
If you are traveling to a foreign country where you aren't familiar with the language, you better start studying. Luckily now a days most resources are accessible at our fingertips, so I recommend downloading the app Duo-Lingo (not affiliated). It's the quickest and most accurate way to start learning the native language of the country you wish to visit. The locals will appreciate you took the time to learn about their culture. Respect from other countries can go a long way.
Remember, traveling with intention of connecting and staying in contact will allow you to keep creating unforgettable memories with others. Plus, your current or future partner will love that you are bi-lingual.
Stay Connected:
Stay connected by keeping your phone charged and organized. Make sure you have easy access to emergency contact numbers, including local authorities, embassy, and emergency services. Understand how to navigate your Maps app and screenshot directions as needed in case you are in an area where you may not be able to rely on your map’s app alone. Always have a PLAN B & C to ensure you are traveling safely.
Avoid High-Risk Areas:
Avoid high-risk areas like traveling to areas known for political unrest, crime, or natural disasters. Avoid demonstrations, protests, and crowded places as these can pose as your highest risk during your travels. Trust your instincts and listen to gut feelings if something seems off.
If you know you're traveling to a third world country where safety is a concern, google guided tours and set them up with other tourists. Read travel bloggers who have been to that area, take their recommendations, and learn from their mistakes to avoid making them yourself. Look up the location of the local police station for an added layer of security.
Use Reliable Transportation:
Use reliable transportation services and avoid traveling alone, especially at night. Be cautious of unlicensed taxis or drivers. Look up your transportation options in advance, including local taxis, and public transportation routes. Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes and assembly points in case of natural disasters or other emergencies. Plan ahead and set up your rental before you get to your destination. Read reviews before booking with any third-party agencies for rentals in order to ensure you travel safely.
Secure Personal Belongings:
Pack light for day trips! The last thing you want is to be carrying multiple bags around with you all day. To the wrong person, you will look like an easy target for robbery. Keep your belongings secure at all times, especially in crowded areas. If absolutely necessary for you to hold onto your valuables such as flashy jewelry, watches, or a designer handbag consider using a money belt or hidden pouch that is out of direct sight to passer-biers. These extra precautions will save you in the long run.
Travel Insurance:
Travel Insurance is severely under-rated. Google travel insurance, apply in 10 minutes, and have peace of mind! Travel insurance can include coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen events. Travel safety is always being one step ahead in unpredicted circumstances. Click here to read further on choosing the right Travel Insurance.
Stay Healthy:
Stay hydrated, eat safe food, and practice good hygiene to avoid getting sick. If you are used to meal prepping and decide to splurge on vacation, be mindful that your body isn't equipped to eat every type of local cuisine. Foreign countries food laws are not monitored as closely as America. Look into vaccination requirements and take necessary precautions. Look up local restaurants and read other travel safety tips in the form of reviews and recommendations from tourists. Remember if you are in a region where the drinking water is unsafe - DO NOT EAT THE ICE!
Quality Sleep:
Maintain a regular sleep schedule as much as possible to prevent jet lag and ensure adequate rest. Create a comfortable sleep environment by packing earplugs, an eye mask, and any other sleep aids you may need for your flight and staying accommodations. Prioritizing sleep will make your travels a lot smoother and more enjoyable.
Manage Stress Levels:
Manage stress levels by incorporating relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or mindfulness exercises to manage travel-related stress and anxiety. Take breaks when needed and prioritize self-care activities that promote mental and emotional well-being.
Emergency Preparedness:
Familiarize yourself with emergency procedures and know how to contact local emergency services. Travelers should always carry a basic first aid kit and any necessary medications. Pack a small emergency kit containing essentials such as a flashlight, multi-tool, whistle, extra batteries, non-perishable snacks and an extra credit card. This kit can be invaluable in unexpected situations or during delays. When traveling internationally, always carry a foldable map with you in case your phone isn't available.
Before embarking on any journey,
Researching the destination thoroughly and familiarizing oneself with local customs to help mitigate potential risks. During the trip, maintaining situational awareness and following basic safety precautions such as keeping belongings secure and avoiding risky areas are key travel safety tips to remember.
Additionally, staying connected with family members and utilizing technology for navigation and disaster assistance are indispensable travel safety tips can ensure a smoother and more secure travel experience. By incorporating these travel safety tips into one's itinerary, travelers can embark on adventures with confidence and peace of mind.
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