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9 Ways To Travel More Safely

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Whether you're traveling within the U.S. or to a foreign country, you should take extra precautions to stay safe. Distractions born of travel — such as taking in the sights, eating delectable food and exploring new cities — can increase your risk.

But it doesn't have to be this way.

These international and domestic travel safety tips will help you reduce your risk so you can enjoy your vacation and avoid trouble as much as feasible. Here's how to travel safely — ranging from actions that can be implemented on the fly and ones that require a bit more preparation.

1. Digitize important documents

Your wallet or purse is filled with important documents that criminals can exploit. Leave unnecessary items at home (like your Social Security card) and make copies of everything else you would need in an emergency, like prescriptions, a backup credit card (so you can at least make a digital purchase in a pinch) and your passport.

Take a picture and upload them to a secure folder on the web. This way, if anything is stolen, you can easily take steps to reduce the damage that criminals can cause. You can easily call the bank to cancel debit and credit cards and request a new ID from the embassy. You can also use a secure digital vault system like 1Password or LastPass to store these documents.

2. Minimize how much cash you carry

It is important to have a little cash when traveling, but most retailers accept credit cards, even abroad. Not having cash minimizes your wallet's value to a thief, and you can dispute unknown charges from a card. Just make sure to carry a card that has no foreign transaction fees when traveling internationally.

3. Look less like a tourist

The more you dress and act like a local, the less risk there is from criminals targeting you as a tourist. Adapting your style to that of the locals, walking with confidence and keeping maps hidden can help you blend in. When using directions on your phone, only look at it briefly while walking.

Further, familiarize yourself with the city and your route before leaving the hotel. If you do need to look up directions for an extended period of time, consider stepping into a store or cafe to do so, rather than staying outside.

4. Share your itinerary with someone you trust

Whether you're traveling alone or with others, share your itinerary with someone you trust back home. Check in once a day to let them know that you've made it to your next destination or back to your hotel. These small steps increase your safety during travel.

It's also wise to create and share a safe word so that family or friends would know if you're in trouble, even if the conversation seems normal to someone else who may be listening. You can take this a step further and consider sharing your live location with a trusted friend or family member via your smartphone.

5. Research travel advisories for destinations

According to the U.S. Department of State, "conditions can change rapidly in a country at any time." Its website keeps a continuous list of travel advisories in destinations around the world. While these advisories don't always mean that you shouldn't travel, they do help make you aware of the potential conditions you'll find when you arrive, or areas to avoid.

Check the State Department website before making travel plans, and again before you depart. Somewhere that may have been safe when you booked your trip may have deteriorated since then.

6. Sign up for Smart Traveler Enrollment Program

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program , or STEP, is a free service from the State Department that allows citizens traveling or living abroad to receive the latest security updates. The information that you provide also makes it easier for the nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate to contact you in an emergency.

7. Notify credit card companies of your travel plans

Because you may be traveling to cities outside your normal spending patterns, let your bank know your dates and destinations of travel. Many banks allow you to notify them via your online banking portal.

This will minimize the potential of the bank locking your account due to perceived fraudulent transactions, which could leave you stranded.

Additionally, consider bringing a backup credit card.

8. Be careful with public Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi can open your devices and sensitive information to hackers. Using a VPN service is one of the best ways we know of to stay safe in an airport, when exploring your destination or at your hotel. VPN services create a secure connection to protect your personal information when browsing the internet or using web-connected apps on an open connection.

Security.org , a security product review site, conducted a study in June 2020 and found that just 31% of U.S. internet users use a VPN service for public Wi-Fi connections. That means almost 70% of public Wi-Fi users are at risk of being hacked.

9. Get travel insurance

To improve both your physical and financial safety, consider purchasing a travel insurance policy ahead of your trip. This safety net is helpful in avoiding out-of-pocket expenses for emergency medical treatment, trip delays, cancellations or interruptions, lost luggage or evacuations.

Most policies will reimburse travelers for unused accommodations, transit or activities that were nonrefundable but had to be canceled for a covered reason. Similarly, if your luggage is lost by an airline or train company, you’ll likely get reimbursed through the baggage protection on your policy. Plus, if your policy has emergency medical coverage, you won’t be hit with a huge bill for medical attention overseas (where your U.S.-based health insurance is likely not useful).

Some credit cards come with built-in protections, whereas others don’t — in the case of the latter, you will need to purchase a stand-alone policy .

If finding ways to travel safely is your goal …

Now that we've shared some tips on how to travel safely, you can travel with more confidence and less risk. Though implementing most of these tips has little or no cost, they may take time to set up. Investing the time to increase your travel safety will be well worth it if you can avoid dangerous situations that can interrupt or ruin your next trip.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023 , including those best for:

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No annual fee:   Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

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Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

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Your Survival Guide to Safe and Healthy Travel

Before You Go

Take these steps to prepare for your travels aboard and anticipate issues that might arise.

Check your destination for country-specific health risks and safety concerns . You should also know your health status before you make travel plans. When you are sick, you can spread diseases to others. Postpone your travel and stay home when you are sick.

Make an appointment  with your health care provider to get destination-specific vaccines, medicines, and advice at least a month before you leave. Discuss your itinerary and any planned activities with your provider so that he or she can make customized recommendations to ensure a healthy and safe journey.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all of your routine vaccines,  including measles-mumps-rubella (MMR). Measles and other infectious diseases can spread quickly in a large group of unvaccinated people.

Plan for unexpected health and travel issues. Find out if your health insurance covers medical care abroad—many plans don’t! Make sure you have a plan to  get care overseas , in case you need it. Consider buying travel insurance that covers health care and emergency evacuation, especially if you will be traveling to remote areas.

Prepare for emergencies. Leave copies of important travel documents (e.g. itinerary, contact information, credit cards, passport, proof of school enrollment) with someone at home, in case you lose them during travel. Make sure someone at home knows how to reach you in an emergency and carry your emergency contacts with you at all times.

Enroll with the Department of State’s  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  (STEP) . Monitor travel warnings for your destination. Enrolling also ensures that the US Department of State knows where you are if you have serious legal, medical, or financial difficulties while traveling. In the event of an emergency at home, STEP can also help friends and family contact you.

Pack smart. Prepare a  travel health kit  with items you may need, especially those that are difficult to find on your trip.

• Fill your travel health kit with your prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines (enough to last your whole trip, plus a little extra), a first aid kit, insect repellent , sunscreen (SPF15 or higher), aloe, alcohol-based hand sanitizer, water disinfection tablets, and your health insurance card.
• Please visit the Traveling Abroad with Medicine for more information.

During Your Trip

Choose safe transportation. Always wear a seat belt, and children should ride in car seats. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among healthy travelers. Be alert when crossing the street, especially in countries where people drive on the left side of the road. Find out other steps you can take to stay safe on the roads.

Avoid bug bites. Use insect repellent and take other steps to avoid bug bites. Bugs, including mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and flies, can spread diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, Zika, dengue, chikungunya, and Lyme. These bugs are typically more active during warm weather.

If you or a travel companion gets an injury or sickness that can’t be helped with basic first aid or an over-the-counter medicine, seek medical attention right away. Visit  Getting Health Care During Travel  to learn how to connect with a doctor or medical services during your trip.

Choose safe food and drink. Contaminated food or drinks can cause travelers’ diarrhea and other diseases and disrupt your travel. Travelers to low or middle income destinations are especially at risk. Generally, foods served hot are usually safe to eat as well as dry and packaged foods. Bottled, canned, and hot drinks are usually safe to drink. Learn more about how to choose safer  food and drinks  to prevent getting sick.

Protect yourself from the sun. Apply sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher when traveling. Protecting yourself from the sun isn’t just for tropical beaches—you can get a sunburn even if it’s cloudy or cold. You are at the highest risk for UV exposure when you are traveling during summer months, near the equator, at high altitudes, or between 10 am to 4 pm.

Wash your hands. Regular handwashing is one of the best ways to remove germs, avoid getting sick, and prevent the spread of germs to others. Wash your hands with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol. 

Be safe around animals. Avoid animals , including pets, local farm animals, and wild animals. In addition to the risk of rabies, all animal bites carry a risk of bacterial infection.

Be careful during water activities. Drowning is a major cause of death when traveling. Follow water safety recommendations , which includes swimming, boating and diving, especially in countries where emergency services may not be quickly available.

After Travel

If you traveled and feel sick, particularly if you have a fever, talk to a healthcare provider and tell them about your travel. 

If you need medical care abroad, see Getting Health Care During Travel .

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Home » Budget Travel » travel safety tips

36 Crucial Travel Safety Tips (from Years of Getting into Trouble)

Backpacking the world is one hell of a rollercoaster. 99% of the time, backpackers are able to stay safe while traveling the world. But every now and again, something goes wrong.

Again, it’s nearly always possible to avoid disaster if you think smart and act fast. Safety while traveling is often taken for granted but it really is pretty simple to keep yourself safe on the road.

One of my  top travel safety tips  is simple:  prepare yo’ ass.

So, how do you prepare yo’ ass for worst case scenarios?  Arm yourself with knowledge,  my friends.

Using my experiences, I can help you travel the world safely. I’ve assembled a comprehensive list of 36 of the best safety tips for traveling so that you may avoid the worst.

I have been on the road for over ten years and, over the course of my travels, I have been a part of more than a few misadventures. Broken bones, horrible infections, natural disasters, political fallouts; you name one, and I have probably been a part of.

Learn from my mistakes everyone – these tips for traveling safely could possibly save your life.

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36 Top Travel Safety Tips

Bonus: how to build a kick-ass first aid kit, how to travel safely, faq about the best travel safety tips, final travel safety tips and thoughts.

Follow these essential travel safety tips to ensure that your trip is a smooth one!

1. Wear your fucking helmet

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you . Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more .

I’m actually not going to tell you to not drink and drive; because if you do drink and drive, you won’t listen to me anyway.

I’m gonna keep this real simple – protect yourself and protect your trip of a lifetime by wearing a helmet, especially when you have been drinking.

I’m a good driver. I’ve driven in lots of crazy countries around the world. It doesn’t matter how good you are; if you ride or drive everywhere, you will eventually have an accident.

I’ve come off a motorbike three times. On two occasions, I was absolutely fine. On the only occasion when I wasn’t wearing a helmet in Thailand, I cut my face up and had to get nine stitches above my eye.

Yes, some ways to travel safely include things you should be doing at home, too. Wear your helmet, it could save your life. Traffic accidents are still the number one killer of backpackers.

2. Beware the mixing of intoxicants and water

The number two cause of death for backpackers? Drowning .

Every year, on every continent, some backpacker will get drunk or stoned out of their mind and then decide it’s a fantastic idea to go swimming.

I get it and I’ve done it, being in the sea whilst smashed is great fun but you have to take some precautions. I don’t go deep or swim off beaches that might have currents I don’t know about. Be aware of the added risk when you are drunk and avoid swimming.

3. Stop using back pockets

This is probably the first vacation safety tip that I ever learned because it’s kinda true. Most pickpockets have the easiest time lifting your wallet from your back pocket. It’s convenient for them because your back is turned and you probably won’t even feel them doing it.

Just keep your wallet and any valuables in your front pockets. They’re more within your field of view and hug your legs more closely. Pickpockets will have a much harder time getting into these.

4. Pack appropriately

Don’t take what you pack for granted – bringing the right gear is a serious safety tip for travelers. You need to make sure that you have the proper equipment for whatever it is you’re doing on your backpacking trip.

If you’re going trekking in Nepal, you should probably bring a good quality warm jacket and a solid pair of boots , at the very least. If you’re going to Colombia for a holiday, our personal travel safety tip would be to pack lightly and to avoid bringing anything overly valuable with you.

Pack for what you intend to do on any given adventure. Make sure you have everything you need and that the gear will serve you well. Don’t bring an ice ax to Indonesia – bring flip flops and a surfboard.

Be sure to check our complete backpacking list before venturing out yourself.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

5. Know the exit

I picked this up from a Bourne film but it’s still a top travel safety tip – know your way out of a building.

When I do feel like I’m in a dodgy situation, I’ve already mapped out a retreat plan. When I sleep in a new room, I make sure I know the options for getting out of that room in case I awaken to find the building besieged by zombies.

6. Invest in a good backpack

When you’re on the road, your backpack is your house – it holds all of your personal belongings and maybe even a secret or two. Thus, you should treat it just like a regular home.

Your backpack needs to strong and secure. It needs to be able to withstand the elements and protect your valuables from invaders.

Would you leave the front to your house wide open? For that matter, would you live in a house that is falling apart? If you want to travel safely, make sure you renovate your travel house.

Buy a quality backpack for traveling . Make sure the zippers are strong or if they can be locked; check to see if the material is tough and if it’ll resist attacks; see if there are hidden pockets for stashing stuff. A backpack will be one of the best investments that you can make in your backpacking career. For the past while Nomatic has been one of the best backpack companies, they are at the forfront of the new generation of travel packs.

7. Hide your cash

This is one of my biggest tips for backpacking in countries with a high crime rate.

I’ve hidden money in all kinds of different places on my travels. Once, I sewed hidden pockets into my jeans. Another time, I hid money in between two photos laminated together within a photo book.

My favorite method to hide money is a simple belt with a plastic buckle, that can go through Airport scanners without setting them off, and a zip on the inside of the belt.

Usually, when you do encounter problems traveling, it is going to be focused around one thing – money . Yep, money is the root of all evil.

Travel safety and money go hand in hand. Avoid flashing your cash and as well as hiding the bulk of your money in a special security belt, keep your wallet light so that if you do have to give it up you aren’t going to lose out on too much.

8. Beware the sudden appearance of beautiful strangers…

Or even average-looking strangers.

The world is full of truly lovely people but every now and again you meet someone who is just too damn nice. And sometimes these ‘too damn nice’ people are looking to make money out of you somehow. Part of The Broke Backpacker Manifesto is to be kind to strangers, but don’t compromise your strength either.

They may simply try to sell you something. Or, they may rob you. Keep your wits about you, especially if you are drinking, and keep an eye on your stuff.

9. Do you really want to drive?

In some countries, it’s just not worth the extra effort to have your own car. God knows places like South Korea would be totally safe if it wasn’t for the maniacal drivers on the road. Don’t even get me started on driving somewhere hectic like the Dominican Republic either.

Whilst we love a good road trip, sometimes the best road safety tip when traveling is to just avoid it altogether. It’s just not worth the hassle and the stress will probably shave years off your lifespan.

Besides, most countries worth visiting have decent public transport that can get you to where you need to go. For all other instances, hitchhiking is totally safe and actually very effective!

10. Keep your stuff locked up

When I was younger and traveling around the tropics, I didn’t give a fuck where I put my stuff or if it was safe. I just threw everything under my bed and went straight to the bars. It’s no wonder that I barely returned with anything besides my backpack and the tattered clothes on my back.

Shit gets knicked all of the time. It can be as vital as a mobile phone or as insignificant as a t-shirt. I’ve had more than 3 phones and countless articles of clothing stolen before.

As you travel more, you need to invest in more security measures. This could mean buying a more secure backpack or possibly a money belt .

One of the best international travel safety tips I can give is to invest in a solid padlock. Most hostels and other forms of accommodation have lockers these days, which are great places to put your stuff. A simple travel padlock is often strong enough to deter petty thieves. These are very inexpensive, too.

11. Or keep it on your person

When you need to leave the hostel with your shit, you obviously can’t lock it up (unless you chain it to yourself like Jacob Marley).

Don’t worry – it’s not like you’re going to be suddenly jumped the moment you step outside. This just means you need to keep everything in your clutches.

Most bags are stolen when the owner is unaware. Thieves lift bags from under tables, from the bus while you’re sleeping, and even from the person himself following a scam. In more extreme situations, someone may even do a drive-by on a scooter and snatch your bag that way (like they do in Cambodia).

When you’re carrying valuables with you, keep that shit on you at all times. Keep bags on your person itself and don’t let it out of your sight. Unless they are put in a safe hold or something, they are fair game.

Personally, I always have a leg through a backpack strap when it’s not on my back. That way, if someone does try to steal it, they’ll either alert me or face too much difficulty in the act.

12. Be aware of gender issues

As much as I hate to admit it, gender inequality is still a problem in the modern world. Women are treated differently than men, for good and bad, and are subject to different problems. Depending on what country you’re in and how the feminine genome is treated there, these problems could be minor or magnified.

Outside of the aggressive Spaniard or drunken German, traveling in Europe may not be a huge ordeal for solo women. But visit somewhere like Morocco or Guatemala though, and being a girl could suddenly be much more difficult.

Traveling as a woman requires extra attention and street smarts . You’ll need to be more cautious and use your instincts to avoid being put into a potentially dangerous situation. Listen to as many tips for solo female travelers as you can and read up on gender dynamics in individual nations.

We would like to take a moment to remind our female readers that no country should be off-limits to them. Yes, it takes more effort to travel as a girl but that is no reason to not travel at all. Lots of women travel on their own and have a great time – you should too.

13. Have smart digital habits

You should be just as protective of your data as your physical items when traveling. This isn’t so much for personal safety as security for your most important data. If you’re going to be creating a lot of digital files – say you’re taking pictures or writing wherever you go – a computer accident could be disastrous. If you’re a digital nomad or freelance photographer , this could lead to the loss of work.

Be sure to backup all of your vital data when traveling. Hard drives are a great accessory to have and the solid state ones are, in particular, hearty. Consider investing in some Cloud storage while you’re at it as this type can’t actually break (it’s all online). Google Drive offers online storage for good prices.

Online and digital fraud is a little less common. Regardless though, be sure to establish secure internet access while traveling and to avoid shady “free WiFi” spots. Use the wrong connection and someone could steal vital information while you’re browsing the web. If you’re traveling somewhere like China, have a VPN installed on your computer.

14. When in Rome, do as the Romans

One of the best international travel safety tips I can give you is to blend in . Act local, look local, be local…

This is of course sometimes laughably impossible, but when I am traveling in countries like Pakistan or Venezuela I will dress like a local. If you decide to don the national dress, this can often work as a pretty good icebreaker.

Sometimes, I pretend I am ‘007 on a top-secret mission to rescue a Norwegian (I like blondes) princess from a far-flung land. All I have to do is avoid detection…

In all seriousness though, blending in will help you be culturally sensitive and you will attract less attention as well. If you’re visiting a country that dresses conservatively even in the worst humidity and heat, then suck it up. You need to respect the local customs and dress that way too.

Wandering through the streets of Laos topless or in a bikini is disrespectful and you will stand out like a sore thumb. Doing this in somewhere like India (Goa ain’t India folks!) is just plain stupid.

15. Pack a first aid kit

When you’re in the mountains, it can be tough to find decent medical supplies. Having a well-stocked first aid kit complete with bandages, medicine, and antiseptic wash is a safety tip worth investing in.

I’ve always traveled with a first aid kit and although I only end up using it a couple of times a year – usually for just minor cuts and bruises – it is well worth having in an emergency. For example, my little first aid kit has…

• Defeated a thousand blisters
• Made a sling for a friend who broke their arm in a rock fall, we then had to evacuate him
• Stitched up my own arm when I couldn’t get to a hospital
• Cleaned and dressed ten or more friends who have come off motorbikes (on separate occasions)

Honestly, a proper first aid kit is well worth investing in. You can buy a pre-assembled first aid kit – but be sure to pimp it out. There’s a full list of everything you should include further down.

Things go wrong on the road ALL THE TIME. Be prepared for what life throws at you.

Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure – don’t be daft!

16. Leave with only what you need

When you’re going out exploring for the day, or out for a crazy night, you should only take what you need with you. Anything you have on yourself is going to have the potential of getting stolen. So, why put extra valuables at risk when you don’t need to?

This means taking out only a certain amount of money or credit cards with you and leaving the rest at home. That way, if you are robbed, you won’t have to worry about losing everything . It’s like the old saying goes: “don’t put all of your eggs in the same basket.”

Not having valuables might even keep you safer too! Another added benefit of doing this is that you’ll be setting a budget for yourself. When the cash runs out, time to head back home.

17. Be careful of shady ATMs

ATM fraud is one of the oldest tricks in the book. It goes like this:

• “Ah shit man, I’m outta cash. You think I can use that ATM over there?” (Points to a wreck of an ATM outside of convenience store.)
• “I dunno man, but the girls want beers soon.” (They walk over to use it.)
• “What’s the worst that could happen?” (Uses said ATM.”

Next morning, our heroic duo wake up to find there have been several unauthorized transactions on their cards as the machine they used was jerry-rigged to steal customer information. Tough break fellas.

The other problem with this hypothetical situation is that these two guys probably used the ATM in the middle of the night. If they were alone on the streets, they could be asking for trouble. Muggers love to hang around ATMs and rob unwitting withdrawers because, hey, the cash is coming straight from the source.

Only use ATMs at established branches and banks. Try to use the ones that are actually inside the buildings as these usually have cameras.

18. Check in

You remember that movie – 127 Hours ? The one about the guy who had various delicious drinks stored in the boot of his car and then got his arm stuck under a rock. Yeah, that guy lost his arm.

You remember that other movie, Into The Wild ? The cult backpacker movie about a guy starving to death in a van in Alaska.

Both of those movies have one thing in common; neither of the heroes opted to tell anybody where they are going.

I get it – it’s romantic, it’s mysterious, they are brave mountain men walking paths nobody knows or could possibly understand. Except, it’s also fucking stupid.

If you are going on a trek or off on an adventure, tell somebody where you are going and when you expect to be back. That way, if you are several days (or weeks) overdue, somebody will eventually come looking for you. This travel safety tip might just save your life…check in when you’re on the road.

Yes, we fully appreciate that when you’re having such a great time it can be quite hard to remember to check in. Well, thankfully technology has come to the rescue. There are now, awesome apps that do the checking in for you by automatically tracking your travels so your loved ones back home know exactly where you are.

19. Use rideshares

Taxis fucking suck sometimes – the drivers are mad, the cars sometimes look like they came from a warzone, and fairs can be ridiculous. I could give you heaps of road safety tips for traveling with these nightmares but don’t really have the time to do so.

Much easier is suggesting that you just stick to rideshares . They’re convenient, affordable, and, best of all, provide safety measures like tracking, registration, and customer support. Gone are the days where you had to get the driver’s information before jumping in the car. Hello to the future!

Using rideshares is also one of my top tips for solo female travelers. With these services, you can avoid creepy male drivers altogether and even have a way of reporting sexual harassment. Honestly, once you start using apps like Uber or Lyft, it’s hard to go back.

20. Don’t eat everything

It can be tempting to gorge on all the delicious and exotic food you’re about to be presented, especially in places like Vietnam or Spain. Before jumping in the deep end though and eating without inhibition, you may want to consider if the food is safe at all.

Some countries don’t follow the same health codes as Western ones do. In these instances, foodborne illnesses are much more common and these can really ruin your time abroad.

Granted, not every restaurant is going to make you sick but our best travel safety advice would be to pay attention to hygiene . If a place looks dirty, the chances of you getting ill are higher. If food appears to have been left out all day, God knows what germs it’s picked up.

Pay attention to what you’re eating and double check to see if it’s clean. Trust us when we say Delhi Belly is never fun.

21. Know Critical Diet Information in the Local Language

For those traveling with a serious allergy or a restriction like celiac disease (where even crumbs of gluten can make them sick for days), taking care ahead of time is really important.

In those cases, I suggest picking up a translation card. There are many on the web, but for gluten-free travelers, I recommend fellow travel blogger Jodi Ettenberg’s gluten-free restaurant cards . She has traveled with celiac disease for over a decade, and has really detailed restaurant cards using local food names, and making sure to communicate the issue with cross-contamination. They’re the most detailed cards I’ve seen on the web and you have your pick of a dozen languages (so far).

For other allergies, there are options at Select Wisely. They’ve got nut allergy cards , and milk and dairy allergy cards , among others.

22. Party Safely

There is a party to be had in every country. It’s hard not to get lured in with cheap local beer and depending on the country, some pretty cheap drugs. Before you know it, the room is swaying and you probably should have stopped drinking two Chang’s ago.

Alcohol, drugs and staying safe while traveling do not mix well. Know your limits, when to stop, and when to go home. If you are on a mission to get smashed then do it with someone you trust. Your new friends you just met at the bar probably aren’t gonna be reliable when you are wasted.

23. Don’t assume that water is ok to drink

Water is the giver of life, the holiest of substances, the stuff that supposedly gets you high according to Mad Max . Drink from the wrong source though, and your life could be in very real danger.

While backpacking in Malaysia , a friend of mine drank from a hose that appeared to perfectly normal. 4 hours later he was puking his guts up in the streets and was helpless in bed for 36 hours. Another mate drank from a tap that was purportedly fine according to some locals at a Nepalese guest house he was staying at. He had giardia for 4 months afterward.

Moral of the story: know where the water comes from and if it’s TRULY clean. Better yet, have a Grayl Geopress with you so you can purify it, no matter how clean it supposedly is (that’s what I do).

Whilst drinking water from plastic bottles is unavoidable sometimes, I really don’t like using them. They create unnecessary waste and expenses.

Try using water purification and carry around a travel water bottle when traveling. These aren’t essential vacation safety tips per se, but the Earth will be a better place without the extra plastic (that’s just as important).

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

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24. Be observant

Keep that head on a swivel! Lots of bad situations can be seen coming and can be avoided simply by looking around.

If you’re walking around a dangerous city, like Cape Town, and the area is starting to look dodgy, it very well could be. If you’re travelling in Nicaragua and the streets to get crowded with angry mobs, the revolution may be starting.

Moments like could turn out really bad for an innocent bystander but they can also be easily avoided. Just keep your head up and actually pay attention to what’s going on around you. Honestly, this is one of the best travel safety tips that there is.

25. Be with other people during high-risk situations`

Those situations that we just mentioned in the previous section – a lot of those can be pointed out by a concerned friend. Traveling with multiple people means you’ll have more eyes, more balanced opinions, and more overall awareness. (Unless you’re a stag party, in which case, you’re just fucked.)

Larger groups also appear more intimidating to possible assailants. Thieves are much less likely to target larger groups for fear of getting caught. Like the wilds of the savannah, no lone predator wants to take on an entire herd.

Not everyone travels with a group though, some people prefer the lone wolf style. It’s totally understandable. But when you’re in a potentially high-risk situation, like partying at night or going on a big trek, having friends can be a good thing.

A good tip for traveling alone for the first time is to join a group when needed. It may not sound ideal, but they may save your ass.

26. Know about local scams

Every country has their own favorite scams and tricks to rob visitors. Argentina loves the “ketchup on the backpack” trick” Italian thugs play the “you have to pay to get into this church” card. The list goes on. There are tons of country-specific safety travel tips that we can’t all mention here.

It would definitely pay to learn about the most notorious scams whenever you enter a new country. Doing so will allow you to recognize and obviously avoid them.

Do some research online or ask the staff at your lodge. They’ll usually be more than happy to share some holiday travel safety tips. They hate scammers just as much anyone else.

27. Don’t advertise valuables

Walking around with a shiny watch, a dazzling necklace, or a brand new camera is like having a spotlight on yourself. These items shout “look at how awesome and rich I am!” For thieves, it’s practically an invitation.

Listen. I understand that some of these things may feel mandatory – maybe you want to show off that new wedding ring on Instagram while visiting Spain. Others may actually be necessary – photojournalists have to use their camera for work, eventually. Just try not to show off things like these irrationally.

Keep your valuables hidden until you absolutely need them. Only have your camera out if you intend to use it. Travel with a group of people so you guys can watch each other’s backs.

On that note, we mentioned blending in earlier. If you don’t see the locals wearing expensive stuff, then you shouldn’t either.

28. Have copies of important documents

One of the absolute worst things that could happen to you while traveling is losing a passport. You’ll be unable to do a lot of things without one, like booking some accommodations or even leaving the country, for that matter. God forbid you’re in a country where crooked police officers ask to see your passport constantly, the absence of which usually leads to a solicited bribe.

Whilst you can receive a replacement passport from your nearest embassy, it pays to have some copies handy . With copies of your passport and other vital documents, you’ll still be able to go about your business. Travel safety tips abound but this is one of the classics.

Carrying a copy of your passport also allows leaving the original safely back in your hotel room. Best to keep it there away from potential thieves.

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29. Be confident but not cocky

Predators almost always target the meek first; the timid travelers, the shakey tourists, the ones who look lost and helpless. They prey upon weakness and, as opportunists, will take every advantage if it means a payday.

One of the most spouted travel safety tips is to always look confident and like you know what you’re doing. This makes you look more intimidating and less like a potential victim. When it comes to staying safe while traveling alone, looking assured is even more important.

Here’s the thing – just because you act like you own the place doesn’t mean you do. A bloated sense of invulnerability can be just as dangerous as a complete lack thereof.

A friend of mine was walking through Johannesburg, South Africa, in the middle of the day, with his camera. He thought he was being smart, by traveling before dark, and was walking without a care in the world. He was jumped by six guys who eventually made of with his wallet and phone.

In conclusion, don’t be blinded by too much confidence. Remember to be vigilant and smart.

30. Listen to your gut

At the end of the say, no amount of tips for traveling safely can match the power that is your intuition. Humans have been using this for years to sniff out potentially dangerous situations – some people are just more in touch with it than others.

When it comes to staying safe while traveling, alone or with a group, you need to be able to listen to your instincts. If something feels funny, then there’s a good chance it probably is .

So if that street food looks like it’ll make you sick, it’s ok to avoid it. If that guy seems a little too friendly, then he may not have the best intentions. Even if you think you may be overreacting, it’s still better to be safe than sorry.

31. Study the immediate geography

Getting lost sucks, be it on the way back to your hostel or in the woods somewhere. If you’re in a really precarious situation, like the wilderness or a dodgy part of town, things could go south quick.

To avoid getting lost, study your immediate surroundings . Become familiar with nearby landmarks, like a tower, a mountain, or a museum, and use them as reference points. Know possible routes and where the nearest public transport lines are.

Knowing where you’re going also makes you look more confident and like a local. You’ll glide right past any thieves as they’ll be looking for people who look more helpless.

For people who frequently move around for work, this is a really useful business travel safety tip. Work trips tend to be short, which means you never really know any given area well. Take the time to actually study your surroundings and you’ll be more secure.

32. Talk to people

We can only learn so much by surfing the web. If we’re being honest, pulling information directly from the internet may actually be painting an exaggerated picture of certain countries. (Wait, fake news ? )

When it comes to getting a real feeling for a place, sometimes you just need to go there and ask. Talking to actual people of a country is sometimes the best way of really knowing if somewhere is safe or not.

Case and point – Pakistan. Most Western media outlets paint this country as a hellhole that only harbors terrorist groups. If you were to ask anyone who’s actually been to Pakistan though, you’d probably be surprised to hear that it’s actually a very safe country.

In these situations, it also pays to know a bit of the local lingo. People will be much more receptive to if actually try to communicate with them using their language. Even if it’s super broken, they will still appreciate you and open up more easily.

33. Know the local emergency number

We all learned how to call the police or ambulance as a child. It was 911 if you grew up in the USA/ Canada, 999 in the UK, or 000 in Australia.

As you’ve probably already gathered, those are all different numbers. Yes, every country has its own emergency number . So if you’re caught in a sticky situation in Belize , dialing 911 isn’t going to help you much.

When you enter a new country, learn the local emergency contact number . Dial the number and actually check to see if your phone can call it. You may need to use it in the future.

34. Know before you go

Knowledge is power.

Planning a trip is exciting and it’s well worth throwing a quick bit of research into any specific risks you might encounter in the region you are traveling to. Don’t be a fool in thinking no research is a good idea. There are lots of safety travel tips that you’ll only discover on your own.

I guess it’s cool to rock up somewhere new and be constantly amazed by new shit because you haven’t done any research and don’t know what to expect. The thing is though, arriving in a new country totally naïve or oblivious to the culture, religion, language, and customs is just plain risky.

Before setting off on your adventure, hop on your country’s foreign office page and check out the travel safety tips for whatever country you’re off to. Every country has different safety concerns.

In South America , for example, a lot of robberies happen on buses. In Thailand, on the other hand, one of the bigger problems is corrupt police planting drugs on backpackers.

Knowing the scams and dangers before you arrive in the country will make you more confident to decline an offer that sounds too good to be true.

35. Be mindful of your health

Not all of us are as young we used to be. Hell, there was a time when I could drink all day and eat as much fatty food as I wanted without fear of repercussions.

As we once-spry backpackers become older though, we need to be more mindful of our health. This means exercising more often, being conscious of what we eat, and not overdoing it at the bars.

There are some issues that every traveler, regardless of their age, should be aware of as well. A big one is disease . Some countries suffer from some major ones, like yellow fever in Peru, HIV in South Africa, and malaria in India. Two-stepping with any of these could lead to a major derailment in your plans and life.

Before you do hit the road, be sure to check in with a travel nurse to find out if you need any vaccinations . It’s also worth familiarising yourself with some of the most common travel illnesses faced by backpackers.

36. Buy some god-damn insurance

I’ve had to claim on my insurance a few times – once for $17,000 worth of medical bills – and every time it has been a lifesaver. My number one safety tip is, do not travel without insurance.

One of the best travel insurance providers is  SafetyWing  Insurance. These guys act like international health care providers and offer a subscription service that can cover the time you’re abroad.

Month to month payments, no lock-in contracts, and no itineraries required: that’s the exact kind of insurance digital nomads and long-term traveller types need. Cover yo’ pretty little self while you live the DREAM!

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to work! Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

From bloody wounds to horrific hangovers, a first aid kit should be in every traveler’s packing list. Investing in a decent first aid kit is well worth doing and when you get your first blister hiking, you’ll be thankful you packed a first aid kit.

If you’re not wandering into the wilderness it’s likely you’ll get by on a basic traveler’s first aid kit, or what I like to call my ultimate first aid kit. Not sure what to put in your ULTIMATE first aid kit?

Never fear amigos I’ve put together a list, for what to pack in your ultimate first aid kit!

First Aid Essentials

• Tape – for blisters
• Band-aids – for minor cuts
• Steristrips – to close up open wounds
• Gauze Dressing Pads – endlessly useful
• Gauze roll bandage – for broken arms
• Rehydration sachets – for heat stroke and dehydration
• Painkillers – Ibuprofen is best for reducing swelling
• Imodium – for the cursed traveler’s diarrhea
• Antiseptic cleaning wipes – get clean
• Antiseptic gel – keep clean
• Mosquito repellent – aim for 40% DEET
• Antibiotics – I carry Amoxicillin
• Scissors, needle, and thread – always helpful

My advice for traveling safely – buy a travel first aid kit that comes with pretty much everything you need. You just need to pimp it out with the pills, mosquito repellent, and rehydration sachets .

Besides a first aid kit, the smartest thing you can pack to keep yourself safe traveling is a head torch . I’ve been carrying my head torch for years now and it’s saved my life on more than one occasion. Being lost in the dark is not fun and phone batteries die when you’re in the mountains.

I recommend a good quality LED Headlamp . If you pay less than $15 expect poor battery and it to break fast. Spend a bit of cash (around $20) and you can find one that is tough, bright and last’s forever.

Travel safety can be broken down into two areas – protecting yourself and protecting your gear. Let me run you through some of my best travel safety tips for keeping yourself, and your stuff, safe.

How to Protect Yourself

Use your common sense:

Keeping yourself safe while traveling is largely using your common sense. When you’re liquored up with a bunch of new mates it is so easy to be convinced to do something stupid – like climbing scaffolding, smoking outside a police station or swimming in a fast-moving river in the dark.

I’ve found myself in all of those situations whilst traveling and on those occasions, I’ve known that it is a bad idea. If you know it’s a bad idea, don’t do it – screw the peer pressure and just walk away.

Self Defence:

If you get attacked by someone fight back, hard. Your life could depend on it. Once you have them down, run somewhere public and get the heck out of dodge. If you’re touched inappropriately or feel threatened in public, make a scene and draw attention.

Someone will always come to help or stand up for you. This is commonplace in many cultures such as India and the Middle East. If you have to fight, go for the throat and eyes.

The best way to minimize the risk while traveling is to plan. If you’re hiking in the hills for the day take your head-torch – if it gets dark you will need it. If you get lost hiking; stop, sit and wait. Someone will find you or cross your path eventually.

Decided to head out partying? Arrange a place and a time to meet your friends if you get lost. If you are taking drugs or getting drunk, write the address of your hostel on your hand or, even better, take a business card from the hostel front desk.

Trust me, there is nothing fun about wandering around late at night (or early in the morning) looking for your hostel when you have no idea where it is or what it’s even called…

How to Protect Your Stuff

Pack smart:

Packing is one of those things you’re gonna get good at when you start traveling. It doesn’t mean that is easy to figure out what you should bring and what you shouldn’t. I mean, you probably don’t need your birth certificate and that family treasured ring passed down to you- those should probably stay at home.

Do not take anything you cannot afford to lose. If you are mugged, you should not have anything on you that is worth ‘fighting to the death’ for.

Protecting valuables:

If you’re bringing valuables with you (cameras, phones, laptops etc) keep these on you while in transit as much as possible. Don’t leave your laptop bag to ‘save your seat’ while you run to the toilet on your overnight train – this might be fine nine times out of ten but eventually, your stuff will get stolen.

If you are heading on a trip where you might be taking to the ocean or rivers, I recommend getting hold of a dry-bag . Keep your electronics in this at all times whilst you are on the water.

Prepare for the worst, ensure your stuff:

A lot of backpackers these days take laptops, cameras, and other valuables on their travels. My biggest piece of travel safety advice for you guys is to properly insure your stuff. If you do get robbed, it is crucial that you get a police report – this will make your insurance claim quick and painless rather than a massive pain in the ass. Make sure your travel insurance covers for your gadgets.

Still have some questions? No problem! We’ve listed and answered the most commonly asked questions below. Here’s what people usually want to know:

What is the best travel tip?

Prepare your trip! Spontaneity is great, but if you’re in a foreign country it’s essential to plan your trip ahead to stay safe.

How do I keep my belongings safe on my travels?

Investing in a moneybelt will keep your emergency cash safe, but for everything that you’ll leave behind, make sure to bring a good padlock to keep your stuff safe from thieves while you’re out exploring.

How do females stay safe during travel?

Female solo travel comes with extra dangers. Make sure to listen to your gut, keep your friends and family informed about your plans, and don’t walk around at night by yourself.

What is a safety tip that most travellers forget about?

Carrying a first-aid kit with you! You might not think you’ll need it on the road, or there will always be someone near to help you, but playing it safe is better than being sorry.

And so there you have it, amigos! Hopefully, my travel safety tips will arm you with the info you need to stay safe while traveling.

Backpacking around the world is an incredible experience and you will have the trip of a lifetime. Don’t jeopardize it with foolish decisions – get yourself back from your adventures in one piece, take necessary precautions to keep yourself safe, and remember you have people who love you waiting for you back home.

The world is a constantly changing place and some of our advice for traveling safely may be more or less necessary at a given moment. If we missed some valuable bits, please share your own tips for traveling safely! We’d love to hear how you travel and what you’ve learned from your experiences.

Otherwise…peace, love, and happy traveling guys!

Disclaimer: Safety conditions change all over the world on a daily basis. We do our best to advise but this info may already be out of date. Do your own research. Enjoy your travels!

Elina Mattila

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28 Comments

Great tips for safe travels! Wearing a helmet is a no-brainer for motorbike adventures, and the personal story about the importance of helmets in Thailand really drives the point home. The reminder about the dangers of mixing intoxicants and water is crucial, especially when it comes to swimming. The advice on securing belongings, from using front pockets to investing in a quality backpack with hidden compartments, is practical and thoughtful. And hiding cash in creative ways adds an extra layer of security. Overall, these tips provide a comprehensive guide to staying safe on the road. Safe travels, everyone!

“Learn before you go” is literally the best advice! So many people just wanted to go “insert name of the country” without knowing ANYTHING about it.

Those are beneficial suggestions In this regard! Although you may stand out as a foreigner in certain nations, I Agree; it is preferable to seem like a savvy ex-pat or abroad worker rather than a lost tourist.

Hi, my self mridul. I am from India. I had that Auto that you have pictured. Believe me, the safety was ZERO but it was fun to ride in my village.

Sounds like a wild ride, Mridul.

Regarding bad water when I hike I carry a filled prescription labeled of Flagel to treat giardia. Just get it filled prior to travel and gave it available if needed anytime.

I’m from South Africa and it’s my first time travelling to Europe. Pretty handy tips you got there. Thanks a lot!

You’re welcome! Hope you enjoy Europe!

nice job, thanks a lot 🙂

Thanks for visiting!

Great read! Thank you for sharing this, very helpful and informative! 🙂

Hello! New to the travel community and hopefully soon to be starting my own blog while I backpack the world full time. I am curious, is there any way to pay for travel insurance month by month? All of the upfront all at once cost is a bit large for me.

Safety Wings offers month-to-month payment but the insurance is a bit limited compared to others. It mostly covers medical expenses.

Safety Wings offers month-to-month payment plans!

These are detailed tips and they are very helpful. Perhaps some are often taken for granted. We do not know what the future holds and I agree that we must invest in insurance.

So great to hear stories like this. Hope more anxious travellers can be inspired by your experience!

Something to think about.. if you’re ever forced to fight for your life and you do come out on the winning side it might behoove you to get the hell out of town and not give the local cops the whole story..I had a few times when I had to use my hunting knife and didn’t stick around to see if my attacker was ok.. Once you reach that point your attacker’s problems are the least of your problems.. To be perfectly honest I don’t know if one of my attackers lived to attack anyone else or not and I don’t particularly care anymore. That was over 30 years ago and I am never ever, under any circumstances going back to do any sort of follow up to check on his well being.. Sometimes it’s just better to let sleeping dogs lie.. This happened when I too was drunk out of my mind, but I certainly remember why I had to defend myself. If I hadn’t done what I did when I did it I probably wouldn’t be around to tell anyone about it.. I’ve never been back to the town and have gone 1000 miles out of my way to avoid said town just on the off chance that it was an unsolved mystery and a still open case. I’m not quite prepared to be made to account for that day. 😉

Marty just killed a guy.

Great tips from an experienced backpacker! First aid kit, insurance, and common sense will definitely help if not save you! 🙂 Thanks, Will.

First aid kit is very important, but be sure that your medicine in other country are legal. One time I had problems in U.S. customs with my first aid kit. Will, thanks for interesting and usefull article!

Amazing post – very thorough! When I’m in the US, I generally carry a knife for self defense purposes (years of Filipino martial arts training makes me feel naked without it). Would you ever carry something like that abroad, though? I’m in Thailand now, and don’t carry anything for fear of having serious legal trouble…

I always have a leatherman multitool on me and that has a pretty good knife 🙂

Got it. Seems innocuous, too. Checking local laws would be a pain in the butt.

I went to my first hike unprepared. Thankfully nothing serious happened. Thanks for posting the things I should put in my first aid kit on my next hike! Cheers!

And consult a doctor to get vaccinated before the trip. You can go here for more information : https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/

Nice tips Will and I agree about blending in. In some countries, you will stand out – but it’s far better to look like a clued up expat or overseas worker than a clueless tourist that got lost.

Thanks Barry! Totally agree that standing out is usually not a good idea!

All good tips! Especially the one about knowing your way out of a building – I’ve needed to use that before :/

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15 simple travel safety tips everyone should know

Learn 15 easy ways to stay safe from scams, theft, and other common safety concerns while traveling. Everyone should know these simple travel safety tips that can be used anywhere.

Apr 03, 2024

From drive-by purse snatchers to identity thieves to much more dangerous criminals like kidnappers and sex traffickers, there's always some story in the news about someone taking advantage of travelers.

So far in my travels, I've never had any serious problems, thank goodness, and the vast majority of travelers will never fall victim to anything more serious than pick-pocketing. Even so, I always keep these safety practices in mind when I travel, and I recommend you do, too.

If you're planning your next trip and wondering how to travel safely , look no further than these 15 simple and straightforward travel safety tips  for your ultimate  safe travel guide .

Also, check out which are the safest places to travel right now  and this  trip preparation guide.

1. Don't wear flashy jewelry

Wearing expensive, flashy jewelry is one sure way to make yourself an obvious target for robbery. Leave it at home, friends, especially if you plan to travel to crowded areas!

2. Drink responsibly

This has to be one of the most important safety tips for travelers .

Lots of people enjoy exploring the local nightlife while traveling, and there's nothing wrong with that. But keep in mind that it's even more important than ever to drink responsibly when you're traveling .

When you're away from home you’re more likely to get lost or end up in a dangerous neighborhood, and being obviously drunk makes you an easy target for scams, robbery, or worse. 

Oh, and ladies, never forget the golden rule of safe drinking in public: keep an eye on your drink at all times!

3. Be smart about your money

Any solid resource of travel safety information will  tell you that it's never  a good idea to carry huge amounts of cash. Instead, open an account with an international bank or credit card company so you can use local ATMs . If you absolutely must withdraw large amounts of cash at once, leave the bulk of it locked up safely in your hotel or hostel and carry only what you'll need for the day.

When using ATMs, try to use only those that are attached to banks as these are less likely to have been tampered with by scammers.

Never keep all of your money in one place . Keep cash and credit cards in two or three different places so that if one of your stashes is stolen you aren't left completely empty-handed.

4. Be aware of popular scams

Research the place you're visiting to see what the local scammers are up to. Scams range from RFID scanners to ploys using children to play on your sympathy. You'll be less likely to fall for these scams if you've heard about them ahead of time.

5. Know the phone number for emergency services

Be sure to look up the emergency services number for your destination , even before you get there. It's also a good idea to look up the number for your country's nearest embassy before you leave. Write them down or save them in your phone so you'll have quick access to them in the event of an emergency.

6. Use the right bag

Cross-body bags are safer than shoulder or hand bags and can prevent people from grabbing your bag as they run or drive by. There are tons of bags made specifically for travelers with features such as slash-proof straps, RFID blockers, and locking zippers. Invest in a good bag that suits your needs and preferences.

7. Bring travel locks and use them

You can save a few bucks by coming prepared with your own lock if you plan to stay in a hostel. Even if you're not staying in a hostel, having a travel lock that can secure your bag to your seat or chair while dining or in transit will help keep your valuables safe from theft.

8. Keep digital copies of important documents

When traveling, your passport may be the most valuable thing you carry. In the event of a stolen passport, having a digital copy will help make the process of getting a replacement easier.

You may also like:  The greatest travel hacking guide you need for a stress-free trip

9. Try to blend in

Tourists tend to carry larger amounts of cash and valuables and are more vulnerable to scams. Try to avoid being an obvious tourist. 

Dress as the locals do , don't stop abruptly in the middle of busy streets to take photos, and even when you're lost try not to make it apparent. If you need to ask for directions or consult a map, step inside a shop or cafe to do so.

10. Use reputable transportation companies

Research which taxi companies are reputable before you arrive in a place, and use only those. If you're ride-sharing using an app like Uber or Lyft, double check your driver's vehicle information and verify their name before you get in the car with them.

11. Check in with friends and family often

Before you leave let someone know your itinerary, and update them to any changes of plans. Make a habit of checking in with a close friend or family member back home at the end of each day. 

I know this can seem like a hassle, but ultimately it's better to be safe than sorry. If something terrible were to happen, you'll get help faster if someone knows where you were supposed to be that day.

12. Ask locals for advice

When you check in at a hotel or hostel, ask for recommendations about which neighborhoods are safe and which are not so safe and mark places to avoid on your map.

13. Use apps for emergency alerts

There are a variety of apps out there aimed to provide safety travel information and help travelers safe.

• Sitata is a great app that alerts users to potential dangers or disruptions to travel in real time. It also includes tips for avoiding the latest scams and helps users locate nearby hospitals.
• Smart Traveler   is the official U.S. State Department app for travelers. There are many useful features, including notifications for travel advisories and alerts and locations of U.S. embassies. I'm sure there are similar apps for citizens of other countries, but I was unable to find any information about them online.  

14. Stay aware of your surroundings

You should always pay attention to what's going on around you , whether you are in a crowded tourist spot or walking down an empty street. 

Would-be offenders often seek out people who are distracted or disengaged from their surroundings to target. This is particularly important for solo travelers, especially solo female travelers .

15. Trust your instincts

If someone or some place is making you uncomfortable, there's mostly likely a reason. Often our subconscious picks up on things that we aren't consciously aware of, and that's where our "gut feelings" come from. Listen to those feelings. They will help you stay safe.

Now that you're armed with these simple safety tips for traveling , it's time to get out and explore the world! 

Happy and safe travels, everyone! 

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Kimberli Brown

I recently quit my day job to chase my dream of traveling full-time.

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Mar 23, 2023

Jun 23, 2023

Traveling is an exhilarating experience, but it's important to prioritize safety. Your travel safety tips post provides valuable insights for globetrotters like myself. From researching destinations and securing travel insurance to staying vigilant and aware of local customs, these tips are indispensable for a worry-free journey. I particularly appreciate your emphasis on maintaining copies of important documents and staying connected with loved ones during travels. For more comprehensive travel safety resources, I highly recommend visiting Their website offers a wealth of information on travel safety measures, emergency contacts, and real-time updates on potential risks. Let's make safety a top priority and enjoy our adventures with peace of mind!

Traveling is an exhilarating experience, but it's important to prioritize safety. Your travel safety tips post provides valuable insights for globetrotters like myself. From researching destinations and securing travel insurance to staying vigilant and aware of local customs, these tips are indispensable for a worry-free journey. I particularly appreciate your emphasis on maintaining copies of important documents and staying connected with loved ones during travels. For more comprehensive travel safety resources, I highly recommend visiting foundme.com Travel safety tips. Their website offers a wealth of information on travel safety measures, emergency contacts, and real-time updates on potential risks. Let's make safety a top priority and enjoy our adventures with peace of mind!

Fantastic!!! twohillsseptic.ca

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• COVID-19 travel advice

Considering travel during the pandemic? Take precautions to protect yourself from COVID-19.

A coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine can prevent you from getting COVID-19 or from becoming seriously ill due to COVID-19 . But even if you're vaccinated, it's still a good idea to take precautions to protect yourself and others while traveling during the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you've had all recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses, including boosters, you're less likely to become seriously ill or spread COVID-19 . You can then travel more safely within the U.S. and internationally. But international travel can still increase your risk of getting new COVID-19 variants.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you should avoid travel until you've had all recommended COVID-19 vaccine and booster doses.

Before you travel

As you think about making travel plans, consider these questions:

• Have you been vaccinated against COVID-19 ? If you haven't, get vaccinated. If the vaccine requires two doses, wait two weeks after getting your second vaccine dose to travel. If the vaccine requires one dose, wait two weeks after getting the vaccine to travel. It takes time for your body to build protection after any vaccination.
• Have you had any booster doses? Having all recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses, including boosters, increases your protection from serious illness.
• Are you at increased risk for severe illness? Anyone can get COVID-19 . But older adults and people of any age with certain medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 .
• Do you live with someone who's at increased risk for severe illness? If you get infected while traveling, you can spread the COVID-19 virus to the people you live with when you return, even if you don't have symptoms.
• Does your home or destination have requirements or restrictions for travelers? Even if you've had all recommended vaccine doses, you must follow local, state and federal testing and travel rules.

Check local requirements, restrictions and situations

Some state, local and territorial governments have requirements, such as requiring people to wear masks, get tested, be vaccinated or stay isolated for a period of time after arrival. Before you go, check for requirements at your destination and anywhere you might stop along the way.

Keep in mind these can change often and quickly depending on local conditions. It's also important to understand that the COVID-19 situation, such as the level of spread and presence of variants, varies in each country. Check back for updates as your trip gets closer.

Travel and testing

For vaccinated people.

If you have been fully vaccinated, the CDC states that you don't need to get tested before or after your trip within the U.S. or stay home (quarantine) after you return.

If you're planning to travel internationally outside the U.S., the CDC states you don't need to get tested before your trip unless it's required at your destination. Before arriving to the U.S., you need a negative test within the last day before your arrival or a record of recovery from COVID-19 in the last three months.

After you arrive in the U.S., the CDC recommends getting tested with a viral test 3 to 5 days after your trip. If you're traveling to the U.S. and you aren't a citizen, you need to be fully vaccinated and have proof of vaccination.

You don't need to quarantine when you arrive in the U.S. But check for any symptoms. Stay at home if you develop symptoms.

For unvaccinated people

Testing before and after travel can lower the risk of spreading the virus that causes COVID-19 . If you haven't been vaccinated, the CDC recommends getting a viral test within three days before your trip. Delay travel if you're waiting for test results. Keep a copy of your results with you when you travel.

Repeat the test 3 to 5 days after your trip. Stay home for five days after travel.

If at any point you test positive for the virus that causes COVID-19 , stay home. Stay at home and away from others if you develop symptoms. Follow public health recommendations.

Stay safe when you travel

In the U.S., you must wear a face mask on planes, buses, trains and other forms of public transportation. The mask must fit snugly and cover both your mouth and nose.

Follow these steps to protect yourself and others when you travel:

• Get vaccinated.
• Keep distance between yourself and others (within about 6 feet, or 2 meters) when you're in indoor public spaces if you're not fully vaccinated. This is especially important if you have a higher risk of serious illness.
• Avoid contact with anyone who is sick or has symptoms.
• Avoid crowds and indoor places that have poor air flow (ventilation).
• Don't touch frequently touched surfaces, such as handrails, elevator buttons and kiosks. If you must touch these surfaces, use hand sanitizer or wash your hands afterward.
• Wear a face mask in indoor public spaces. The CDC recommends wearing the most protective mask possible that you'll wear regularly and that fits. If you are in an area with a high number of new COVID-19 cases, wear a mask in indoor public places and outdoors in crowded areas or when you're in close contact with people who aren't vaccinated.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Cover coughs and sneezes.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• If soap and water aren't available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub your hands together until they feel dry.
• Don't eat or drink on public transportation. That way you can keep your mask on the whole time.

Because of the high air flow and air filter efficiency on airplanes, most viruses such as the COVID-19 virus don't spread easily on flights. Wearing masks on planes has likely helped lower the risk of getting the COVID-19 virus on flights too.

However, air travel involves spending time in security lines and airport terminals, which can bring you in close contact with other people. Getting vaccinated and wearing a mask when traveling can help protect you from COVID-19 while traveling.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has increased cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces and equipment, including bins, at screening checkpoints. TSA has also made changes to the screening process:

• Travelers must wear masks during screening. However, TSA employees may ask travelers to adjust masks for identification purposes.
• Travelers should keep a distance of 6 feet apart from other travelers when possible.
• Instead of handing boarding passes to TSA officers, travelers should place passes (paper or electronic) directly on the scanner and then hold them up for inspection.
• Each traveler may have one container of hand sanitizer up to 12 ounces (about 350 milliliters) in a carry-on bag. These containers will need to be taken out for screening.
• Personal items such as keys, wallets and phones should be placed in carry-on bags instead of bins. This reduces the handling of these items during screening.
• Food items should be carried in a plastic bag and placed in a bin for screening. Separating food from carry-on bags lessens the likelihood that screeners will need to open bags for inspection.

Be sure to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds directly before and after going through screening.

Public transportation

If you travel by bus or train and you aren't vaccinated, be aware that sitting or standing within 6 feet (2 meters) of others for a long period can put you at higher risk of getting or spreading COVID-19 . Follow the precautions described above for protecting yourself during travel.

Even if you fly, you may need transportation once you arrive at your destination. You can search car rental options and their cleaning policies on the internet. If you plan to stay at a hotel, check into shuttle service availability.

If you'll be using public transportation and you aren't vaccinated, continue physical distancing and wearing a mask after reaching your destination.

Hotels and other lodging

The hotel industry knows that travelers are concerned about COVID-19 and safety. Check any major hotel's website for information about how it's protecting guests and staff. Some best practices include:

• Enhanced cleaning procedures
• Physical distancing recommendations indoors for people who aren't vaccinated
• Mask-wearing and regular hand-washing by staff
• Mask-wearing indoors for guests in public places in areas that have high cases of COVID-19
• Vaccine recommendations for staff
• Isolation and testing guidelines for staff who've been exposed to COVID-19
• Contactless payment
• Set of rules in case a guest becomes ill, such as closing the room for cleaning and disinfecting
• Indoor air quality measures, such as regular system and air filter maintenance, and suggestions to add air cleaners that can filter viruses and bacteria from the air

Vacation rentals, too, are enhancing their cleaning procedures. They're committed to following public health guidelines, such as using masks and gloves when cleaning, and building in a waiting period between guests.

Make a packing list

When it's time to pack for your trip, grab any medications you may need on your trip and these essential safe-travel supplies:

• Alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol)
• Disinfectant wipes (at least 70% alcohol)
• Thermometer

Considerations for people at increased risk

Anyone can get very ill from the virus that causes COVID-19 . But older adults and people of any age with certain medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness. This may include people with cancer, serious heart problems and a weakened immune system. Getting the recommended COVID-19 vaccine and booster doses can help lower your risk of being severely ill from COVID-19 .

Travel increases your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19 . If you're unvaccinated, staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 . If you must travel and aren't vaccinated, talk with your health care provider and ask about any additional precautions you may need to take.

Remember safety first

Even the most detailed and organized plans may need to be set aside when someone gets ill. Stay home if you or any of your travel companions:

• Have signs or symptoms, are sick or think you have COVID-19
• Are waiting for results of a COVID-19 test
• Have been diagnosed with COVID-19
• Have had close contact with someone with COVID-19 in the past five days and you're not up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines

If you've had close contact with someone with COVID-19 , get tested after at least five days. Wait to travel until you have a negative test. Wear a mask if you travel up to 10 days after you've had close contact with someone with COVID-19 .

• How to protect yourself and others. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• Domestic travel during COVID-19. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-during-covid19.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• Requirement for face masks on public transportation conveyances and at transportation hubs. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/face-masks-public-transportation.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• International travel. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/international-travel/index.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• U.S citizens, U.S. nationals, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and immigrants: Travel to and from the United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/international-travel-during-covid19.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• Non-US. citizen, non-U.S. immigrants: Air travel to the United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/noncitizens-US-air-travel.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• People with certain medical conditions. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• Stay up to date with your vaccines. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• Pack smart. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/pack-smart. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022.
• Travel: Frequently asked questions. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/faqs.html. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) information. Transportation Security Administration. https://www.tsa.gov/coronavirus. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.
• WHO advice for international traffic in relation to the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant (B.1.1.529). World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/articles-detail/who-advice-for-international-traffic-in-relation-to-the-sars-cov-2-omicron-variant. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.
• VRHP/VRMA Cleaning guidelines for COVID-19. Vacation Rental Management Association. https://www.vrma.org/page/vrhp/vrma-cleaning-guidelines-for-covid-19. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.
• Safe stay. American Hotel & Lodging Association. https://www.ahla.com/safestay. Accessed Feb. 7, 2022.
• Khatib AN, et al. COVID-19 transmission and the safety of air travel during the pandemic: A scoping review. Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases. 2021; doi:10.1097/QCO.0000000000000771.

Products and Services

• A Book: Endemic - A Post-Pandemic Playbook
• Begin Exploring Women's Health Solutions at Mayo Clinic Store
• A Book: Future Care
• Antibiotics: Are you misusing them?
• COVID-19 and vitamin D
• Convalescent plasma therapy
• Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
• COVID-19: How can I protect myself?
• Herd immunity and coronavirus
• COVID-19 and pets
• COVID-19 and your mental health
• COVID-19 antibody testing
• COVID-19, cold, allergies and the flu
• Long-term effects of COVID-19
• COVID-19 tests
• COVID-19 drugs: Are there any that work?
• COVID-19 in babies and children
• Coronavirus infection by race
• COVID-19 vaccine: Should I reschedule my mammogram?
• COVID-19 vaccines for kids: What you need to know
• COVID-19 vaccines
• COVID-19 variant
• COVID-19 vs. flu: Similarities and differences
• COVID-19: Who's at higher risk of serious symptoms?
• Debunking coronavirus myths
• Different COVID-19 vaccines
• Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)
• Fever: First aid
• Fever treatment: Quick guide to treating a fever
• Fight coronavirus (COVID-19) transmission at home
• Honey: An effective cough remedy?
• How do COVID-19 antibody tests differ from diagnostic tests?
• How to measure your respiratory rate
• How to take your pulse
• How to take your temperature
• How well do face masks protect against COVID-19?
• Is hydroxychloroquine a treatment for COVID-19?
• Loss of smell
• Mayo Clinic Minute: You're washing your hands all wrong
• Mayo Clinic Minute: How dirty are common surfaces?
• Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Pregnancy and COVID-19
• Safe outdoor activities during the COVID-19 pandemic
• Safety tips for attending school during COVID-19
• Sex and COVID-19
• Shortness of breath
• Thermometers: Understand the options
• Treating COVID-19 at home
• Unusual symptoms of coronavirus
• Vaccine guidance from Mayo Clinic
• Watery eyes

U.S. travel resources

• Check CDC recommendations for travel within the U.S.
• Review testing requirements for travel to the U.S.
• Look up restrictions at your destination .
• Review airport security measures .

Related resources

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Solo Traveler

Solo travel tips, destinations, stories... the source for those who travel alone.

Solo Travel Safety: 50+ Proven Tips to Keep You Safe

July 26, 2022 by Janice Waugh

Traveling alone requires some special attention to safety. Whether you're a beginner or experienced, everyone can benefit from some solid solo travel safety tips.

After all, you alone must:

• prevent problems from arising
• be aware when they could or do arise
• decide how to manage them if they arise

When it comes to travel safety, prevention comes first.

In all my travels, I have encountered remarkably few problems. I believe it's mostly because I think in terms of prevention. I set myself up for safety.

True, no amount of prevention is a guarantee of safety. Things happen! Still, prevention is an important start and a significant aspect of these 50 solo travel safety tips.

Table of Contents

10 Steps to Plan for Safe Solo Travel

• Safety begins before you leave . Research is important. Knowledge protects you from the danger of misinformation, unsavory individuals, and/or naively wandering into an unsafe area. Imagine how you can be taken advantage of if you don't understand the currency. Or the health problems you could face if you don't know the necessary vaccinations for your destination. Or the potential loss of money, documents, and more if you don't know the unsafe areas at your destination. Understanding your destination before you go is key to your safety when you're there.
• Know your strengths and weaknesses . If you are new to travel, you likely have a lot to learn. If you've traveled a lot but have never traveled solo, you have different issues to resolve. We have a lot on the site for solo travel newbies. Read  Travel Solo for the First Time: Complete Guide for Newbies .
• Choose your destination carefully . We all have different ideas of safety. Some would never consider certain destinations for safety reasons while others would. Make sure the safety level of your destination meets your personal travel safety needs. Read Destinations for First-Time Solo Travelers: North America & International, check our Destinations section, which features posts written by solo travelers who've been there, and use guide books and your government's travel site.
• Check your government’s travel site.  Your government likely has information on the travel documents you require for travel as well as any warnings for your destination. Here are links for travel alerts for the  United Kingdom ,  United States , and  Canada .
• Buy travel insurance before you go. I have World Nomads insurance. They are the only company I know that lets you buy insurance after you leave your country. However, it's certainly not after you need to make a claim. It keeps life simple and safe to buy insurance before you go. Read  Going Alone? A Complete Guide to Travel Insurance for Solo Travelers or Best Travel Insurance for Seniors: How to Find What’s Right for You .
• Register with your government. I certainly don't do this every time I travel but if you're going for a few weeks, registering as a citizen traveling abroad is a good idea. Use the links above.
• Schedule your arrival during daylight. The first stop for most travelers in a new destination is their hotel or hostel.   I suggest that you arrive in the mid-afternoon so that you can really see what kind of area you're staying in. A safe area will always look better in daylight. An unsafe area is more obviously so in daylight. But there are more very practical reasons to arrive during daylight. You will be able to find your accommodation more easily and if you don't like it, you will have time to make other arrangements.
• Know how you will get to your first accommodation . Your arrival in any new country, especially one where you don't know the language or the local transit system, is important. Research how you'll get from the airport to your hotel or hostel (I use Rome2Rio ) and give yourself lots of time. You will need it as you learn how their transit system works. If your flight arrives late in the day, you may want to avoid the transit system and splurge on a taxi to be on the safe side.
• Study a map before you leave.  I'm one who loves maps so this is an obvious step for me. But even those who do not love maps are advised to look at one and get the lay of the land. For example, if you were to look at a map of Toronto you'd note that the lake is south no matter where you are in the city and the CN Tower stands high near the lake. If you get turned around look for the tower. If you can't see it, ask someone which way the lake is. Not everyone knows north and south but locals know where the lake is. The same logic can be applied in New York City and many other cities based on major landmarks.
• Develop your navigation skills . Before leaving home you can wander into a different town or part of town and practice your navigation skills. Read How to Navigate a New City Solo: Stay Safe and Don’t Get Lost .

Travel Safety Gear to Pack

I'm not really a “prepare for the worst and hope for the best” kind of person, even when it comes to solo travel safety. That said, when I buy products for travel, I try to buy ones that will increase my personal safety and the security of my things. Necessary, they have rarely been. But it's great to know that they are there.

• An extra place to stash cash . This silk bra stash is a handy way of hiding a bit of extra cash. Available on Amazon . You can also consider a  money belt  or a  neck stash .
• Pickpocket-proof clothing . Pants and jackets with extra, hidden pockets offer additional places to keep cash.  Here's a link to Amazon's many pickpocket proof items .
• Anti theft day pack . The  Loctote  AntiTheft Sack is a safe and it's a backpack. Take it with you or leave it in your room locked to an immovable object with your valuables inside and everything will be safe. It's also great for the beach.
• Water purifier . Stay healthy and save plastic water bottles with the  Grayl Ultralight Water Purifier .
• hand sanitizer in travel-sized bottles
• Basic Band-Aids  or more colorful bandages, if you prefer. They're essential.
• NEOSPORIN® NEO TO GO!® First Aid Antiseptic/Pain Relieving Spray is a compact antibiotic spray. It's perfect for travel.
• For blisters, I carry  Dr. Frederick's blister plasters.
• Acetaminophen
• BENADRYL® Itch Relief Spray for insect bites. I used to use calamine lotion but it makes such a mess and stains everything. This spray is far easier to use and just as, if not more, effective.
• DEET-free Insect Repellent from Repel .
• Instant Cold Packs
• Any medications recommended by my travel clinic
• The right wallet . Identity theft is a real thing. RFID skimming is where, with the right technology, a person near you can gather data from your credit cards without your knowledge. There's little evidence that it constitutes a huge threat but there's no harm erring on the side of safety. RFID-blocking products are available in the form of  hard-shell card holders  and  leather wallets . Here's some more information about RFID-blocking from NordVPN.
• A doorstop.  Small and light, these can be very handy in smaller hotels off the beaten track where card keys and deadbolts are not common. Simply squeeze the doorstop under your door.
• Whistle . A whistle attached to your day bag can be handy if you feel the need to draw attention to yourself and scare away any unwanted attention.
• A VPN on all your devices . A VPN is mentioned below in the tech section but it can't be emphasized enough. Read:  Best VPN for Travel: What, Why and Feature-Price Comparison .

How to Keep Your Money and Documents Safe as You Travel

• Protect yourself from pickpockets . Pickpockets target travelers. Fortunately, there are things you can do to prevent them from pickpocketing you. Get all the details by reading Protect Yourself from Pickpockets: Keep Cards & Cash Safe .
• Use credit and debit cards wisely. How you manage your money as you travel is very important. For example, to save money, walk past those money exchange kiosks at airports and use an ATM in the city.
• Don't carry more than you need. If you have a card that does not charge you for taking funds from international ATMs, it's best to take out small amounts frequently rather than carrying large amounts of cash. The exceptions are when ATMs are hard to find or you will need more money than normal for a particular reason.
• Get a credit card that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees.  The Chase credit cards are known for being good for this in the US.
• Carry a spare credit card. Not every card works everywhere. Carry a spare for such a situation or in case you lose your card.
• Keep emergency cash hidden . You can carry it on your body and have some tucked away in your suitcase or backpack.
• Don't take unnecessary documents with you . For travel, you likely need your passport, driver's license, visa (if the country you're visiting requires one), travel insurance, and possibly proof of vaccination. You don't need your social insurance card, checkbook, and the like. Leave the latter documents at home.
• Have multiple copies of your documents.  I carry my original documents with me as I travel. I like the security of knowing where they are at any given moment. I have scanned copies in my Lastpass vault. You can do the same with Nordpass . I also have photocopies of my documents in my suitcase or backpack which is, on a typical travel day, in the hotel or hostel. Finally, I leave copies of these documents with my husband at home. Read about using Lastpass and Nordpass for documents here: Best VPN for Travel: What, Why and Feature-Price Comparison .

Technology for Travel Safety

• Use a VPN. Before you use a credit card online or check your bank balance or, basically, go into any website that requires a password, make sure you turn on a VPN. It's almost impossible to travel and not use public Wi-Fi whether it's in the hotel or a café. Read:  Best VPN for Travel: What, Why and Feature-Price Comparison .
• Pre-program numbers into your phone, like your accommodation phone number, your government’s consulate office, and 911 if you are in North America.
• Make use of digital safety tools. There are hundreds of safety apps and tools on the market. From basic apps that come pre-installed on phones to a few specially designed for travel safety, we share our recommendations in 10 Solo Travel Safety Apps: Technology for Peace of Mind .

Solo Travel Safety Tips for While You're On the Road

Remember all those rules your mother taught you to ensure that you stayed safe as a child? They also make great solo travel safety tips. Apply them rigorously when you're traveling.

• Trust your intuition . If it doesn’t feel right, leave. Whether it's a bar or a park or a hostel, if you don't feel good in the situation, if your spidey senses are tingling, it's best to get out of there.
• Know the typical con games of your destination . If someone wants to give you something for free it may be a good idea to decline. A rose is often offered on the streets of Barcelona to draw travelers in for a con. A ring apparently found on the ground and offered to you as the person who possibly lost it, is another ruse to turn away from. Familiarize yourself with the common con games travelers encounter. Here's a list of 40 tourist scams .
• Stay in public.  I learned this lesson the hard way. I was caught in a con game and, fortunately, I did not leave a public place. Had I done so my life would likely have been much different.
• Where you're staying is personal information. Don’t tell strangers where you’re staying either in words or actions. Your accommodation should be your safe haven.
• Going out at night? Read this post on Night Safety for Solo Travelers: 17 Tips .
• Stay alert. Sleep well. Stay sober . While it's wonderful to sink into a destination, luxuriating in its culture, it's also important to stay safe. Being well rested and sober is key to being alert and exercising good judgment, both of which are key to your safety. If you are not one, the other, or both, recognize that fact and be extra careful.
• Walk with confidence.  In tourist areas such as around the Eiffel Tower, meandering as a tourist makes sense. However, there are other circumstances where you want to walk like a local, as if you know exactly what you're doing and where you're going. You don't want to look like a tourist. That requires that you walk with confidence. Read Solo Travel Confidence: How to Be Strong, Capable, and Safe
• Blend in as well as possible . Blending in requires more than just walking with confidence. Be aware of cultural differences and blend in if possible. Read  12 Ways to Blend In When You Travel Alone .
• Be polite. Be impolite. Being impolite can definitely get you into trouble. If people take offence at your behavior it's hard to know what can happen. So, definitely be polite under most circumstances. But if a person is bothering you, being polite can get you into trouble too. Know when and how to make a lot of noise and attract attention to yourself and the person bothering you.
• Pack right . You're more mobile and have less to lose when you pack light. Read:  Bare Minimum Packing . Use a distinctive mark on your luggage other than a name and address tag. Keep your luggage tags with your flight ticket. It's important to be able to confirm that the luggage is indeed yours. You may also want to keep your name and address inside your bag for proper identification if needed.
• Don’t flash wealth.  Leave expensive things at home. Don't wear jewelry or flashy clothes and accessories that will attract attention to yourself. Even if they don't go after your jewelry, they may target you and pick your pocket.
• Keep your belongings close . Hold your wallet, camera, and phone close to you. Never keep your wallet in your back pocket. Keep the number of things you're most concerned about to a minimum. For me, it's my wallet, phone, and passport. Having just three things makes them easy to carry and keep track of.
• Take special care of your documents . I keep my passport on me. I keep my plane ticket on my phone plus paper copies in my bag. I keep extra money in a couple of places and an extra credit card separate from the one I regularly use. Read:  Protect Yourself from Pickpockets: Keep Cards & Cash Safe .
• Carry the business card of your hotel or hostel.  Getting back to your hotel or hostel is pretty important but it can be a challenge if you're in a country where you don't speak the language. When you check in, get a business card from the establishment and carry it with you.
• Don't automatically jump in to help . If you see someone suddenly in need of help, get someone else to go to their aid with you. A local is better able to help and having someone else involved will protect you should the incident be a con game.
• Always carry a map. While walking around with a map in your hands may make you look like a vulnerable tourist, having one on you can be very helpful. If you're lost, stop into a shop to look at it and get assistance. They are especially helpful when you don't know the language. You can point to your destination, making communication easier.
• Understand the city transit system. Riding public transit is a great way to get to know a city and its culture. But, before you go, know how safe it is, how much the fares are and how they are paid, whether a pass is a good idea, and the basic routes you'll be taking.
• Take a break once in a while.  This goes along with staying aware of your surroundings. If you're experiencing travelers fatigue, join a day tour or cooking class or something that will make for a simple, interesting, and relaxing day.
• Ask for a room on an upper floor.
• If you are a woman, ask if there is a women-only floor and get a room there, if possible.
• Be aware of the alternative exits.
• Before you go out, ask about safety.
• When you return at night, ask for an escort to your room if you are nervous.
• Use the security lock.
• Lock important items in the room safe.
• When you leave your room, leave the TV and a light on, if possible. Put out the “do not disturb” sign to suggest that there is someone in the room.
• Check TripAdvisor.com for a review of your accommodation in case travel safety is highlighted as an issue.

Is Solo Travel Safe?

I believe that solo travel is as safe as traveling with a companion. Follow the advice above, use your smarts, and you should be okay.

There's more you can read about safety on Solo Traveler:

• Solo Female Travel Safety: Answering a Stranger’s Question-Or Not
• Solo Travel Over 50: Reasons, Benefits, Destinations & Safety
• A Road Trip Alone: Top 10 Tips to Prepare

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Worldwide caution, update may 10, 2024, information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

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Research Your Destination

Customs and norms in other countries can be very different from those in the United States. Check out our Country Information pages to find specific information for every country in the world. You'll get info on visa requirements, safety and security conditions, crime, health and medical considerations, local laws, areas to avoid, and more. Enroll in our Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get information about health and safety in your destination country. Enrolling in STEP also allows the U.S. embassy and/or consulate to contact you in an emergency.

Be Aware of Local Customs and Norms

Some countries have rules or norms that differ from the United States. For example, in some countries, tight-fitting clothes, sleeveless shirts, and shorts are not acceptable. Pack essential items that will help you blend in with the local culture. Review our Country Information pages to learn about norms and customs in your destination.

Freedom of Speech

Some countries have laws protecting free speech and peaceful assembly, including protesting, in a way that is similar to the United States. But other countries have more restrictive laws. In some countries, talking openly or posting on social media about sensitive subjects can lead to fines or arrest. For more information, check out the State Department's Human Rights reports for specific country information.

Prohibited Items

Review our Customs and Import Restrictions page to find out what items may not be allowed into or out of your destination country. These restrictions may include items such as over-the-counter medications, drugs, alcohol, contraceptives, religious items, and literature. Items allowed in the United States might not be permitted in other countries.

Public Transport

The safety of public transportation varies from country to country. In many places, informal taxis or minibuses can be dangerous. This may especially affect those traveling alone. Find out what is and is not safe from reliable sources, such as local authorities or tourism officials.

Consider these transport tips:

• Arrange transport to and from the airport before you arrive, from a licensed and reputable company.
• Do not hitchhike.
• Research taxi and other ride share companies before you go. Make sure they are licensed and reputable.
• Consider using app-based transportation companies, which offer a record of your ride. This is unlike hailing a ride on the street. Some companies also allow a rider to share their real-time ride record to another phone. This record is useful to identify the vehicle and driver later.
• Avoid traveling in busy sections of train cars or on crowded buses. Public transportation can make pickpocketing easier.

Travel Accommodations

Review our Lodging Safety page and do the following:

• Research accommodations carefully and read their reviews for safety concerns. Additionally, have backup accommodations.
• Arrange your accommodation before you travel. You are more likely to be vulnerable when you first land in a country with unfamiliar surroundings.
• Don't tell strangers where you are staying.
• Secure room keys, IDs, and other personal items.
• Lock windows and doors when inside your room.
• Bring a door wedge or portable door jammer to use at night.

Be Aware of Risks

• To prevent theft, avoid carrying or wearing anything expensive.
• Use your best judgement to avoid unsafe situations. Think ahead and come up with a safety plan to deal with unsafe situations, in the event you end up in one. Consider bringing personal safety whistles/alarms and taking self-defense courses before you travel.
• Find out where emergency services like police stations and hospitals are located nearby in case of an emergency.
• Don't share detailed travel information on social media until you return.
• Make sure your phone and other personal devices have a "find my phone" or similar GPS tracker for emergencies. Consider sharing your location with a trusted contact back home in case of an emergency.
• Download map applications that work with GPS instead of data to ensure you have access to local maps and routes. Keep your mobile device charged.
• Tell someone you trust back home about your travel plans. Include where you'll stay, any far-away destinations from your accommodation, and an emergency contact.

Watch Your Drink

U.S. citizens can be targeted by criminals who seek to drug them in order to sexually assault or steal from them. Typically, the drugs are added to the victim's drink without their knowledge. Victims usually cannot tell that their drink has been drugged, and substances like Rohypnol, ketamine, and scopolamine can make a person unconscious and defenseless. Always watch your drink, and physically cover it with your hand if you can.

• If meeting with a stranger, you should strongly consider meeting only in public places and avoiding isolated locations, such as residences or hotel rooms, where crimes are most likely to occur.
• Do not accept drinks from strangers.
• Be aware of how much alcohol you are drinking. Notice any unusual physical symptoms outside of intoxication.
• If you start to feel strange or sick, tell a trusted friend if you can, and call emergency authorities right away. You can call the local police or the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate . If you are assaulted, get medical care and resources from the nearest hospital or medical center. Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for information on getting help and medical care in the country you are in.

Other Useful inks

• SaferTravel.org provides travel safety tips and information for travelers to over 350 destinations.

If you have safety and security concerns, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Reach out to the American Citizens Services unit.

You can also reach out to the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs in Washington, D.C. at 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444. Officers are available to help you in an emergency.

This site is managed by the U.S. Department of State. External links to other Internet sites and listings of private entities on this page are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as the U.S. Department of State or U.S. government endorsement of the entity, its views, the products, or services it provides, or the accuracy of information contained therein. The order in which names appear has no significance, and the listings or links may be removed at any time at the discretion of the Department.

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Safety Tips for Traveling

Whether you travel often or you’re getting ready for a once-in-a-lifetime vacation, it’s important to think about safety as part of your travel preparations. The following tips can help travelers plan for a safe and comfortable trip and may reduce the risk of many different types of crimes, including sexual violence.

Before you go

• Share your travel information. Before you leave, share your itinerary with someone you trust. Include the address and phone number of your accommodations and transportation information, like flight numbers.
• Research ground transportation. Research taxi and ridesharing companies that are available and reputable in the area. Do they take credit cards or only cash? Is there a number you can call if you have a bad experience? If you plan on taking public transportation, look for a mobile app that has real-time updates for the transportation system at your destination. This can help you avoid waiting for a bus in an isolated area.
• Familiarize yourself with the destination. Use tools like Google Maps to scout out the area around your destination. Is there a hospital or police station located near where you’re staying? Check to see if there are local bus stops in the area or a shopping center where you can easily find a cab. If you plan on going out in the evenings, plan your return trip in advance.
• Plan for safety abroad. Check out the State Department’s resources for international travelers . Identify the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate and store their contact information. Consular officers are available for emergency assistance 24/7. You can also register your international trip for free with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program . If you are planning to travel on a cruise ship, read the safety information provided by the cruise line and learn more about cruise ship safety before you board.

When you get there

• Beware of “Vacation Brain.” It’s nice to relax and put your worries on pause, but that doesn’t mean you should let your guard down. Many vacation destinations can create a false sense of security. You may become fast friends with the people you meet, but give them time to earn your trust.
• Keep track of what you drink . Be smart about what drink. Not familiar with an ingredient? Look it up on your smartphone. Keep track of how much you’ve had to drink, and be aware of danger signs. If something doesn’t seem right—for example, if you feel more intoxicated than you should—or if a situation is making you uncomfortable, get to a safe place as soon as you can. Learn more about steps you can take to stay safe if you want to drink .
• Are you familiar with your surroundings? Take note of local landmarks, like drugstores or restaurants, that can help you feel more oriented. If something happens, you’ll know where to turn for help.
• If you get lost, do you have the address of your lodging written down or memorized in the local language?
• If you are separated from the group, is there a designated place where they would go to look for you?
• If your phone dies, do you have a portable backup charger and a few phone numbers memorized? If you’re traveling out of the US, have you activated international service?
• If you’re planning on driving, do you have access to a map if your GPS doesn’t work?
• Do you know where the nearest hospital or police station is and how to contact them?

In an emergency abroad

If you find yourself in an emergency situation abroad, contact the U.S. Department of State. They can connect you with a variety of resource to help, wherever you are.

• From the U.S. & Canada: 1.888.407.4747
• From Overseas: +1.202.501.4444
• You can also contact the nearest  U.S. Embassy or Consulate  in the country where you’re visiting. Consular officers are available for emergency assistance 24/7.
• If you are a victim of a crime, you can have the support of a U.S. consular officer to help navigate the process. This person cannot investigate crimes or provide legal services, but they can help you navigate the criminal justice system in the country you’re visiting. If you contact or report to local law enforcement, be sure to request a copy police report.

If you experience a crime like sexual assault while traveling, remember that it is not your fault. Help is available. To speak with someone who is trained to help, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673) or chat online at  online.rainn.org .

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10 Air Travel Safety Tips (Ultimate Guide For 2023)

Table of Contents

Airline travel is one of the safest methods of transportation on earth. All airlines, including every staff and crew member, will always put safety first and it is the top priority for everyone in the aviation industry. 

I can attest to that as I have worked in the aviation industry as a pilot for over 20 years. I have never once seen safety, not a top priority. 

Air travel safety does not come without its challenges, however. Huge amounts of money and training are involved in certifying aircrew members to ensure your safety as a passenger on board a plane. Sometimes it may not seem that the aircrew has your best interest in mind, but trust me they do!

There are many things that you as a passenger can do to help the safety of yourself and others on board the plane. In this post, I will show you 10 Air Travel Safety Tips that you can use to ensure your flight is more comfortable and safe.

Is Airline Travel Safe?

This is a question that gets asked so often. Everyone who travels is always thinking about it. First-time air travelers often wonder if airline travel is safe ─ and just how safe is it?

The answer is, airline travel is the safest mode of transportation available. If you look at the numbers, flying is much safer than driving. It might feel more dangerous though because plane crashes are more catastrophic, they kill more people, and play into our fears of flying. Car crashes, on the other hand, occur daily and are constantly happening and spread the losses over more time, making their effects much less noticeable.

According to thenational.ae , globally in 2017, 4.1 billion passengers traveled by air, with a total of just 50 fatalities from accidents involving scheduled commercial flights.

Also according to IATA , International Air Transport Association, in 2015 there was one commercial jet accident per 4.5 million flights.

So is airline travel safe? Yes, it is. 

Rules For Airplane Travel

There are many rules and regulations that must be followed when traveling by airplane. Not only do the legal rules need to be followed, but each airline will have its own guidelines and safety regulations as well. The policies and procedures could be different from one airline to the next.

My suggestion is to review the specific airlines’ guidelines prior to travel. Most of this information is available online, but you can always contact customer service via telephone.

I recently wrote an article explaining some pre-travel checklist items that will help you prepare. Also, more information regarding baggage limits, first-time flyers tips, and other air travel advice can be found here.

Here are 10 air travel safety tips that you should follow when traveling on all airlines.

#1. Flight Attendant Passenger Briefing – Safety Procedures

If you only end up listening to one of my tips on the list, hopefully, it’s this one. I can’t say this enough. It is so important that every passenger on board listens to the flight attendants passenger safety briefing.

I have been witness to thousands of passengers completely ignoring the safety briefings, despite the announcements that require you to do so. This briefing is something that only takes a few minutes of your time and could be critical in a life and death situation. Besides, what else are you doing anyway while sitting on the plane waiting to take off?

If you are sitting in the emergency exit row, the flight attendants will give you a special briefing on how to operate the door in the event of an emergency. They will only allow passengers who are willing and capable of accepting this responsibility to sit in this row.

Paying attention to the briefing and reading the safety card in the seat pouch just may save your life or someone else’s in the event of an emergency. As an airline pilot, I know the crew members will appreciate you paying attention. Avoid sleeping, playing games, reading the paper or talking during the briefing. Your life may depend on it!

#2. Keep Your Seat Belt Fastened At All Times

If you listen to the safety briefing, you will notice that you must keep your seat belt on at all times. Yes even when the seat belt sign is turned off, which only the pilots can do .

It is possible that the aircraft could experience turbulence unexpectedly, and serious injury could result if your belt is not fastened. Not only that, but serious injury to others is possible if you are not secure.

#3. Dress Properly

Not many people think of this but it is important to dress properly while traveling on an airplane. Being comfortable will help you move easier if needed, and also certain materials like cotton are known to protect your skin.

Also avoid high heel shoes, for obvious reasons. Not a great idea to be running from an airplane or going down an evacuation slide in high heels!

Here are 10 things you should never wear on board a plane .

#4. Be Aware Of Your Location On The Plane

As part of the safety briefing mentioned earlier, you should always know where your seat is located in relation to the aircraft doors. Most large airliners will have emergency exits at the front, middle and back of the plane. Have a look to see which exit is closest to you in the event of an evacuation.

Also, know that the aircraft floor has illuminated lighting directions to point you in the direction of an exit if the visibility is reduced.

#5. Avoid Alcohol

It is very easy to become dehydrated on an aircraft. The longer the flight, the worse it can be. Make sure to drink lots of liquids. Water is hands down the best choice. If you can, try to avoid coffee, tea and fruit juices.

Alcoholic drinks are a poor choice when flying for many reasons. They don’t help combat dehydration. They also have a stronger effect in the thinner air of an aircraft at altitude. I have seen it far too many times, someone will have a few drinks in the air and it leads to a bad situation.

Alcohol also makes it tougher when trying to avoid jet lag.

#6. Have Respect For The Crew Members

I honestly can’t believe how many times I have seen aircrew members being treated poorly by passengers. Some people just have no respect for the people in charge of looking after them and saving their life when called upon.

Being rude, incompliant with rules, offensive, or harmful has no place on board an airplane. The airlines have strict policies in place to deal with passengers who behave badly. Most times it ends up in an arrest from police. This type of behavior is not acceptable; it has huge safety implications and won’t be tolerated in any way.

#7. Keep Heavy Objects Out Of The Overhead Bins

This is something to be aware of in the event of turbulence, that the overhead bins may accidentally open. This could cause injury to you or others around you. The overhead bins are for storing carry on items, not large heavy items. Larger items should be placed in the aircraft as checked luggage.

#8. Wear Air Compression Socks

If you are traveling on a long flight, you can periodically get up and move around to stretch. This is good for your health. It’s normal for your body to struggle with good blood circulation on longer flights. Walk up and down the aisles. Walk to the bathroom and back. You can even just stand in the aisle next to your row for a period of time. Even just doing some stretching or twisting movements in your seat will help. All these will reduce discomfort from swollen legs and feet and help prevents poor circulation problems and deep vein thrombosis.

Additionally, to help to prevent this, I highly recommend a pair of air travel compression socks . These will help prevent swelling and blood clotting on a long flight. They will help keep your circulation going. Perfect for swollen calves and ankles. Taking a little extra time to walk around the airport on your layovers or between flights just to get some extra exercise even if you don’t feel a need to do it can pay off towards the end of a really long journey.

#9. Oxygen Masks

Properly knowing how to use your oxygen mask is crucial. Every seat on board the plane should have an oxygen mask available above your head. This mask will automatically fall down in the event of an unequal pressure inside the aircraft cabin.

The first step is to always secure your own mask first before helping other people around you. This is very important due to the fact that you will not be able to help anyone if you are incapacitated. This will be demonstrated during the safety briefing as well.

#10 Emergency Evacuations

In the unlikely event of an emergency evacuation, it is very important to follow the procedures that are outlined by the crew members. This includes leaving behind your personal belongings like luggage.

Trying to get your carry-on baggage from under the seat or the overhead bin delays the evacuation. This puts yourself and others at risk.

As you can see, there are many things that you can do in order to stay safe on board the airplane. Following some basic rules will go along way in keeping yourself and others safe. I recommend following these 10 air travel safety tips for all flights you might travel on. The rules apply to everyone.

Hopefully, you enjoyed this guide and found it helpful.

Thanks for reading!

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12 Tips to Prepare for an International Trip

Tips for take-off to landing

Going on an international trip soon? The rules for international flights have many dos and don't's. Here are 12 tips gleaned from experienced globe trotters designed to make that long-haul flight easier. 

Pack Lightly

On one of my first international business trips as an adult, I overpacked drastically. Guess who had to carry a large heavy suitcase, a large purse, and a garment bag around Paris at Metro and train stations that didn’t have elevators or escalators? After that, I swore to only pack what I could comfortably carry by myself. Check out my packing tips here.

Choose an Aisle Seat

On long flights, it’s recommended that you get up and walk to stretch your muscles and avoid blood clots in your legs. This is much easier to do in an aisle seat, so book one as soon as you book your ticket.

There's an App for That!

Apps can be a savior when traveling, but especially when you're abroad. You can use travel apps them to keep in touch with your airline, translate different languages, search for services at airports, choose your seats and myriad other tasks.

Dress Accordingly

On a long flight, you want to look well-dressed, but you also want to be comfortable. so you don’t want to wear clothes that cut or bind. I wear a wrinkle-proof jacket that can double as a blanket or a pillow, and I always wear a long pashmina for the same reason. The pashmina can also be used as a wrap, a pillow, a skirt cover and an accessory to dress up travel outfits. Buy my favorite for $10 at the Bijoux Terner website. I also wear slip-on flat shoes that are easy to take on and off at security and on your flight. All of this isbeautifully illustrated here at the Chelsea Tells Storiesblog.

Arrive Early

Most airlines want you at the airport at least two hours before your flight takes off, especially if you’re leaving from a U.S. international gateway airport . It will give you time to check your bags, check in, navigate the airport security checkpoint and get to your gate in plenty of time and arrive ​stress-free.

Zip Through Customs

Those who travel internationally know that U.S. Customs and Immigration lines can be a nightmare, especially at peak arrival times at the major international U.S. airports. Smart travelers carry the  Global Entry  card, which speeds you right past the Immigration and Customs lines. And a bonus -- it also works for the domestic Transportation Security Administration's PreCheck program .

Lounge Around

Because you need to be at the airport so far in advance, consider paying for access to an airline-branded or airport lounge. There are plenty of lounges that allow you to pay a fee for entry. It's good to have time away from the masses before boarding your flight.

Drink Water

It’s OK to have a glass of wine or two while on your flight, but you really need to stay hydrated, because aircraft cabins are extremely dry. And instead of bothering flight attendants for endless little cups of water, go to your local dollar store, buy a water bottle and ask them to fill that up.

Cone of Silence

Nothing is worse than being on a plane with a screaming child or a chatty Cathy seatmate. That’s why I never travel without either a pair of  noise canceling headphones or my Beats Flex By Dr. Dre earbuds. Pop on either of them and enjoy the silence.

Sleepy Time

When it’s time to rest, you want to be comfortable. So invest in an inflatable neck pillow (I know they look silly, but they are a great sleep enhancer), an eye mask and comfortable socks.

Charge Me Up

More airlines are installing power ports on their aircraft, but you can’t always depend on that. When I flew to Paris for Christmas, the flight over had a USB port, but the flight home didn’t. That’s why I always carry mytrusty Mophie Juice Pack Powerstation Duo, which allows me to charge my iPhone and iPad quickly.

Show The Love

The flight attendants are there for your safety. But they also work hard to ensure that our flight is comfortable and stress-free. Show your appreciation by presenting them with a box of sealed chocolates, like Ghiradelli Chocolate Squares or Ferrero Rocher truffles. And although you're not expecting it, they may show the love back to you in return. 

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Best Travel Tips From 21 Years Traveling the World

Written By: The Planet D

Travel Tips

Updated On: June 7, 2023

It all started with a five-week trip to Thailand in 2000. We fell in love with travel, but we’ve had our fair share of mishaps over the years. From being airlifted from the Amazon to getting lost on Swiss Rail, we made a lot of travel mistakes. So we’ve compiled this comprehensive list of our best travel tips from the things we learned over the past 21 years of traveling the world.

We’ve done everything from cycling the continent of Africa to driving a car from England to Mongolia. By traveling both independently, with groups, on guided tours, and for business to 115 countries over the past two decades, we learned a lot.

Table of Contents

Best Travel Tips for 2022

So are you ready to make the most of your travels when we can all hit the road again? Let’s get started with these top travel tips for traveling the world in 2022!

Money Travel Tips

1. Don’t Go Into Debt

This is one of the most important tips for traveling we can give you. Don’t spend beyond your means when you decide to go traveling. You’ll regret every moment of your travels if you come back home from a trip of a lifetime only to face a mountain of debt.

If you can’t afford to travel internationally yet, do some adventures in your own backyard. When Dave and I were dreaming of traveling the world, we explored a lot of our home province of Ontario, Canada. Being in nature weekends got us out of our rut and inspired us to try new things. As you explore your backyard, home, you can save money and a plan to travel the world. For us, we put away a lot of money by doing adventures close to home and within a year we were on a trip around the world.

• Read how you can save money for travel here.

2. Always Get Travel Insurance

This is seriously one of the best travel tips we can offer. Get travel insurance before you leave home. A lot of people say, “ I only need travel insurance  if I am going off the beaten path ” but they are wrong. Accidents can happen anywhere. Dave and I were on a luxury cruise a few years ago and he slipped on a set of stairs and broke his back. If we didn’t have travel insurance, we would have been stuck paying nearly $100,000 dollars for the air ambulance and hospital bills. We can say with certainty to purchase travel insurance.

• Travel Insurance During Covid-19 What You Need to Know
• How We Choose Travel Insurance To Best Suit Our Needs
• Busting 5 Common Travel Insurance Myths
• Do I Really Need Travel Medical Insurance?

3. Hire Local Guides

One of our top travel tips is to hire a local guide. By hiring local guides, you are directly supporting the local economy. It cuts out the middle man and helps local families. Plus, hiring locals will help you save money. When you book tours overseas or online, you are paying the middle man, the tour operator, and the rent for an expensive office. When you book locally, the money is going directly into that person’s pocket. Plus, it’s a great way to make new friends and immerse in local culture. They have often invited us to their homes and given us a more meaningful travel experience.

• Read Toronto Tours by Locals – An InsiderS Guide To The City
• Organized TRavel vs Independent Travel

4. Apply for a Rewards Travel Credit Card

I know we said do not go into debt, but we still feel that credit cards are key to traveling in style and boosting your travel budget. Using a good rewards credit card will help you save money for travel. Rewards add up quickly and offer a lot of perks like free travel, free upgrades, and late checkout. Plus, a lot of travel credit cards offer huge signing bonuses that you can put towards your flight to help you travel the world. So when offering travel tips to save money, we say get a car, just make sure to pay it off.

But note – We always make sure to pay off our credit card monthly and never carry a high limit. To decide on the rewards credit card that works fo you, check out this list of all the best travel credit cards in one place.

• For more tips to travel the world check out: How to Travel Around the World – The Ultimate Travel Resource

5. Debit Card and Credit Cards

Before you travel, let your bank and credit card companies know of your travel plans. If they suddenly notice a purchase overseas, they may lock your credit cards. Plus, be sure to carry a few different cards. We’ve had our debit card blocked in Cuba, eaten at an ATM in Istanbul, and our blocked in Sudan even after informing our banks about our travel plans. In Sri Lanka, we tried 3 different bank and credit cards before we could finally get money out of the ATM. It’s good to have a few different cards from different banks on hand to be prepared for all the reasons above.

6. Cash in Small Bills

We’re Canadian, but we always have a couple of hundred US dollars in small bills for tipping when we arrive at our hotel or for the ride from the airport. Whether you are traveling in Africa, the Caribbean, South America, or Europe, US dollars work everywhere. Also, it’s good to have some cash on hand at all times in case of an emergency – USD is the most widely accepted around the world.

Travel Tips – Local Tours and Discounts

7. Take Advantage of Free Walking Tours

One of our favorite travel tips to tell people about is the free walking tours you can join around the world. Whenever we get to a new city, we join a free walking tour. It’s a great way to get your bearings around town. This is one of the best travel tips that we didn’t even know until we’d been traveling around the world for a few years. But these free walking tours are awesome! Usually, the free walking tours are better than the tours you book ahead of time online. They are led by locals and you only pay what you feel is comfortable at the end of the tour. We usually suggest $10 per person.

8. Get a City Pass

When visiting any city, we recommend getting a city pass. We use them to save money by bundling attractions . If you are spending a few days in a city and want to see all the major tourist attractions, we highly recommend getting a City Pass. It gives you access to public transit and it allows you to skip the lines at major tourist sites. Our Favourite City Pass Bundles are CityPass  for USA and Canada, and Leisure Pass for Europe.

9. Choose Tours Wisely

We made a lot of these mistakes in our early years of travel and that is why we really wanted to share this very important travel tip. When choosing tours, make sure you go with a responsible company. Ask questions and don’t be afraid to turn them down if you don’t feel comfortable.

Don’t swim with dolphins in captivity, don’t ride elephants, and don’t chase wildlife. In Chiang Mai we looked for elephant sanctuaries and everyone claimed that they were one. When we asked questions we found out that they let tourists ride elephants and they weren’t really a sanctuary at all.

If you do find yourself on a tour where your guide is being unethical or having a negative impact on the environment, wildlife or culture, speak up and tell them you are not happy. Guides often think they need to pick up the turtle or chase the dolphins to make the tourists happy or get a tip.

• Meaningful Travel Tips
• Responsible Tourism

10. Respect Local Culture

When visiting a new destination one of the best travel tips we can give is to learn about the culture and customs . Before you travel, do a bit of research to look into the way the culture dresses and what the accepted behavior is in public. You’ll feel more comfortable as you blend in and you save yourself some embarassement by doing something wrong.

• Read How to Make Your Travel Meaningful

11. Give Back

Be it through volunteering, raising money, or visiting a project. You can make a difference when traveling. It can be as simple as staying at a local family-run guest house, hiring a private local guide, or shopping locally. Our favorite travel tip is to tell people to get involved. It truly adds more meaning to your trips and makes you feel better about yourself. We once taught English for a day in Cambodia. It wasn’t planned, but a local teacher asked us if we wanted to visit their class so the kids could practice. We’ll never forget what an uplifting experience what was.

Insider Travel Tips from The Experts

12. take lots of photos of yourself.

Dave and I were always embarrassed to ask others to take photos of us. And now we have very few of us together. Ask other tourists to take photos of yourself in front of those iconic sites around the world. And make sure it is more than just a selfie! We started doing selfies and find that they all end up looking the same. Get those epic shots and start making memories. And then print some of them out. Don’t just leave them on your phone or computer, make prints to display when you get back home to remind you of those amazing travel memories.

13. Splurge Every Once in a While

Even if you are on the tightest of budgets, it’s important to splurge on the finer things in life when traveling the world. We’ve done a lot of backpacking on a very small budget, but every few weeks we take a break from cheap hotels. Sometimes when we arrive in a city after a grueling adventure, we book a luxury hotel to recharge and keep the fun, excitement and romance alive. In particular, if you are traveling in Southeast Asia, a luxury hotel can be quite cheap!

14. Step out of Your Comfort Zone

Travel is your time to do something spontaneous that you’d never dream of doing at home. Whenever we’ve stepped out of our comfort zone, new and exciting things happened in our lives too. It just takes a small step to make a great change. Travel that can inspire you to take on new hobbies and see your life through different eyes. So go for it! Read: How to Face Your Fears to get started.

15. Don’t Compete with Other Travellers

You know who they are. The travel snobs who have to brag about where they’ve been, what they’ve done, and who they did it with. Who cares? Travel is for you! Don’t let anyone pressure you into trying something you don’t want to, or making you feel bad about where you’ve been or what you’ve done. To those who try to one-up your experiences, forget about them. The great thing about traveling the world, is you don’t have to see them ever again if you don’t want to.

16. A Smile Goes a Long Way

A smile breaks the ice when you first meet people and it helps a lot in tough situations. Smiling can ease an uncomfortable moment and it breaks the tension with the people you meet along the way. When you get off off the beaten path, a smile is often the only thing you will have in common when communicating.

Even when negotiating at the market, we smile. We find we can get a better deal if we smile. We find that locals approach us more if we smile. We get better service if we smile, and we make new friends when we smile.

17. You Don’t have to Be Fluent in a Second Language

A lot of people ask us if we speak other languages. We really don’t! So don’t let the fact that you don’t speak thr language stop you from traveling the world. In today’s world with Google Translate and countless other language apps, you can get by with ease. But we do recommend learning a few keywords and phrases of the local language. If you can say “hello”, “thank you”, “how are you”, and other simple phrases, people will respect you for trying to learn their language and making the effort. A little bit goes a long way!

• Check out our favourite travel apps besides Google Translate: The Best Travel Apps That Travelers Should Download Today

18. Sunrise is Better than Sunset (Most of the Time) 

Getting out early for sunrise is a chore, I know. But most of our best photographs and memorable quiet travel moments have happened at sunrise. If there is one travel tip we can offer, it is to set the alarm and get up before dawn. When you go to an iconic view or landmark at sunset it is often overrun with tourists. But at sunrise, you usually have the place to yourself. In the morning, nobody is around. We love walking on the beach or through city streets while having it all to ourselves.

19. Make a Plan – But Don’t Over Plan

Travel costs a lot of money, so it’s good to have a plan before you fly. But don’t over plan. We usually make a plan for the first two or three nights of our travels and then play it by ear from there. We book a hotel for the first two nights which gives us time to decide if we like where we are or if we want to move on. We also make a point of joining a tour to see the top tourist attractions at our destination but after seeing the bucket list items our plans can go right out the window. Some of our most exciting travel moments have been when we got a hot tip and changed our plans.

20. Be Flexible

This brings us to, be open to changing plans. It’s good to plan your route around the world but it is also important to stay open to new possibilities. We’ve changed plans after travellers recommended we join them and fly to Borneo to  climb Mount Kinabalu . It was the best decision we ever made. Once while sitting on an island in Malaysia and met people heading to KL to see Thaipusam. We didn’t even know what Thaipusam was, but we went with them and experienced the most amazing and shocking festival on earth.

If we decided to stick to our plans and keep a rigid schedule, we never would have had those amazing moments that we have never forgotten.

21. Buy Souvenirs and Use the Post Office

We know a lot of people who say they don’t buy anything from anywhere when they travel because they don’t have space in their luggage. But we love going to local markets and buying souvenirs. We just send it home! We can still pack light and buy a lot. Plus going to post offices in other countries can be an adventure. I’ll never forget having to use the correct color of yarn when sending a package home from a post office in Malaysia. And now that we are home, we have memories. Every time I look at my drum from Bali or Digeridoo from Australia, I am reminded of my travels.

20. Don’t Be Afraid of Street Food

Don’t be afraid of eating street food. It is often the freshest and most authentic. Here’s a hot travel tip: If food is cooked over a flame, deep-fried or boiled, it is safe to eat. Just make sure the person behind the counter, doesn’t touch it with their bare hands after cooking. When looking for local food, we just walk around looking for vendors surrounded by locals. We avoid the overpriced tourist traps and instead join the regular patrons at their local hot spot.

Travel Tips for Safety

21. Follow Your Instincts

If that rickshaw or taxi ride seems so cheap that it is too good to be true, it probably is! An important travel tip to remember is to follow your gut. We have visited many local families during our travels. We’ve been invited to dinner and inside tea at many houses and almost always accept the invitations. Usually, people are wonderful and welcoming. Read more: Travel Safety Tips – How to Have a Safe Vacation

But we’ve turned down a lot of invitations too. The invitations that feel shady probably are. If we have second thoughts, we listen to that gut feeling. Whenever we have gone against our gut feelings, things have gone wrong.

22. Don’t Let Your Guard Down

When we have been scammed out of our money, experienced a dicey situation, or when we’ve been robbed, we can look back and see the mistakes we made by not following our instincts. A lot of travel mistakes happen when people let their guards down. You have to be as smart when traveling the world as you are at home. Don’t party until the wee hours of the morning and go home alone, don’t walk down dark deserted alleyways alone, and don’t get into cars with strangers.

23. Don’t Put Yourself at Risk – Be Smart

Dave and I have taken on a lot of epic adventures in our lives and more importantly, we hired professionals to help us out when we needed it. WE see a lot of people doing stupid things for the “gram” or to share on social. Don’t climb towers just to show off and don’t do adventures that your qualified to handle. We weren’t qualified to do a lot of our epic adventures independently. If we hiked the Arctic Watershed alone, we definitely would have died. But with expert guides, were learned new skills and accomplished life-changing challenges around the world in a safe and fun way.

24. Cover-Up and Wear Sunscreen

I’m not saying you have to slather yourself in sunscreen all day every day but I do suggest that you wear sunscreen. Skin cancer is a very real thing. However, I find that wearing lightweight long-sleeved clothing and a hat works really well. I cover up most of my body and then wear sunscreen on my nose, ears and neck. Trust me, your older self will thank me. Read more: Top 10 Tips for Healthy Travel

25. Vaccinations and Disease

Before leaving to travel the world, go to a travel doctor or travel clinic to learn what vaccinations you need for each specific destination. Do this at least 6 months in advance as some vaccinations require more than one shot. The doctor will also fill some travel-specific prescriptions like Malaria and antibiotics.

Mosquitoes carry many diseases like Malaria and Zika. So just like we said above about covering up, wearing breathable, long-sleeved clothing will protect you from insect bites. Insects hate light colours, so wear light coloured clothes. You can even buy insect repellent clothing to help reduce the risk of mosquito bites.

Travel tips for Packing

26. Pack Light

The best travel tip we can possibly give you is to pack light. We know what it’s like to overpack and it’s awful. We once carried dive gear through Central America and it ruined our travels. You don’t need a new outfit for every day of the week. You aren’t going to see the same people all the time and nobody is going to notice if you have the same T-shirt on as the other day. Pack lightweight clothing that is easy to wash.

• Check out our packing traveler tips:  the Ultimate Packing List

27. Choose the Right Backpack

So when packing for your travels around the world, buy a backpack that is easy to lug around. Don’t make the mistake we made up buying the biggest and best. If you choose a smaller backpack, you won’t be able to carry more than you need. Trust me, if you have the space, you will fill it. Read: Ultimate Pre-Travel Checklist

28. Carryon Care Package for the Plane

If you have to check a bag, it is important to have important items with you in case your luggage is lost. We check our bags because we carry computers and cameras in our carryon and don’t have a lot of space for clothing. But we do put in essentials for flying and to last a couple of days if we need it. We pack a change of clothes and underwear, plus carryon size toiletries and personal items. Our airplane care package includes

• Noise-canceling earbuds (Deb) headphones (Dave) – personal preference
• Eye mask and ear plugs
• Gravol, Advil Cold and Sinus (I get stuffy on the plane)
• Tiger balm – to mask bad odors, but not too overpowering for others around us
• Shawl or sweater
• Read: Air Travel Made Easy

29. Always Pack a Sarong

Make sure to always pack a sarong I never leave on my travels without one . A sarong can be used as a headscarf in the Middle East and used it to cover up when entering temples in Asia. It works as a beach blanket, a towel when snorkeling, and a sunshade on a boat ride and to keep warm on an overly air-conditioned bus ride or flight. I’ve even dressed up an outfit for dinner by wrapping a decorative sarong around my waist.

• Check out the many uses of the Simple Sarong

30. Pack a Water Bottle and a SteriPen

Save the world don’t buy bottled water! We have really cut down on buying bottled water over the years and instead carry a water bottle that we refill daily. When going to places where water isn’t potable, we use our SteriPen to purify it. We purify water anywhere in the world – we’ve even used it in the rivers of Kazakhstan! It purifies water using ultraviolet light in 30 seconds and it’s lightweight too! We also prefer to pack a collapsible water bottle for optimal space.

31. Carry Portable Chargers

Always pack a portable charger. I can’t tell you how many times we’ve been in the middle of a great day and our batteries went dead. There is no excuse anymore. Most of our Sony products charge by USB and our portable charger has 4 USB charges in it. Now we never miss a shot! The VPower 23000mAH power charger is a good choice.

• Check out more The Best Travel Gear – Unique Ideas for Smart Packing

32. Do an Idiot Check

Dave and I used the term “idiot check” whenever we leave our hotel room or restaurant. Even if we think we have everything packed up, we usually find something we left behind. That’s why before leaving a hotel, we always do a final sweep. And we call that an idiot check. We check the beds, outlets, under chairs, and behind doors.

33. Always Make the Bed

This may seem like a weird travel tip, especially under the subheading “packing tips” But before leaving a hotel, I always make the bed. It sounds ridiculous, but I cannot tell you how many items I have found in the covers. I never would have noticed had I not made the bed. It is amazing how many things slip under the sheets when we unpack in our hotel room. So before I leave any hotel room, I make the bed.

Travel Tips for Couples and Groups

34. a fight doesn’t mean the end of your relationship (or friendship).

Traveling with your best friend or the one you love can be a very intense experience. You are stuck with each other 24 hours a day. Emotions run high and you are definitely not in your usual comfortable environment. This situation causes stress on people. Dave and I have had some doozy arguments. I’m talking yelling matches with each other. But we understand that sometimes you just have to let off a little steam. Don’t be too proud to apologize and don’t hold a grudge. Arguments happen, but it doesn’ have to ruin a friendship.

35. Don’t Get Hangry

Some of our biggest arguments happen while trying to find a place to eat when we are “HANGRy”. (angry + hungry). We have talked to so many people who have travelled the world who agree, that Hanger is usually their biggest cause of fights. Start planning for lunch or dinner before you are hungry. Or carry some snacks with your for your day out sightseeing so you don’t get to the point of being Hangry.

36. Tell your Companion How Much You Appreciate Them

Travel can be all-consuming. It’s easy to forget about the person you are traveling with and become self-absorbed. Be it your spouse or friend, it’s important to let them know how much they mean to you. You chose to travel with them because you love them or enjoy their company. We never take that for granted and let each other know how much we appreciate their support. Even the little things.

37. Compromise

As a travel couple, this is our number one travel tip. Travel can’t be about one person dictating where to go and what to do. Dave and I like spending time together but we don’t necessarily like the same things. But we do compromise. We give a little, and we each try things that the other person likes. And you know what? We often find out that we like it! Everyone is different, so we try to respect each other’s opinions and boundaries. If you are a morning person and the person you are traveling isn’t, give them their space until they are ready to chat. Don’t expect everyone to conform to the way ou live your life.

Budget Travel Tips

38. skip hotels if on a budget.

We found the best way to save money was to rent an apartment with a kitchen. Even if it is a bit more money than a hotel, we save so much on food. Eating out is one of the biggest expenses of travel. So if you can eat a few meals at home, it’s worth it. What we like about staying in apartments as opposed to hotels is that we can cook at home and save on eating out. VRBO  is an excellent way to save on accommodation. It’s an alternative to hotels allowing you to save money and to experience your travels like a local. Trip Advisor  and  Booking.com  now offer apartment rental choices.

39. Don’t Eat Out Every Meal

When traveling, meals can add up quickly, so if you can eat breakfast and cook a few gourmet dinners in your apartment rental, you can save a lot of money. It’s also a lot of fun shopping at the local markets. We often have breakfast in our flat and then have a picnic for lunch. We then make a huge and cheap meal in our kitchen, complete with wine and appetizers. We can then go out at night for snacks and cocktails in a local restaurant or bar without breaking the bank.

• Check out  VRBO  for accommodation

40. Try the Local Food

Trying the local food is one of the greatest travel experiences when in a foreign country. We love eating with our hands in India and Morocco. We love spooning our food in Thailand and picking up rice with chopsticks in Asia. Plus when you eat local, you save money. Restaurant hotels and eateries in tourist zones are more expensive. When you go to a local eatery, you’ll save a lot of money on a more authentic meal.

Some of our best experiences have been trying local food like a Sichuan Hot Pot in China that made our tongues go numb, or a three-hour meal in Japan serving 20 courses of beautifully designed dishes. Look for places filled with locals and head inside. Don’t be afraid to ask for help for what is good on the menu.

41. Get off the Beaten Path

It is amazing to see the top sites like the Eiffel Tower of Paris or the Taj Mahal of India, but some of the most memorable experiences we’ve ever had are when we are in remote destinations. Plus when you travel off the beaten path, it is less expensive.

When you go away from the tourist traps, you not only leave the crowds behind, you also leave the tourist prices behind. Going to places like Kyrgystan or Mongolia is much cheaper than a popular tourist destination because they haven’t inflated their prices yet!

42. Feel Free to Wander

Make it a priority to immerse in the local culture. Don’t take a tour that simply drives through a neighborhood and keeps you behind the glass as you gawk at the people on the street. Get outside, go for a walk and get lost in the markets. Talk to people and ask them about their lives. We’ve made lasting friendships this way. 

The best travel tip I can give you is if you are visiting popular tourist destinations, let yourself wander and get lost in the back streets of Venice or wander through the streets of Paris at night. Even the most popular tourist destinations have quiet places to visit. But don’t get lost to the point of putting yourself in danger.

Airport Travel Tips

43. Get a Priority Pass

Most Travel Rewards Credit Cards come with lounge access at your home airport, but they don’t cover other airports. Priority Pass has been a savior for us. With Priority Pass, we have access to more than 600 lounges around the world and it makes flying so much more fun. Lounges have free food and drinks, free wifi and quiet places to relax. We can sleep during layovers and have a shower after a long flight. Sign up for Priority Pass here.

We use American Express Platinum and Priority Pass Comes with it, but if you don’t have a credit card with Priority Pass, you can also purchase it separately. Check out Priority Pass for details.

43. Get a Credit Card that Lets you Skip the Security Line

In our home airport of Toronto Pearson, anyone with a specific American Express Card can skip the security lines and go into priority boarding. Look into your local airport and see what they offer. We have been in airports around the world and see that certain cards like Visa, En Route or American Express get priority security access.

44. Look for Business travelers at the security line

When lining up at security, never get behind families, they are always slow. Instead, go to the line filled with business travelers. Even if it’s a bit longer, it will move faster because everyone knows what they are doing and get through quickly.

45. Pack Liquids in clear ziplock bags

Keep everything simple while in line and have all your liquids prepacked and easy to access in a ziplock bag. I put it at the top of my carryon and pull out my computer, and bag of liquids in one swoop. If you can start your travel off on the right foot, it sets the tone for a relaxing and fun vacation

46. How to Book Cheap Flights

There are many travel websites for booking flights and accommodation. We like Skyscanner for finding the best deals on cheap flights. It offers price comparison and you can maximize searches by having flexible flying dates. 

If you search a few days before and after your preferred flying dates, you may save hundreds of dollars. Having flexible dates is a great way to save money on flights.

• Read more tips on saving money on flights here: 10 Best Travel Hacks for Flying

For day tours and city tours we use  Get Your Guide  or  Viator . These companies offer affordable day tours and city guides around the world that can be easily canceled with 24 hours notice. They can also be booked last minute.

Final Thoughts – More of the Best Travel Tips

47. Put Down the Cell Phone

It may seem easy, but this is one of those travel tips that people need to be reminded of. A photo is nice to have, but it’s how you feel in the moment that you will remember forever. Today’s world is noisy. Travel gives you the opportunity to block out the noise, so put down your smartphone and be present instead. When Dave and I look back on the past 20 years, we don’t remember how many likes a photo got on Instagram or how many views on TikTok, we remember the experiences we had.

48. Have an Open Mind

Many people have preconceived notions about a place before they go. Especially when traveling internationally. The beauty of travel is that you learn and understand different cultures and religions. People are often the same as you and me. They laugh, they cry, they care about their families. You’ll find that you have more in common with people around the world than you thought.

49. Back up your Photos

We’ve seen more than one person lose all their photos on a trip by never downloading them onto a hard drive or into the cloud. One mistake, and all your memories are erased. Back photos up even while you are still traveling. Don’t just keep using the same memory card, YOu are taking a huge chance. You can  carry a portable hard drive , upload them to the cloud, or other online storage, put them on your computer or store them on  Smugmug .

50. Relax – Things Will Go Wrong

And finally, relax and take a breath. Things will inevitably go wrong but we’ve seen way too many people fly off the handle. We have seen people complain while on tours, argue at check-in, and grumble over meals for absolutely no reason. Instead, be in the moment and take it all in.

Travel can be frustrating and overwhelming, but we’ve learned (over time) to take a breath and step back for a moment.

51. Remember Travel is a Privilege

Travel is a privilege and oftentimes the people we end up complaining to or shouting at have very little authority. They also usually have very little at home. You are lucky to be able to travel. Not everyone in the world is so lucky. The people serving you on your travels are working hard to get by and feed their families. As they are being yelled at they are probably wondering, “Why on earth are we so upset about something so small?” As travelers, we are the lucky ones and the more we remember that, the easier our travels become.

And that ladies and gentlemen, is a list of our best travel tips from 21 years on the road. Nobody is perfect at traveling and the only way to get better is to keep doing it. After 21 years, we’re still learning new tricks!

We’d love to hear your words of wisdom too. Do you have some good tips on travel to share? Tell us below.

Read more Travel Tips

• How to Travel the World – The Ultimate Travel Resource
• 21 Ways to Get Paid to Travel
• 10 Proven Tips – How to Bargain While Traveling
• Thailand Travel Tips – Things to Know Before You Go
• Travel Resources

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Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

You May Also Like

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About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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180 thoughts on “Best Travel Tips From 21 Years Traveling the World”

Amazing travel advice from The Planet D’s 21 years of world travel! Lessons learned: Avoid debt, purchase travel insurance, work with local tour guides, and carry modest bills.

Thank you soo much for sharing such a wonderful article on travel tips and tricks.

Agree with everything, except your assertion that US dollars are fine everywhere. Not in the UK. Croatia was also a problem. They wouldn’t accept Euros or USD in 2019, although they’re now (2023) a Eurozone country. Norway wasn’t too keen on them this year (2023).

In general, for touristy activities they’re a maybe – tour guides (etc) collect enough for it to be worth their while to exchange them. Everyday places, shops, bars, restaurants? Not so much in many G20 countries I’ve visited.

Very helpful, thanks for the tips

Those are some helpful tips.

Fabulous information! Fabulous site!

Safe travels everyone! Keep up the fantastic BLOG D&D!

Great resource for travel tips! I especially love the emphasis on being prepared and planning ahead for a smooth trip. Thanks for sharing this informative post.

Awesome post! Thanks for sharing such a great stuff with full of knowledge and keep up the good work.

“Remember Travel Is A Privilege. You are definitely correct. I’ve been traveling with hesitation because of these tips I would love to travel more. Thank you!

I’m a freelance photographer and I do travel a lot to different countries..exploring new adventures, people and places is always fun. That is really nice content. Keep updating 🙂

Your article is very helpful. Thank you for sharing your travel tips.

Tips for any traveler that are really thorough. In my travels, Thanks for sharing.

You are such a natural storyteller. I just love your writing.

Why I Travel Alone!

Some people shy away from traveling alone, a few embrace it. This article looks at the decided advantages of going it alone. First, traveling solo is the ultimate freedom. The itinerary you set and all the decisions you make are your creations without concern or acquiescence to any other person or group. In other words, no compromises. No arguments, no second-guessing! Traveling alone is a confidence builder as well. When I was young, at the tender age of 16 I traveled alone to work in Biddeford-Saco, Maine. I was over a hundred miles from home and family for the first time in my life. I was just a snipe of a boy and yet I was never terrified. Only a bit lonely. In retrospect, I realize the great value of that small journey (though a big one at the time) for a new found confidence was born in me. This always happens with travel by oneself. You learn you can solve problems, get over the blues, and find hidden treasures all by yourself. Have you noticed that when you’re on your own as a Traveling Pauper, people are more willing to start a conversation with you? You may feel like taking the initiative as well. Up pops an invitation for a meal, a side trip, a stay at someone’s home. For some odd reason people keep a slight distance from couples and groups for they seem so self-contained in their association. Whereas the single Pauper looks ready about for a fellow human being that he might engage at any moment in pleasant conversation and simple exhanges about his travels. Thomas Jefferson once said: “One travels more usefully when alone because he reflects more.” It’s true: you have abundant time for contemplating, even vegetating, or anything you want. A day long visit to one museum? No problem. You don’t have to deal with someone else’s mood swings, —nor they with yours. Here are two more exciting reasons that solo travel appeals to me: I find you learn language faster when you don’t have someone else talking to you in your own all the time. It’s funny, but we interact, are FORCED to interact much more frequently when we travel alone in a country that doesn’t speak our native tongue. And finally, romance. I won’t get into specifics, (this is such a tender and private sort of thing) but when you’re on your own you’re free to meet someone who might turn out to be very important in your life. The most important factor to consider in your decision to make a trip alone is your own sense of independence. If you find that you have little tolerance for the idiosyncracies of others (and I confess this is my problem) you might be happier traveling alone. But what if you have an eager spouse, relative, or friend that would feel somehow diminisehd by your decision to take off by yourself? Not to sound indelicate but, that my friend, is your problem. You’ll simply have to open up these relationships in your life and solidly communicate the value of traveling alone. I pray your loved ones will be open and understanding enough to allow your wish to become reality. I have a whole section in my book: ‘Travel Cheap Travel Well!”- Confessions Of A Traveling Pauper on this issue of solo travel, as well as the many vagaries and benefits of traveling with a partner or a group. But in this article, I hope I’ve at least opened the door, shown you the great benefits of leaving everyone behind as you discover the world INSIDE and outside of yourself. Why not plan such a trip this year? Tell everyone of your decision or keep it to yourself and, with no explanation given, leave with great joy in your heart for the adventure to come. It’s your choice! As for this Pauper, I’ve done both and found each a liberating experience each time. In such action I’ve rediscovered that little boy that traipsed off to far away Maine on his own without permission asked or granted. I rebel still at conformity and the restriction of others upon me. So, I challenge you to answer your own inner traveling pauper, to pick up your courage and let your heart lead the way to a new adventure and landscape. Be it near or far—go it alone!

It’s impressively written about travel tips. and a nice picture collection, Thanks for the post it is helpful.

Such an impressive article! Thanks for sharing your 21 years of traveling experiences.

absolutely amazing, thanks for sharing this.

Wonderful travel tips, very practical and helpful to the travelers!

OMG!! I am starting a life as a freelance-globe-trotter and this article is a jewel! Thank you so much for sharing your experience.

An amazing post with great tips as always. Anyone will find your post useful. Keep up the good work.

Such a nice travel tips, Its very informative and practical. Thanks for sharing!

This article is probably the best travel advice I’ve ever read. You have mentioned all the necessary things comprehensively. This is so impressive. Keep it up, and thank you so much for sharing this informative article with us.

As have not travel yet, but ultimately is planning. The tips posted here is very informative. It help to no experience traveler to have an insight of what is to experience and the preparation as well as expectation in the travel world. To the contributor, continue the wisdom of writing and sharing your experiences in traveling. This is a legacy you can share with all us for us to make ourself be ready and prepare the journey.

Maraming Salamat means thank you very much from the philippines. .

wow nice site, and u guys been to 115 countries.. wow!! wish i had such an opportunity. anyways best of luck guys

Being new to travelling I found each and every tip to be very useful and, these guys shared some of the most genuine and helpful tips that should be kept in mind before planning any trip. Kudos, for the nice work guys.

Probably the best travel tips I’ve read since! Keep it up!

Impressive travel tips! Taken down notes from this article. Thanks!

Carrying a portable charger is such a goodie! The amount of times a portable charger has saved me at busy airports with no free charging ports is worth every penny. Great article

Hello, Thanks for providing such nice tips for traveling. I love traveling in hilly areas. Mostly, there can be unexpected situations during travel, so, these tips are very useful and I endorse them. Everyone who is planning to travel should read these tips. Thanks again 🙂

I love Travel all over the world. I find your blog is very resourceful for me. Thanks!

Congrats Dave and Debra! Lucky you guys got an opportunity to travel to 115 Countries. Wow! that’s amazing I am feeling so jealous of you guys. This is my dream and I am just waiting for that time to come when I can do the same as you guys are doing 🙂 I really loved and enjoyed going through your article. Thanks for the great article with your audience

this is the site I was looking for. It helps me to find the best travel tips. For a beginner who wants to travel but don’t have the knowledge, for them this is the best site ever.

Hey! I’m at work browsing your blog from my new iphone! Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog and look forward to all your posts! Keep up the great work!

Useful travel tips. Really great to know that you have more then 4/5 years traveling experience. I learned so much from your article. Thanks for sharing 🙂

I want to visit the whole world with friends…and want to do lot of adventure activities there. Thanks for your tips it’s motivate me .

The best tip that I could relate to was that if it doesn’t feel okay it isn’t. Gut instinct plays a very important role especially when you are traveling solo. I personally have experienced it when I tried to give somebody the benefit of the doubt and it didn’t work out well. The first instinct is always always right. The other thing I’m learning is to not do an activity too many in a very short span of time. Because of this fear of missing out, I tend to go from one thing to another with such accuracy that it scares me sometimes. But then it also feels good to have seen many things. Still fighting that urge and learning to just relax in a place.

I find it so interesting that you guys have been able to travel the world for over 20 years now. Some of these tips are useful and my boyfriend and I will be using them.

We are set to start traveling full-time June 5th.

Amazing tips !! I love traveling and I travel thrice a year. This blog post is really helpful for travelers like me. Traveling is the best way to explore yourself. I have added this post to my bookmark list as it is quite impressive. Thank you for sharing such an incredible & informative post.

Hi, Dave and Deb when I am thinking about traveling the world relented tips at the 1st I was thing about your blog. This blog is so informative and helpful for us. Once again thanks for the great tips.

What a great list and tips! Thanks a lot! You guys are definitely a big inspiration for us! Will make sure to re-read this article again and again!

Really comprehensive tips for any traveler. I’ve made use of some of them in my travels too. Thanks!

Hey Dave, it’s really nice travel tips, thanks for sharing.

Love how it was simple to understand, and comprehend I was looking for travelling options I found this website that offers great services, maybe you can see them and tell me what’s the best option.

Great tips! I absolutely enjoyed reading! Thanks for the article

this is real tips from the expert. different from other travelers.

thank you for sharing the tip and i gain a lot info from this anticle

Such a comprehensive list of tips. Great work. Love your article.

Some remarkable photos. Incredible colours.

Thank you for all the wonderful information, this may be the most information for us novice travel bloggers that I’ve come across to in one place!

Very good blog! Do you have any tips for aspiring writers?

I’m hoping to start my own website soon but I’m a little lost on everything. Would you propose starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many options out there that I’m totally overwhelmed .. Any recommendations? Thanks!

‘Do An Idiot Check’ this is the most useful tips for any traveler. Even a single minor thing has a huge importance while you travel in wild. I always prepare the list of things I need to pack and mark them while I put them in bag.

Wow, Great tips on travel. It helps every traveler on planning their trips.

Thanks. This is kind of article which I was expecting from a travel website. Backup your photo should be top on the list 🙂 🙂

Aw, this was an incredibly nice post. Taking the time and actual effort to make a top notch article… but what can I say… I hesitate a lot and never manage to get anything done.

Thanks for sharing these amazing tips. This is very useful for planning a trip.

I want to become a travel blogger but how could i earn money in it

Nice Information, I really love to travel. I want to start my career as a travel blogger

Wonderful Article tips… Really helpful for traveler like us.. keep coming.. 🙂

I love traveling especially with my family and I would like to say thank you for giving such a piece of incredible information.

It really nice to me to get experience before to start the trip. Thank you very much! Have a nice day!

Dave, Deb this is amazing. Backing up photos is crucial!

I am a big fan of traveling. Trekking, hiking, and reading books about traveling really give me a great time. I am especially interested in cultures and customs of ethnic minority groups in China.

I love taking photos while embarking on adventurous journeys so this is why you should backup your photos. I used to be backpacker and explorer of the world and loosing precious pictures before writing a blog about where you have been was very bad. Its like you have never been there.

Now i currently work as a Travel Adviser.

Keep up with the good work!

Dave and Deb, my girlfriend and i we love your life style. You guys really inspire us. Thanks to you we have been traveling asia for 6 months. To be honest i was thinking its really bad idea to travel with your GF but after all experiences, this is the best way for traveling. Thanks for the whole site and this valuable tips.

All these tips are great, but I truly appreciate the perspective blog thanks for share this post…….

A brilliant list of very useful travel tips, thank you for sharing guys they’ll definitely come in handy!

Wow thanks for the share. All of the tips derive to make it about the trip, don’t get destructed or even lose focus, just enjoy any time.However, if you really need to enjoy your trip, to me ensure you prepare right and ensure there’s nothing left behind such that you don’t get disorganized.

Nice tips when we travelling !

Thanks for writing such a useful list!

I love love love this! I have been traveling for 4 years and am now trying to turn travel into a business. I fully agree that people need first to enjoy traveling for the experience versus trying to become the next influencer. Your first bullet point about putting down your phone is spot on. I have lost my phone twice while traveling, and I appreciate these times. Instead of being reliant on Google Maps I have to walk up to strangers and ask for directions. Instead of being busy trying to take a photo, I’m fully living in the moment. I also love your point about smiling! Good vibes and energy go a long way.

Great post, keep up the good work.

Hi There! Appreciate it. Thank you for sharing fabulous information which seems to be to incredible post.

Great tips! I especially like tips 5 and 6. We often do the mistake of travel insurance and a local guide is very important while traveling a new country. I hope all traveler like us should follow these amazing tips while traveling a new country.

You are one of the best travel blogger I’ve ever seen your writing style is too good thanks for the sharing.

I look forward to being in Florida and Santa Barbara, California in the near future when I start traveling again. The “side hustle millionaire” mindset has me so focused right now that I can’t do any traveling for the moment. One thing I do love about traveling to different places is expanding my mind and seeing the beauty of unfamiliar environments. 🙂

I love travelling and I make 2 family overseas trips a year. I thank you for giving incredible advise on every single details of travelling. Despite my own travel experience I have learned so much from your article. The most useful is first one (to make travelling top priority ) . I have 2 kids, and my next trip will be very much different with your great tips.

Thanks for your tips, I just love your story about how down to earth you are.

Thank you for sharing your experiences, my point of view leaving our comfort zone can bring us an amazing trip without a doubt.

These are really awesome and pics are also helpful for me. Even there are many things which are missed by me and other i think. Many tips are helpful for me and honestly I like your ways.

Thanks & Regards Ritika Kumari

This is all such great advice — thanks for sharing! My partner and I have been traveling full time for the past couple years, and we’ve found ourselves falling into these mistakes every now and again. We always take the time to reflect on each trip to pick out ways we can make our experience better (and the experience of people around us). You’re right about traveling with someone requiring compromise, and your advice to just relax every now and then couldn’t be better! Always being “on” can so easily prevent you from truly experiencing something. Thanks for this great post!

All your tips are great! I would add to the “battery discharging” tips – Buy a solar power bank charger. It recharges itself by daylight. I found it VERY helpful on several occasions. Thanks for sharing with us.

Article with sensational travel tips. That’s why I follow your blog and recommend it to several friends, congratulations.

Cheers, Dave and Deb. You got really lucky in traveling for years. I really like your tips as I love traveling and exploring new destinations. I am aiming to travel a lot more and share also my experience in my blog. Take care the both of you.

Helpful travel tips. Really excellent to know that you have more then 16 years traveling experience. I learned so much from your article. Thanks for sharing 🙂

At this time it looks like BlogEngine is the best blogging platform available right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you are using on your blog?

We use WordPress.

Great travel tips. Good job! This is worth to read. Thanks!

Amzing tips it’s use for us…. thanks for this post

This is my first time visit at here and i am in fact happy to read everthing at single place.

I love traveling with my friends and while traveling I always take care of health and take an travel insurance policy with me so that if in future something could happen with me there is no loss to my saving as treatment expenses are lot as they will lose your all savings too.

Hmm it seems like your site ate my first comment (it was super long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I wrote and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog. I as well am an aspiring blog blogger but I’m still new to everything. Do you have any points for newbie blog writers? I’d genuinely appreciate it.

Many thanks to you! A very great article and so much to learn from these travel tips. Thanks, once again.

These tips are accurately significant to enjoy the travel trip. I’ll take note of this. Thanks!

Great post! I’ve learned a lot from you sharing this information with us.

It’s such a timely article. I’m planning to have my very first travel and this helped me a lot.

I love to travel alone and my family always worries about me and in order not to make them worry in every time I travel to somewhere I let them know and track me using a GPS Tracking device so that they will know that I’m always safe.

Congratulations on the super simple tips that are most useful.

Great post. Thanks for the awesome inspiration!

Thanx for this post, May be soon me and my friends planning for this trip.

If this is your first time Traveling abroad, Look up the monetary conversion before you go, pack your bag, Bring a charger, Check-in with your doctor and many more things you need to take care before going on travel.

Awesome article. This post is really helpful. Thanks for sharing these travel tips.

I am going on vacation next month and after reading your tips, I have got information a lot, Thank You

Such a great blog about travel, i learned a lot from this is very helpful!

Wonderful and interesting resource. Thank you so much for all your effort on this blog. I really appreciate it. While searching on travel I found your site.

Congratulation for both of you for bring succesful traveler blogger and having chance to see the world.

nice article

All these tips are great, but I truly appreciate the perspective about Sunrise is better than Sunset. I know I am probably in the minority here, but the freshness of morning is a rebirth for me. And a dazzling sunrise does more for lifting my spirits than almost anything else. Whatever problems I had yesterday, now, with this new sunrise, I have a chance at a fresh start. (Don’t get me wrong…I love a romantic sunset too!)

Very useful information for travellers 🙂

I am a frequent traveler and hence after trying and testing various hacks to make my travel easier, I have consolidated a list of travel tips that have always come handy!

What a fantastic experience! 4 years traveling with family. Congratulations on sharing this story with everyone! I loved the site. Thank you

The first tip is a great tip and invaluable not just for traveling but for life in general. We spend more time on devices than enjoying and making memories. Well made post!

Thank youposting the useful information about 27 Best Travel Tips after 7 Years Traveling the World, happy bogging.

If we spent some time on internet before traveling then we could save our time and money while traveling. for example, if we know the right place to say then it might save money and if we know some airline tips which can save both our time and money. These tips can help a lot while traveling. Few good examples are given below

Using offline dictionary (Google Translator) Doing Web Check-in (online) Pre-Booked hotels (Advance booking saves money)

These are just few examples we can do a lot. So I prefer to invest some time on internet 🙂

Really Great I Loved It

Great post guys, it was my bed time story last night 😀 Really sums up travelling at its best!

We’ve done some travelling separately before the blog and a couple of trips together to Cuba and Hawaii and it’s so nice to remember those times when we didn’t have to worry about updating our social media or getting together a guide 🙂 Which we did do eventually ha ha…

Splurging once in a while is so important, otherwise what’s the point in visiting amazing places if you don’t treat yourself!

the very good tip, thanks.

Hits the nail on the head on so many points. This brings back many memories of our travels, like when we packed too much and wanted to kill each other since we were both so miserable with our heavy bags. And the time we had to give up on the hostel in Morocco and paid for a pool day pass at the Sofitel. We felt like we were cheating, but in the end, we needed the rejuvenation. Always love your posts, thanks for the inspiration and congrats on all the years of traveling together!

I totally know that feeling. Having too much luggage just makes me miserable. When I go lighter, I enjoy myself more. And no you weren’t cheating, we all need a break from the road and that day at Sofitel must have made you feel amazing and ready to get back on the road again. Thanks for sharing your experiences!

Dave and Deb – Beautiful post! My husband and I are so inspired by the two of you! We are starting our travel lifestyle tomorrow (eek!) so this post really hits home. There is so much mentoring in this post 🙂 Congrats on 16 years! What an accomplishment!

Such great advice – I really appreciate all the tips that you have to share. Beautiful photos as well, it is clear you both love what you do and that’s what it really comes down to! – Elizabeth elizabethnubel.com

First of all I want to say terrific blog! I had a quick question which I’d like to ask if you don’t mind. I was curious to know how you center yourself and clear your head before writing. I’ve had difficulty clearing my thoughts in getting my ideas out there. I truly do take pleasure in writing but it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes are generally wasted simply just trying to figure out how to begin. Any suggestions or tips? Many thanks!

Very good article, my dream is to travel the whole world, for now I only know 3 countries. I want to know Europe, Asia and the Middle East is fantastic! Thank you for the content!

Belo Post was what I was looking for, I’ve been following some posts from this site and I’m really enjoying reading them.

Amazing article and tips guys. I’ve read it with such a big pleasure and I felt it each of them. I’ve traveled also a bit, just 14 countries till now but I can say you have an amazing list of tips. keep up with the good work

If you are going to be in a country for 10 days or more, it may be worth purchasing a SIM card. This can be a lot cheaper than paying for an international plan on your own local network. BTW, nice tips here. Very informative indeed!

Beautiful photos, I loved it!

I enjoyed all types, but the best is relax

Wow! Amazing tips, thank you for sharin your experience

Just you agree, for me you are an eternal god

For me god always exists

Wonderful blog and you use amazing photos on your website i like it….!!!

Amazing best travel tips ever !!!. You should publish your own book for the benefit of all travelers in the world.

I loved this article … As Natalie said, it greatly reduces our learning curve

Best out of best, thanks for sharing your view on travelling. Well tips revealed before planning for international trips, especially pertaining the security i.e. Travel Insurance.

That is great experience to visit here you have really provide a detail tips, this will help us to plan us next trip.

Awesome blog! Do you have any recommendations for aspiring writers?

I’m planning to start my own website soon but I’m a little lost on everything. Would you suggest starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many choices out there that I’m completely overwhelmed .. Any suggestions? Thanks!

Hi Shane, here’s a link to our travel blogging tips. It gives a step by step guide on how to start a travel blog. https://theplanetd.com/how-to-start-a-travel-blog/

So positive, thank you for the amazing tips. We’re just starting out and ‘packing light’ really helped us stay away from those heavy airline baggage charges!

Thanks for sharing, many great nuggets of advice in there!

27 Best Travel Tips after 7 Years Traveling the World Many thanks any way! Wonderful Tips!

WOW !! Excellent article post with perfect photography no words for this great journey. I love this article thank you so much for sharing with us.

Thank you so much for sharing these tips.

I was looking for one tip that I would try on my next trip, but I could not find one as they all are great tips! Thanks for the inspiration!

Aw, thanks! Have a great trip!

Wonderful Tips!!!

Every tip is worth to note down. Thank you so much. Do keep writing such posts.

Nice post, Lovely to read about your trip, thanks for sharing.

What great tips! I’ve been traveling for years and there is a learning curve for sure. I had a sharp learning curve when the kids arrived because boy are traveling things different when you take the littles! One tip that never changes no matter the group or your changing situation is your #25 “Tell your traveling partner how much you appreciate them. That is SO true. Being appreciative of your family makes all things better – good times, bad times and everything in between.

We always travel with the kids and what an education they get! Not only the obvious like new cultures and experiences, but the day to day interactions between valued family members – most especially when you express that appreciation as you suggest! Travel helps you raise global children. 🙂

Bringing a sarong is small but smart thing to do. I also carry a small umbrella with me to keep the sun off during the mid-day tropical heat. Great tips!

Thank you for sharing the useful information about 27 Best Travel Tips after 7 Years Traveling the World, happy bogging.

That’s great post. Pictures are stunning and beautiful.

What a great tips! Thank you for sharing such great information. Very inspirational!

Yes, Before I had a habit was to mostly focus on camera to capture the nice photos and expected “likes” at social media while traveling instead of watching what was in front of me. Now I change, and one of my keys to get a successful trip is not to hesitate to ask and talk to locals. They will give you some good tips

Excellent advice about talking to locals. When you get to know the people who live there, it really makes for a wonderful experience. And you are so right, they have the best insider tips! We’re guilty of focusing only on photos at one point as well. When we started blogging as a career, we nearly lost ourselves in the work. We now always have to remind ourselves to have balance. It’s amazing to be able to capture a moment at our fingertips, but we feel it’s just as important to stop and take it all in. It’s easy to miss the moment when you’re looking through the lens. Thanks for sharing!

As I was reading your 27 Best Travel Tips For Travel it occurred to me that your article could just as easily be titled 27 Best Travel Tips For Life.

Thanks Carl. You hit the nail on the head. I think that travel has helped us learn so much about life.

It is a great truth, to travel we have to be with a certain amount of time in the budget to be able to make the most of all the wonders. Congratulations!!!

Agree with some of these, especially the bit about not waiting to travel if you don’t know the language. Don’t agree about the cell phones-technology has changed how people actually process information. It’s not just that they’re phone is a distraction, it’s also that it’s part of how they experience the world.

Pretty pictures! Was lucky to have visited 5 towns in Alsace (including Riquewihr, Colmar and Strasbourg) 2 years ago!

Article with sensational travel tips. That’s why I follow your blog and recommend it to several friends, congratulations.

This is another great post. I always love to read your blog post dear. keep sharing post like this.

Such a great post, such great wisdom not just on travel but on life in general. Thanks for sharing with us. I love to think You can create a life you dont need a vacation from, and you guys seem to have done just that. 🙂 As newbie blogger son our Travels, f which we have done some, I hope I will be as inspiring years from now!

Great list of travel tips Dave and Deb. I would like to recommend to fellow travelers to book in very last minute, ideally on the day when you travel, to get the best rates. Most hotels and hostels are willing to give you half rate or even better price just to not have a free room (which does bring them exactly 0). I booked couple of rooms for just $1 with this method on my trip to Japan!

Really awesome photos as always. Dave and Deb, my girlfriend and i we love your life style. You guys really inspire us. Thanks to you we have been traveling asia for 6 months. To be honest i was thinking its really bad idea to travel with your GF but after all experiences, this is the best way for traveling. Thanks for the whole site and this valuable tips. Cheers, Enes % Emma

I am so happy to hear that you are loving travel with your girlfriend. I couldn’t imagine traveling another way. It’s wonderful to be able to share experiences with the one you love.

Thanks for the great tips. People indeed forget a lot of simple things during travel. Simple Reminders are really helpful.

Thanks a lot for a great information sharing and tips !!!I wish to be there in 2017

Amazing Post! thanks for the sharing.

Good tips dear! There are many of them that we observe already and I hope all traveler like us should follow this amazing tips while travel a new country.

aww!!!!! I loved the part “Tell your Partner/Husband/Friend How Much You Appreciate them”. This is an awesome article i have seen ever. The person who loves you heartily will appreciate your company. 🙂

That must been an awesome experience to the kids to go to Everest

Great advise and Guide. I have started traveling as a couple and its been 6 months now. Your above tips will surely help us complete our goals in long term.

Thanks for the tips, I just found your blog yesterday and have been working my way through a few of your posts – love how down to earth you are. The airlifted out of the Amazon post made me renew my travel insurance immediately, yikes!! Hope you’ve made a full recovery.

Thanks Helen and welcome to our blog! I am so happy that you stopped by and stuck around for a bit. I’m also doubly happy that you renewed your travel insurance. It is so important.

Really comprehensive tips for any traveler. I’ve made use of some of them in my travels too. Thanks!

Thanks Dave ! As a traveler and photographer amateur, I find your recommendations very useful. Many of them I try to put into practice always (but not always is possible) Cheers!

Hi. We are just entering our 4th year on the road and I think I agree with just about everything above. It’s always changing, we find new, better ways, or what we want from this lifestyle changes, so for a few months we’ll be regular backpackers, then we’ll chill and rest for a while in a city apartment rental. Whatever, we love this life. Your picture of that little stove on the Everest trail brought back happy memories, we took the kids up there a few months ago, great times. Cheers!

Hi Alyson, congratulations on four years on the road. That must have been an amazing experience for your kids to go to Everest. You are giving them the best education. Good luck with the rest of your travels! Cheers

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

My Best 61 Travel Tips to Make You the World’s Savviest Traveler

Most people aren’t born savvy travelers. It’s something that only comes with on-the-road experience. Travel savviness is a process born of missed buses, foolish behavior, cultural unawareness, and countless tiny errors. Then, one day, you begin to seamlessly move through airports and integrate yourself into new cultures like a fish to water.

In the beginning, you just make a lot of travel mistakes.

But I want to help speed up the process and help you avoid my mistakes ( and I often make a lot of them ), so I put together this giant list of my best travel tips that cover everything under the sun to help you reach your full travel ninja potential.

I’ve learned these tips over the last sixteen years being a nomad.

These tips for traveling will have you saving money, sleeping better, getting off the beaten path more, meeting locals, and just being a better traveler.

So, without further ado, here are the best 61 travel tips in the world:

1. Always pack a towel. It’s the key to successful galactic hitchhiking – and plain common sense. You never know when you will need it, whether it’s at the beach, on a picnic, or just to dry off after a shower. While many hostels offer towels, you never know if they will or not, and carrying a small towel won’t add that much weight to your bag.

Make sure it’s a lightweight, quick-drying towel since regular towels are too bulky and heavy (and they take a long time to dry). Dry Fox travel towels are my favorite (use the code “nomadicmatt” for 15% off your purchase)!

My favorite bag is the Flash Pack from REI . Other companies offering high-quality bags are Osprey, Nomatic, and MEC (for Canadians).

This article has more tips on finding the best travel backpack for your needs.

The same rule applies to suitcases. Don’t take a huge suitcase because they are a pain in the butt to lug around, especially if you’re traveling long term (short term, not so much). I like Level 8 suitcases. They are durable, quite spacious, nicely designed, and well-priced (luggage can be pretty damn expensive). Plus, they have a TSA lock built into the zipper. You can click here to learn more and buy one .

I also recommend packing cubes , which are essential if you’re going to be living out of a backpack for a few weeks (or months), or you just want to keep your suitcase better organized. They come in a variety of sizes, allowing you to store items big and small. They’re great for making it easy to find everything in your backpack or suitcase.

3. Pack light. Write down a list of essentials, cut it in half, and then only pack that! Plus, since you bought a small backpack like I said above, you won’t have much room for extra stuff anyways! Take half the clothes you think you will need…you won’t need as much as you think. It’s OK to wear the same t-shirt a few days in a row.

I love Unbound Merino , as their travel clothing can be worn daily for weeks without getting smelly. They are super light and they look sylish too. I really love the material, they’re comfortable, they hardly ever need a wash, and they last forever!

Click here for more packing tips .

4. But take extra socks. You’ll lose a bunch to laundry gremlins, wear and tear, and hiking so packing extra will come in handy. Take a few more than you need. Trust me on this. Nothing beats a fresh pair of socks!

Here’s a list of all my best hostels around the world . If you’re planning on backpacking Europe , it’s worth getting HostelPass , a card that gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money, and they’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and so I’m glad it finally exists. Use code NOMADICMATT for 25% off.

6. Take an extra bank card and credit card with you Disasters happen and things get stolen or compromised. I once had a card duplicated and a freeze put on it. I couldn’t use it for the rest of my trip. I was very happy I had a backup. You don’t want to be stuck somewhere new without access to your funds. This happened to a friend once and they had to borrow money for me for weeks while they waited for their new card to arrive.

Here are some helpful articles on banking:

• How to Avoid Banking Fees While Traveling
• 22 Ways to Cut Your Expenses and Have Money for Travel
• How to Pick the Best Travel Credit Card

7. Make sure to use no-fee bank cards. Don’t give banks your hard-earned money. Keep that for yourself and spend it on your travels. Get a credit card and debit card that doesn’t charge a foreign transaction fee or an ATM fee. Over the course of a long trip, the few dollars they take every time will really add up!

Here’s an article that will tell you how to do that.

8. Don’t fly direct. When booking flights, sometimes it is cheaper to fly in to airports close to your final destination, and then take a train, bus, or budget airline to where you need to go.

To use this method, find out how much it is to go directly to your destination. Then, look at prices to nearby airports. If the difference is more than $150 USD, I look to see how much it is to get from the second airport to my primary destination.

My favorite flight search engine is Skyscanner . This is my go-to website for finding cheap flights. It searches a lot of different airlines, including many of the budget carriers that larger sites miss.

Here are some more tips on finding cheap flights!

Here are some helpful articles on solo travel:

• Why I Travel Alone
• The Joy of Solo Travel
• Travel: The Ultimate Personal Development Tool
• How to Overcome Being Alone
• Reading People: One Skill Travel Has Taught Me

10. Always visit the local tourism information center. This is probably one of the most underused travel tips in the world. Tourism information centers know about everything going on in town. They can point you to free activities, special events happening during your stay, and everything in between. They even offer discounts on attractions and transportation. It is their job to help you experience the destination better. It’s amazing how many travelers skip this when they are visiting somewhere but, as a savvy traveler, you know to use this resource!

11. Take free walking tours. Besides being free, these tours will give you a good orientation and background of the city you are visiting. I love, love, love taking walking tours when I travel. You pass the time, you get to pepper the guide with questions, and you get to learn so much about where you are. Here are some of my favorite walking tour companies around the world:

• The Best Walking Tours in New York City
• The Best Walking Tours in London
• The Best Walking Tours in Paris
• The Best Walking Tours in Berlin
• The Best Walking Tours in Amsterdam

And while free walking tours are great, sometimes it’s worth it to take a paid walking tour if you’d like to dig deeper into a particular aspect of the destination. Walks is one of my favorite paid walking tour companies, offering in-depth history and cultural tours in cities around the world (especially Europe). Its small-group tours also tend to offer exclusive behind-the-scenes access you can’t get elsewhere.

For fellow foodies, Devour Food Tours has all kinds of amazing food tours around Europe.

12. Don’t be afraid to use a map. Looking like a tourist isn’t as bad as getting really lost and ending up in the wrong neighborhood. Don’t be afraid to use a map or ask for directions and look like a tourist. After all, you are one!

13. But don’t be afraid to get purposefully lost. Wandering aimlessly through a new city is a good way to get to know it, get off the beaten path, and away from the tourists. You might be surprised by the hidden gems you find. I like to wander around and try to find my way without using Google Maps. Travel is the art of discovery and you never know what cool little spot you’ll come across.

14. Ask hostel staff for information — even when you aren’t staying there. Hostel staff deal with budget travelers all day, every day. They know exactly where to go for cheap meals and attractions. They also tend to be locals so they know the city very well. Ask them for all sorts of information. Even if you aren’t staying in one, just pop in and ask for help. They’ll usually give it.

15. Sign up for flight deals. When it comes to travel, your flight(s) will likely be your biggest expense. Save money by signing up for flight deal websites. You’ll get epic flight deals straight to your inbox, saving you time and money. Also be sure to sign up for airline newsletters, since that is where they will announce their sales first. The best websites for finding travel deals are:

• Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) – The BEST for upcoming US flight deals.
• The Flight Deal – Great for global flight deals.
• Holiday Pirates – The best for European flight deals.
• Secret Flying – A great site for flight deals from around the world.

16. Don’t buy a money belt — they’re stupid. Thieves know they exist and being seen with one basically shouts, “Look at me, I’m a tourist with money! Rip me off!” The more you can blend in and act like a local, the easier it will be to get deals and avoid touts. If you’re worried about pickpockets, keep a better eye on your stuff!

17. When you go out, take only what you need. Limit the amount of cash and bank cards you carry with you when you go out, so if something does happen, you can easily recover. Never take more than one credit card or ATM card with you. My rule for cash is to limit what I carry to $50 USD.

18. Always carry a lock. Carry a small combination lock with you when you travel. They come in handy, especially when you stay in dorms. Most hostels use lockers, so budget travelers need to provide their own travel lock to keep stuff secured. While you can usually rent or buy them at hostels, it’s much cheaper just to buy one before you go. (Just don’t use one with keys because if you lose the keys, you’re screwed!)

19. Make extra copies of your passport and important documents. Don’t forget to e-mail a copy to yourself too. You never know when you might need to have some sort of documentation with you and might not want to carry your original. Additionally, if your passport gets stolen having a copy will come in handy for your police report.

20. Learn basic phrases in the native language of your destination. The locals will appreciate it and it will make your interactions easier. You don’t need to master the language but learning a few things like “Hello,” “Goodbye,” “Thank you!”, “Where’s the bathroom?” will go a long way to endearing yourself with the locals. They’ll like that you tried.

Here are some tips on how to learn a language .

Here are some posts that highlight my favorite reads:

• 13 Travel Books That Will Give You Serious Wanderlust
• The Best Travel Books
• 12 Books to Take You Around the World

22. Don’t be ashamed to walk into a Starbucks or McDonald’s. Sometimes familiarity is comforting and both places have free wifi and public restrooms you can use. (Just don’t eat the food at McDonald’s! That shit is gross and unhealthy for you! You can get it back home!). Libraries and most modern coffee shops also have free Wi-Fi too.

23. Always get behind business travelers when in security lines. They move fast since they are usually in a rush and travel light. They know the drill. Line up behind them as much as possible. You’ll speed through the line!

24. Never get behind families in airport security. They take forever. It’s not their fault. They just have a lot of stuff because of the kids. Try to avoid getting in lines with lots of kids. It’s going to take a while.

25. When you check in to the hotel, don’t be afraid to ask for an upgrade. They have a lot of flexibility when it comes to assigning upgrades at check-in. It never hurts to ask. Often times they can accommodate you if the hotel isn’t full. Just be super nice!

Note: If you stay in hotels frequently (or want to), it might be worth it to get a hotel credit card . You can earn points on your everyday spending at home and convert those points into free stays. The best cards come with status, making upgrades more likely too!

26. Write down your experiences. Even in this hyper-technological age, I think everyone needs to write more during their travels so they have something to look back on. I never leave home without a journal. Not only do I use them for work (I’m constantly taking notes and writing down ideas) but I also use them to keep track of my travels.

Simple travel journals work great for journaling during your trip as well as for writing down logistical information like directions, contact information, and language tips.

If you want a travel journal that isn’t just blank pages but rather has space for itinerary planning, places to jot notes in the local language, inspirational quotes, and more, grab our new travel journal. It was designed specifically with travelers in mind, so you can take notes as well as write down stories and reflections during your travels.

27. Lunchtime is the best time to visit historical sites. Be a contrarian. You’ll have fewer crowds getting in your way as big tour buses, groups, and most travelers head to lunch. It’s always best to visit an attraction super early, late, or when people eat. You’ll have even the most popular places to yourself!

28. Never eat in a touristy area or near a tourist attraction. As a general rule, I walk five blocks in either direction before I find a place to eat. The closer you are to tourist attractions the more you are going to pay and the worse the food (and service). Use websites like Yelp , Google Maps , or Open Rice to find some delicious and popular restaurants around you.

Additionally, never eat anywhere the menu is in like 6 languages! That means the restaurant is just for tourists!

29. Locals don’t eat out every night and neither should you. Go grocery shopping. You can learn a lot about locals’ diets by seeing the type of food they buy. Plus, it will save you a lot of money. You won’t regret it. Cook your food, save money, and surprise yourself!

30. Eat at expensive restaurants during lunch. Most expensive restaurants offer lunch specials featuring the same food they would serve for dinner but for a fraction of the cost! That’s the best time to eat out when you travel.

I share more tips on how to eat cheaply around the world here.

31. Pack a headlamp. This is a handy tool for both backpackers and anyone looking to do any hiking or camping. If you’re going to be staying in a hostel, having a headlamp is helpful when you need to check in or out but don’t want to disturb your fellow travelers by turning on the lights. They’re also helpful in emergencies.

32. Carry a basic first-aid kit. Accidents happen, so be prepared. I always take band-aids, antibacterial cream, and ointments for minor cuts and scrapes. You never know when you’re going to need it and you can’t always get it when you travel.

You can either assemble a first aid kit yourself ( here are some tips for doing so ), or purchase a pre-made kit online .

33. Don’t believe the cheap flight myths. Don’t drive yourself too crazy trying to get the absolute cheapest fare. There are a lot of myths online about how to find cheap flights, but there is no magic bullet or one secret ninja trick. It’s not cheaper to book on a particular day of the week, or if you search in an incognito window.

Spending five hours to try to save $10 will cause you a lot of stress. Once you find a flight deal that you’re happy with, book right away, as airfares change by the minute. Remember, you usually have a 24-hour window to cancel in case you need to.

Here are some article on how to save money on flights:

• 5 Steps to Booking a Cheap Flight Online
• How to Always Find a Cheap Flight
• Where I Find the Best Travel Deals

34. Use Meetup, the sharing economy, and hospitality websites to meet locals. These websites will help you get an insider’s perspective on your destination by connecting you with locals in the places you visit. The sharing economy has changed the way people travel allowing you to meet locals, get off the tourist travel, and save mega money! It’s a triple win – and I use these resources all the time when I travel.

Here’s an article on how to use the sharing economy (and what websites to use) when you travel.

35. Be open to strangers. Not everyone bites. Say hi to people on the road. Turn strangers into friends. Remember they are just like you! They want to live a happy, full life and have hopes and dreams too! You never know. You just might make some lifelong friends.

36. But keep your guard up. Some people do bite, so keep a healthy level of suspicion. You don’t want to fall for any travel scams or get yourself into uncomfortable situations. Be open but cautious. Here is a list of travel scams to avoid.

• My Favorite Restaurants in Europe
• The Best Places to Eat in NYC
• How to Eat Cheap Around the World
• 30+ Places to Eat in Tokyo
• How to Eat Around the World on a Vegan Diet

38. Avoid taxis. They are always a budget buster. Never, ever take a taxi unless you absolutely have too!

39. Take a reusable water bottle through airport security and fill it up at your gate. Single-use plastics are common in a lot of countries around the world. They’re also polluting our oceans and destroying the environment. Drink from the tap when you can — you’ll save money and help the environment. If you’re going somewhere where you can’t drink the water, be sure to get a water bottle with a filter. I love Lifestraw .

40. Get city attraction cards. If you are going to visit a lot of museums and other attractions in a short period of time, a city pass is going to save you money on admission (plus most provide free public transportation too!).

41. Take pictures of your luggage and clothes. If your bag gets lost, this will help identify it more easily and speed up the process of having your travel insurance reimburse you.

42. Carry emergency cash. Because emergencies happen, like that time in Romania when I couldn’t find an ATM and needed money for the bus to the hostel. I usually try to keep around $200 USD in emergency cash in case something happens!

43. Get good shoes. You walk a lot when you travel. Don’t beat up your feet. Love them as much as they love you, and they’ll take you to amazing places.

My favorite shoes for traveling are Suavs shoes , which are versatile and durable. They’re comfortable and great for exploring a new city all day, but also look nice enough that you can dress them up if you want to at night.

44. Get vaccinated. Because falling prey to an illness in a foreign country is not fun — and many countries require you to get vaccinated in order to visit them. So regardless of your opinion on the subject, you just might have to.

Here is an article on how to stay healthy on the road.

45. Learn to haggle. Haggling is a fun, playful way of not getting charged the foreigner price. It’s the art of negotiating and one that will help you throughout all of life, not just at the market.

Here are some articles to help you get started with using points and miles:

• Points and Miles 101: A Beginner’s Guide
• How I Earn 1 Million Frequent Flier Miles Every Year
• The Best Travel Credit Cards
• The Ultimate Guide to Picking the Best Travel Credit Card

47. Take a jacket. Nights get chilly.

48. Eat street food! If you skip the street food, you miss out on culture . Don’t be scared. If you’re nervous, look for places where kids are eating. If it’s safe for them, it’s safe for you.

49. Get travel insurance. Travel insurance is the most important thing to get that you never want to use. If something goes wrong, you don’t want to be out thousands of dollars in bills. Travel insurance will be there if you get robbed, flights get canceled, you get sick or injured, or have to be sent home. It’s comprehensive and, for just a few dollars a day, one of the best investments you can get for a trip.

You may think you’re superman/woman but so did my friend who broke her arm, didn’t have insurance, and had to pay thousands out of pocket. Insurance was there when I had to replace my camera and when I popped an eardrum scuba diving! Get it! Here are some tips on how to find the best travel insurance.

My favorite companies are:

• SafetyWing – A budget-friendly choice for travelers who need basic coverage. They are affordable, have great customer service, and make it easy to make a claim. If you’re on a tight budget, go with SafetyWing!
• Insure My Trip – The best insurance for those over 70 years old.
• Medjet – This is a membership program that provides emergency evacuation coverage should you get into a dire situation while traveling and be hospitalized. Medjet is meant to supplement your regular travel insurance.

50. Be patient. Things will work out in the end. No need to rush. You’ll get to where you are going in due time. Travel is about the journey, not the destination.

51. Be respectful. Locals are willing to help you out, but there’s probably a language barrier, so keep your cool when something doesn’t go your way. If you don’t, you’ll end up just looking like an asshole tourist.

52. Don’t over plan your trip. Let your days unfold naturally. Schedule two or three things and let the day fill in the rest on its own. It’s less stressful, and letting the day just take you is one of the best ways to travel. Here’s my advice on how not to over plan your travels!

53. Relax. See Be patient .

54. Be frugal — but not cheap. Don’t be pennywise but pound-foolish. Look for deals and don’t waste money, but don’t miss out on great experiences or walk 10 miles to save a couple of dollars. Time is money. Spend them both wisely.

55. Take earplugs. Anyone who has ever stayed in a hostel knows that earplugs are a necessity. Snorers are everywhere and you need your sleep.

But even if you’re not going to be in a hostel, they’re still helpful for sleeping well if your accommodation is located on a busy street, or for sleeping in buses, overnight trains, and other types of transportation. A good night’s sleep is priceless — be prepared!

These earplugs are reusable and work much better than the cheap foam ones, blocking out any distracting noises.

56. Always carry a power bank. Batteries die. Your good mood shouldn’t.

We all travel with numerous electronic devices like phones and tablets, but it can be hard to keep them all charged. An external battery solves that problem.

57. Remember that you’re not alone even if you’re traveling solo. Traveling alone never means you’re really alone. Wherever you go, there is a network of travelers who will be your friends, give you advice or tips, and help you out. They will guide you, point you in the right direction, and be your mentors. You aren’t out there on your own. You’ll make lots of friends and tons of memories.

If you’re not sure about traveling on your own for the first time, you can always join a group tour, such as those we offer at The Nomadic Network . I’ve designed all the itineraries myself to ensure they cover the highlights, get you off the tourist trail, and connect you with friends and locals.

59. Pre-book your tickets to attractions, activities, and excursions online. If you’re planning to do any activities or excursions on your trip, book them online. Companies usually offer a discounted price when compared to buying in person. Not only that but you’ll be able to pay with a credit card, giving you some extra protection as well as more travel points!

Many major attractions also allow you to reserve your spot and skip the line. Always look online to see if this is an option. This will you to avoid wasting time in multi-hour lines and go right in. I’ve seen people wait hours for the Paris Catacombs, Louvre, London Churchill War Rooms, churches, temples, historic fortresses, and more. Pre-book the day before, skip the line, get to see more during your day!

Get Your Guide is my favorite place to book activities in advance. It’s a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions, with tons of options in cities all around the world, including skip-the-line attraction tickets, cooking classes, walking tours, and more!

60. Avoid TripAdvisor. TripAdvisor is fine when you need opening hours or an address, but when it comes to reviews I ignore it completely. People always leave a negative review when something bad happens but rarely leave a positive review when something good happens so the reviews tend to be skewed.

On top of that, it’s very easy to create fake reviews and make a place seem better than it is. Many hotels and restaurants hire firms to artificially inflate their reviews on the platform. Additionally, TripAdvisor has been known to take down reviews that are overly negative as well as reviews on sexual assault. Use TripAdvisor with caution. Or better yet, don’t use it at all.

61. Finally, wear sunscreen. For as the Baz Luhrmann song “Everybody’s Free (To Wear Sunscreen)” goes:

If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it. The long-term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists Whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable Than my own meandering experience.

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld . If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• SafetyWing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those 70 and over)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

Ready to Book Your Trip? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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The 16 Best Travel Safety Products of 2024

From door alarms to fake wedding bands, here are your travel safety essentials.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Tips for Buying
• Why Trust T+L

Travel & Leisure / Kevin Liang

Ensuring your personal safety and well-being is just as important as making memories and enjoying la dolce vita while traveling (if not more so). Luckily, staying safe while abroad or on a trip across the country doesn’t take much to get right. Simply come prepared with a few travel-focused safety products to give you peace of mind while you’re on the move. 

We’ve rounded up some of the best safety products available, including those which we personally use. We especially love the Birdie Personal Safety Alarm, Monsin Door Stop Alarm, and Raytix RFID Money Belt, which can all help you stay safe in any situation you might encounter while traveling.

Best Door Wedge

Monsin door stop alarm.

This door stop doesn’t just block unwanted visitors — it actually includes a built-in alarm that will sound if someone tries to tamper with your hotel room door.

This alarm is very sensitive and could go off if room service or housekeeping staff attempt to enter your room.

It can be hard to fall asleep in a strange hotel room — even if it’s a plush five-star property. Whether you’re traveling solo or have a travel buddy sharing your room, the Monsin Door Stop Alarm is a great option for giving you peace of mind while you’re sleeping. Just wedge it into the closed hotel room door and it’ll keep unwanted visitors out by acting as a powerful doorstop. This option also comes with a built-in alarm that will ring if anyone tries to tamper with or open your door.

Best Secondary Door Lock

Winonly travel door lock for hotel rooms.

This budget-friendly door-locking system adds another layer of security to your hotel room and is pretty simple to set up.

This option might not fit very well on doors that have weatherproofing or other large seams along the doorframe.

The Winonly Travel Door Lock for Hotel Rooms is a great safety alternative for travelers who don’t want an alarm triggered when hotel staff enter the room for cleaning or turn-down services. Use this portable door lock by attaching it to the hole on the door jam, then inserting the red handle into the lock-in-place. It’s quick and efficient to use and install, and can also be easily removed in the dark for emergencies that require quick evacuation.

Best Personal Alarm

Birdie personal safety alarm.

This personal safety alarm is small, subtle, and can easily be slipped into your pocket or handbag.

Some reviewers note that this alarm should be louder and more offensive, especially for those traveling in big cities.

You never know when a personal safety alarm will come in handy — even in your own hometown or city. This alarm will immediately draw attention to you if your personal safety is threatened, if you encounter a pickpocket, or find yourself in any other unsavory situation.

This small device looks more like a USB drive than a personal safety alarm, and it fits conveniently into your pocket or handbag so you can keep it on you at all times. The compact alarm system sounds when you remove the top pin. To turn it off, just slide the pin back into place. 

Best Motion Detector

Crevant portable mini motion detector alarm.

This compact motion detector is ultra-lightweight and small, so it’s easy to slip into a suitcase or carry-on bag.

The instructions aren’t very clear which makes the initial setup a bit difficult.

This small but mighty portable miniature motion detector alarm is a great alternative (or add-on) to a door wedge or door alarm. The compact safety product is extremely quick to trigger the alarm if it senses movement in the direction it's pointed — making it a great option for larger hotel rooms or suites where you don’t have your eye on the entrance at all times. Make sure to keep the “Do Not Disturb” sign on your door so you don’t set off a false alarm when housekeeping or other hotel staff attempt to enter your room.

Best Retractable Cable Lock

Lewis n clark triple security lock.

This cable lock offers extra strong, triple-security material that ensures it can’t be cut through or tampered with.

The lock itself can sometimes be finicky and may take a few minutes to get open.

Travel safety products range beyond personal safety items — to ensure a safe trip, you’ll also need to think about keeping your belongings secure while en route, and when you’re out and about. That’s where the Lewis N Clark Triple Security Lock comes in. This extra-strength lock can prevent thieves from getting into your handbag or backpack. It’s also TSA-approved, which means you can use it on your checked luggage without worrying about having it cut off or confiscated while in transit.

Best Luggage Tracker

Eufy smarttrack link.

• Ease of Setup 5 /5
• Accuracy 5 /5
• Functionality 5 /5
• Design 4.5 /5

This subtle and compact tracker can easily be thrown in your handbag, backpack, or suitcase.

It is only compatible with Apple devices.

Most frequent flyers will tell you to buy a luggage tracker immediately if you plan on checking your luggage or taking a large carry-on on the plane with you. Adding the Eufy SmartTrack Link to your suitcase will allow you to easily track your belongings at all times. So if you do end up losing your luggage while in transit, you can pinpoint where it is — which can actually help the airline crew to expedite the process of getting your luggage back to you. We found the Eufy SmartTrack Link to be easy to use with Apple's Find My app, so you don't waste time learning a new system or downloading additional apps.

Best Portable Safe

Pacsafe travelsafe portable safe.

This portable safe isn’t imposing or heavy like a traditional metal safe — but it’ll keep your valuables just as secure while on the move.

The slim shape and flat bottom make it difficult to fit items like laptops or cameras.

Keeping your gear secure while at the beach can be a challenge — especially for solo travelers who don’t have someone with them to watch their stuff while they take a dip in the water or grab a drink at the pool bar. That’s where the Pacsafe Travelsafe Gii 5 Liter Portable Safe comes in. This unique portable safe isn’t a traditional metal security box — instead it’s lightweight and easily portable for travel. Another key feature is that it can easily be locked to a tree or a pool chair, making it extremely difficult for potential thieves to make a stealthy getaway with your belongings.

Best Money Belt

Raytix rfid money belt.

• Ease of Use 5 /5
• Comfort 5 /5
• Capacity 5 /5
• Performance 5 /5
• Quality 5 /5

This money belt fits beneath your clothing without looking bulky or obvious.

The small inside pocket is in the corner of the bag, so it's difficult to actually fit items inside.

If you’re more comfortable keeping your valuables hidden away in a discreet money belt than in a backpack or handbag, then you should absolutely consider the Raytix RFID Money Belt. When tested, we found it especially useful for carrying large amounts of cash or for storing passports on you for long periods of time.

This budget-friendly money belt is ultra-slim, discreet, and features RFID-blocking technology to ensure your cards stay safe from potential thieves. Plus, the two front pockets help keep you organized to access all items easily and quickly.

Best Anti-theft Backpack

Sherpani esprit at.

• Capacity 3 /5

This backpack features a slash-resistant bottom, zippers that clasp together, and can be worn on your back or front.

The small front pocket is a bit too small for most smart phones.

This anti-theft crossbody backpack is a stylish yet functional option for any adventure. It can easily be worn on your front or back and the shoulder strap is secured with a clip, so you don't need to lift it over your head to put on or take off. It is made from recycled materials and features a slash-resistant bottom, plus other safety features like RFID protection, locking zippers, and a wire-loop chair lock.

This bag is also the perfect size for day trips and features plenty of pockets, including an exterior water bottle pocket and shoulder strap pocket to keep small essentials easily accessible. With seven fun colors and patterns to choose from, the Sherpani Espirit offers something for everyone trying to stay safe on the go.

Best Hidden Stash Spot

Lokistashed 3-pack velvet hair tie scrunchies.

This hidden stash spot doubles as a functional (and stylish) hair scrunchie.

The zipper isn’t easy to hide and is noticeable on the lighter colorways.

Looking for a spot to safely stash a handful of cash without having to bring along your wallet or handbag? LokiStashed 3-pack Velvet Hair Tie Scrunchies are among our personal favorite options when it comes to discreet storage on the go. These velvet scrunchies function the exact same way a regular scrunchie does — but you can easily store at least a few folded-up bills inside without drawing any attention. It’s great for traveling in busy cities, and is a convenient choice if you’re heading out the door at home and don’t want to be weighed down with a handbag.

Best Fake Wedding Band

Thunderfit women breathable air grooves silicone wedding ring.

This affordable and comfortable silicone wedding band will send the desired message without attracting thieves or appearing overly flashy.

These wedding bands run large so you might want to size down at least a full ring size in order to ensure a proper fit.

Depending on where in the world you’re traveling , you may experience unwanted attention — especially if you’re a solo female traveler. If you’re worried about finding yourself in a situation where you feel harassed or unsafe, then wearing a fake wedding band might be a smart idea.

The ThunderFit Women Breathable Air Grooves Silicone Wedding Ring is a great option for this purpose. It isn’t flashy like a diamond engagement ring, so it won’t attract attention from potential thieves, but it’ll still send the right message to those who might otherwise be difficult to shrug off. These rings are waterproof and breathable, so you won’t have to worry about developing an unsightly green line across your finger, either.

Best First Aid Kit

First aid only all-purpose essentials first aid kit.

• Ease of Use 4 /5
• Organization 3 /5
• Quality 4 /5

This kit includes everything you need in a pinch.

At over nine inches long, it's not the most compact first aid kit out there.

This handy first aid kit comes with all the essentials from ibuprofen tablets to tweezers. Whether you're exploring a major city or hiking a new trail, this kit can help in the case of blisters, burns, headaches, cuts, and more. The 298-piece kit is organized with like-items together, so you can quickly access exactly what you need. Plus, it comes in a lightweight and waterproof carrying case so you can leave it in your vehicle or pack in a day bag to ensure that you're fully prepared for health issues on the go.

Best Passport Wallet

Melsbrinna waterproof rfid-blocking travel wallet.

Your passport fits snugly on one side of the wallet, so it's easy to slide out at customs.

There is no space to store coins.

We love a wallet that's large enough to safely store your passport and this Melsbrinna case is the perfect, safe-yet-stylish option that even includes RFID-blocking technology. Your passport sits on one side of this wallet and the other side features four slots for your credit cards, ID, transit cards, and more. There is also a pocket designed to hold your ticket or other important small documents and two pockets made to keep SIM cards safe. Throughout our travels, we loved that this passport wallet kept all of our items secure, but never felt cumbersome and, in fact, easily fits inside any purse or travel backpack.

Best Reflective Layer

Rei co-op active pursuits cycling jacket.

It's light, wind-resistant, and water-repellent, so it will keep you comfortable in any weather.

The hood may not fit over all bike helmets.

For a reflective layer that will guarantee you're seen whether hiking, walking, cycling, or running, this REI jacket in men's and women's sizes is the perfect choice. The neon yellow fabric features 360-degree reflective details to keep you visible even at night and is so light you can wear it year-round. If you're running or cycling in the heat, the underarm vents area breathable addition that also improves mobility. In winter months, this lightweight layer won't add too much weight to your standard set-up, but will keep you safe as the sun sets earlier.

Best Safety Bracelet

Flare smart safety bracelet.

Without touching your phone, the Flare Bracelet can alert your friends and/or emergency services of possible danger.

It is not yet compatible with Androids.

When traveling solo or to a new location, this bracelet helps keep you connected and safe. The discreet bracelet looks like an average stylish accessory, but uses Bluetooth technology to pair with an iOS app, so you can tap the bracelet in different ways depending on your needs. Hold the hidden button down to text your location to your friends, press the button once to get a pre-recorded phone call to offer you an excuse to leave a situation, or press and hold the button for three seconds to send your location to emergency services.

The bracelet works even when you're up to ten feet away from your phone and the battery lasts a full year, so you don't have to worry about charging the device. It can also be used internationally as long as you have Wi-fi or cell services in your location.

Best Drink Tester

Philmedi gcheck date rape drug test sticker.

It's designed so you can stick it on the back of your phone for discreet and handy use wherever you go.

Each sticker can only be used once.

While we hope you would never feel the need to test your drink, it's always important to be prepared, especially if you're traveling alone or notice someone hovering near your beverage. These discreet stickers test for GHB in less than one minute, so you can protect yourself quickly and effectively. They're conveniently designed to be attached to your phone, wallet, or other item you always carry with a micro-film on the outside to be removed if and when you want to test your drink. Then, you simply tap a bit of the beverage on the sticker and wait to see if it changes color.

Tips for Buying Travel Safety Products

Consider every step of your journey.

You’ll want to think about the potential risks you’ll be taking throughout your trip, from getting there to exploring your destination, and while staying at your hotel or Airbnb. Travel safety products range significantly from items focusing on solo female travelers’ personal safety to items that protect against theft. Think about where you’re going and what makes the most sense for the destination or type of travel you have in mind, and go from there.

Pick the best way and place to secure valuables

This is something to think about before embarking on your adventure — not just to avoid potential theft, but also to make sure you don’t accidentally misplace anything. You’ll want to know where your valuables are at all times, whether they be jewelry, cash and credit cards, or your passport. Keeping your belongings in a personal safe or money belt while traveling can help give you peace of mind while also keeping you organized. 

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this article, Kaitlyn McInnis used her experience as a travel writer and solo female traveler to curate the best options to suit most needs.

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.

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6 tips for safe travel during severe weather.

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DENVER, COLORADO - JUNE 20, 2019: A rain-covered window obscures the view through a terminal window ... [+] (Photo by Robert Alexander/Getty Images)

Traveling during severe weather can be nerve-wracking, as travel delays and safety risks may occur. However, several steps can help you prepare for inclement weather and seek shelter at various destinations.

Use Travel Weather Apps

Downloading a travel-friendly weather app can provide forecasts and weather alerts for your destination and route.

Below are four of the best travel weather apps:

• American Red Cross Emergency App : This free app is entirely free and lets you customize 40 different weather alerts and receive real-time notifications. Retrieve step-by-step guides for the particular weather event and find American Red Cross shelters with an in-app map.
• Drive Weather : This app highlights weather conditions for your road trip route. It also includes the temperature, wind, and radar. It can adjust your forecast based on your driving speed and plan speeds to view a colorful, user-friendly map. There are free and paid versions.
• Sitata : International travelers stand to gain the most from 24/7 notifications from global news and social media regarding flight delays, disease outbreaks, civil unrest, and transit strikes. It can also connect you with a virtual doctor when you need medical guidance and send travel updates to loved ones. Most features are free to use, including the critical travel safety news.
• Weather Channel App : This free mobile app provides weather forecasts and travel planning tools for U.S. and international destinations. It also offers various guides to help users plan different summer or winter trips and address weather-related health symptoms.

The apps mentioned above are available for Android and iOS devices and can supplement your existing local weather app and preferred travel apps.

Pack A Weather Radio

A NOAA weather radio transmits emergency alerts near your current location. These radios are helpful at home and while traveling as they prevent coverage gaps if your phone doesn’t receive location-based weather alerts or you can’t tune into a local news broadcast.

When Does ‘Bridgerton’ Season 3, Part 2 Come Out On Netflix? See The Release Schedule

A storm of 3 000 ukrainian bomblets blew up four russian jets at their base in crimea, samsung galaxy s24 series users really want to turn off one of its best features.

Further, weather radios are relatively inexpensive and cost as little as $30. For example, the highly-rated Midland WR120B NOAA Emergency Weather Alert Radio can provide alerts for up to 60 hazards and emergencies. It monitors seven NOAA channels, can be locally programmed, and has an alarm clock. Finally, it only requires three AAA batteries.

Bring Extra Provisions

It’s wise to carry extra food, water and travel gear that make a difference in case you’re stranded or stores close. These supplies can easily squeeze into a car kit or a carry-on and you can consume the snacks once you return home or are out of harm’s way.

Extra clothing layers are vital during cold weather travel to stay warm. During hot weather, bring plenty of fluids to remain hydrated and have a shade source.

Tornado Safety Tips

The United States tornado season typically runs from March to July. The spring months are typically the most active, with frequent weather swings.

While tornadoes can happen anywhere, they are most prevalent in “Tornado Alley” in the Great Plains and Midwest. Active states include:

The Deep South states of Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi are also increasingly susceptible to tornadoes and hail storms.

When traveling, enable Wireless Emergency Alerts on your cell phone for location-based warnings. Additionally, check for warnings from the National Weather Service or local media social media pages during the trip or when you see a gloomy sky.

In an active tornado threat, go to the lowest floor and avoid glass windows. For optimal safety, look for a wooden frame or cinder block construction with a small roof instead of mobile homes, RVs, or campers.

Avoid buildings with long roofs that grocery stores, discount stores, malls, and airport terminals typically have, as they are relatively weak in damaging winds. These locations should have a fortified storm shelter for such events.

If you find yourself driving during severe weather, consider pulling over and looking for rest areas or truck stops with storm shelters. Remember to avoid windows, stay low, and cover your head if you remain in the car.

Contrary to popular belief, avoid climbing to the top of highway overpasses as the wind tunnel effect intensifies in the narrow area along with being higher than ground level. Instead, remain in your vehicle or tuck into a ditch or ravine for protection and to avoid flying debris.

Hurricane Travel Safety Tips

Thankfully, modern weather forecasting technology can predict hurricanes and intense storms well in advance. Peak hurricane season is usually in the fall, although a heightened risk exists from June 1 to November 30 on the Atlantic coast and between June 15 and November 30 for the eastern Pacific.

During a hurricane or tropical storm, remain on high ground or in an upper-floor room without windows. If outside, avoid standing under or near trees, as branches and debris will inevitably fall.

When driving, turn around on flooded roads as the depth can be deeper than anticipated. It’s also advisable to only drive during daylight for optimal visibility.

You may also familiarize yourself with your hotel or resort’s storm policy and evacuation procedures.

Blizzard Travel Safety Tips

Winter storms and blizzards can also pose a risk to experienced travelers. If driving, slow down and consider getting a hotel room if the driving becomes too hazardous until the plows clear the roads and weather conditions improve.

If stuck on the road, the National Weather Service suggests only running the vehicle for 10 minutes per hour and opening a car window to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. It also recommends keeping an interior dome light on or marking your vehicle with a bright cloth for first responders to easily spot it and come to assistance.

Final Thoughts

Even with today's advanced warning systems, severe weather can strike when you least expect it. Preparing for different travel situations can avert disaster, as you may be able to stop and let the storm pass before resuming. Utilizing life-saving apps and carrying essential supplies are well worth the investment if the unexpected happens.

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Memorial Day weekend 2024 travel will be busiest at these times: How to avoid traffic jams

If you’re traveling for Memorial Day weekend , be prepared to run into some crowds. The next holiday weekend – taking place May 25 to 27 – is slated to see a record-breaking number of travelers, according to AAA. 

A projected 43.8 million Americans are expected to pack their bags for trips over 50 miles or more over the holiday weekend – a 4% increase from last year and close to 2005’s previous record of 44 million. 

“We haven’t seen Memorial Day weekend travel numbers like these in almost 20 years,” said Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of AAA Travel, in a press release. “We’re projecting an additional one million travelers this holiday weekend compared to 2019, which not only means we’re exceeding pre-pandemic levels but also signals a very busy summer travel season ahead.”

Both roads and airports will be extremely busy, with a historic number of roadtrippers since AAA began tracking data in 2000. That’s 38.4 million drivers, up 4% from last year. 

A predicted 3.51 million airline passengers are expected to hit the skies over the holiday weekend, a 4.8% increase from 2023. This will make for the most crowded Memorial Day weekend at airports since 2005, AAA said. 

Learn more: Best travel insurance

Here’s everything you need to know about traffic if you’re hoping for a Memorial Day weekend getaway.

Summer is just around the corner. Here's everything you need to know for your summertime trip.

What are the most popular destinations for Memorial Day weekend travel?

Most popular domestic destinations:

• Las Vegas, 
• Anaheim/Los Angeles

Most popular international destinations:

• Vancouver, Canada

What are the best times to drive for Memorial Day weekend? 

To avoid the worst traffic, drivers leaving for their long weekend trip on Thursday, May 23, and Friday, May 24, should hit the road before 11 a.m. or after 7 p.m. Thursday and 8 p.m. Friday. 

Travelers driving on Saturday, May 25, who leave before 1 p.m. and after 6 p.m., will be able to avoid the worst traffic jams. On Sunday, drivers should head out before 1 p.m. to avoid the worst congestion. 

Travelers returning home on Monday, May 27, should embark after 7 p.m. if they want to dodge peak traffic. 

What are the worst times to drive by car for Memorial Day weekend?

Travelers should expect the worst traffic on Thursday between noon and 6 p.m. 

Friday between noon and 7 p.m. since they’ll encounter commuter congestion as well. 

Over the weekend, peak traffic is anticipated to be between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday and between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Sunday. 

On Memorial Day, drivers heading back home can expect peak traffic between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., aka peak rush hour time.

Peak congestion times in major US cities

Travelers who are going through major metropolitan areas should unfortunately expect travel times to be up to 90% longer than usual, according to Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX. “Travelers should stay up to date on traffic apps, 511 services, and local news stations to avoid sitting in traffic longer than necessary,” Pishue said in a statement. 

• Worst route: Atlanta to Savannah via I-16 E
• Worst day: Saturday, May 25
• Worst time: 4:45 p.m. 
• Estimated travel time: 5 hours, 31 minutes
• 54% increased travel time
• Worst route: Manchester to Boston via I-93 S
• Worst day: Sunday, May 26
• Worst time: 8:45 a.m.
• Estimated travel time: 1 hour, 48 minutes
• 50% increased travel time 
• Worst route: Milwaukee to Chicago via I-94 E 
• Worst time: 4:30 p.m.
• Estimated travel time: 2 hours, 25 minutes
• 27% increased travel time
• Worst route: Fort Collins to Denver via I-25 
• Worst time: 4:15 p.m.
• Estimated travel time: 1 hour, 24 minutes
• 56% increased travel time

Los Angeles

• Worst route: LA to Bakersfield via I-5 N 
• Worst day: Thursday, May 23
• Worst time: 6:15 p.m.
• Estimated travel time: 2 hours, 45 minutes
• 84% increased travel time
• Worst route: New York to Albany via I-87N 
• Worst time: 11:45 a.m. 
• Estimated travel time: 2 hours, 37 minutes

Philadelphia

• Worst route: Philadelphia to Baltimore/DC 
• Worst day: Friday, May 24
• Worst time: 7:30 a.m.
• 64% increased travel time

San Francisco

• Worst route:  San Francisco to Napa via I-80 E
• Worst time: 11 a.m.
• Estimated travel time: 1 hour, 34 minutes

Washington, D.C.

• Worst route: Washington, DC to Baltimore via Balt/Wash Pkwy N 
• Worst time: 2:15 p.m.
• Estimated travel time: 1 hour, 21 minutes
• 72% increased travel time

Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at [email protected] .

I've stayed in Airbnbs around the world by myself. My top tip for solo travelers is to book for 2 people — even if it costs more.

• I'm a frequent solo traveler who prefers to stay in Airbnbs over hotels. 
• When I book an Airbnb for a solo trip, I say it's for two people, so hosts don't know I'm alone. 
• Sometimes booking for two costs extra, but I'm willing to pay it because it makes me feel safer. 

Cozy cabins , unique tiny homes , luxury apartments — I've booked them all through Airbnb. 

As a travel reporter, I've stayed in accommodations around the world, from the US and Canada to Western Europe. I prefer staying in Airbnbs over hotels because they often bring me more unique experiences, such as sleeping in a treehouse in Canada and a livable barrel in Switzerland.

Usually, I travel solo . I've taken overnight trains in the US and Europe, spent seven nights on one of the world's largest cruise ships sailing the Caribbean Sea, and traveled by rail to Niagara Falls, Montréal, and Quebec City . On these trips, I explored new cities and unique accommodations — all by myself.

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Now that I'm a seasoned solo traveler , I have a lot of practices in place to ensure I feel as safe as possible when I'm traveling alone — especially in other countries.

When it comes to staying in Airbnbs solo, my best tip is to book accommodation for two people

When I make the reservation, I simply change the number of guests from one to two. Then, In my message to the host, I always say that I may have a friend joining me for my trip.

This way, my host doesn't think I'm traveling all by myself. Creating the illusion that I have someone else with me makes me feel more comfortable falling asleep at night in a stranger's place.

Booking for two sometimes comes with an additional fee, depending on the Airbnb.

For example, when I traveled to Rome and booked two nights in a livable art sculpture Airbnb , the price was $102 a night for one person and $145 a night for two people. In this case, my partner did end up joining me for the stay. But even if he hadn't, I would have been fine paying the additional fee to feel more secure about staying there alone. 

Solo travel can be daunting, especially when you're booking accommodation with an individual rather than directly through a company like you would at a hotel.

But after all my unique Airbnb experiences, I think it's worth booking them even when I'm alone. And booking for two makes me feel a little safer.  

Axel Springer, Insider Inc.'s parent company, is an investor in Airbnb.

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Memorial Day road trip ahead. Here are the best and worst times to go in Florida, the Southeast

Memorial Day is rapidly approaching, which means millions will be hitting the roadways or skies for a quick weekend getaway.

AAA projects 43.8 million travelers will head 50 miles or more from home over the Memorial Day holiday travel period. This is a 4% increase over last year, with experts noting this comes close to matching 2005’s record of 44 million Memorial Day travelers. 

“We haven’t seen Memorial Day weekend travel numbers like these in almost 20 years,” Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of AAA Travel, said. “We’re projecting an additional one million travelers this holiday weekend compared to 2019, which not only means we’re exceeding pre-pandemic levels but also signals a very busy summer travel season ahead.”  

When is Memorial Day 2024? When is Memorial Day weekend 2024?

Memorial Day is always observed on the last Monday of May, with this year's being on Monday, May 27. Memorial Day weekend starts on Friday, May 24, and lasts through the holiday until Monday.

Why we celebrate: What to know about federal holiday, what’s open in Florida

Which will be more congested for Memorial Day travel — roadways or airports?

According to AAA, road trips are expected to set a record with 38.4 million people projected to travel by car over Memorial Day weekend. Drivers can expect similar gas prices as last year when the national average was roughly $3.57.

Renting a car for your road trip? Florida-based rental company  Hertz  says Orlando, Denver, Atlanta, Boston and Las Vegas are the cities displaying the highest rental demand, with the busiest pick-up days projected to be Thursday, May 23 and Friday, May 24. 

But airports are also bracing for a large surge of travelers next weekend.

Is Memorial Day a busy airport day?

AAA expects 3.51 million air travelers this holiday weekend, an increase of 4.8% over last year and 9% jump compared to 2019.

"This will be the most crowded Memorial Day weekend at airports since 2005, when 3.64 million flew for the holiday as the travel industry finally rebounded post 9/11," AAA said in its press release.

As for other modes of transportation, AAA predicts nearly two million people are expected to travel by buses, cruises, and train.

“This category took the biggest hit during the pandemic with fewer people taking public transportation or not cruising at all,” Twidale said. “Now – five years later – we’re back to 2019 numbers. Travel demand has been soaring, and long holiday weekends create the perfect windows for getaways.” 

When are the best and worst times to travel on Memorial Day?

For those planning a road trip for the holiday weekend, transportation data and insights provider INRIX offers the best times to get on the road.

Experts advise drivers leaving Thursday or Friday should hit the road early to avoid mixing with commuters. Travelers going back home on Sunday or Monday should avoid the afternoon hours when return trips will peak.  

“Travel times are expected to be up to 90% longer than normal. Travelers should stay up to date on traffic apps, 511 services, and local news stations to avoid sitting in traffic longer than necessary,” Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX, said.

What are the busiest travel days around Memorial Day?

Thursday, may 23.

• Best times: Before 11 a.m., After 7 p.m.
• Worst Times: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Friday, May 24

• Best times: Before 11 a.m., After 8 p.m.
• Worst Times: 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Saturday, May 25

• Best times: Before 11 a.m., After 6 p.m.
• Worst Times: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Sunday, May 26

• Best times: Before 1 p.m.
• Worst Times: 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Monday, May 27

• Best times: After 7 p.m.

Floridians beware: Other states are heading to Florida to vacation

Whether Florida residents plan on traveling or relaxing at home all weekend, they might want to be aware of the thousands of others joining them.

AAA compiled a list of the top domestic travel destinations for Memorial Day weekend, with three Florida cities making the list:

• Orlando, Florida
• Seattle, Washington
• New York City, New York
• Las Vegas, Nevada
• Anaheim/Los Angeles, California
• Denver, Colorado
• Anchorage, Alaska
• Fort Lauderdale, Florida
• Miami, Florida
• Boston, Massachusetts

"This Memorial Day weekend, travelers are seeking theme parks and entertainment venues in Orlando, New York, Las Vegas, and Southern California. Seattle, Anchorage, and Vancouver rank high because of the popularity of Alaska cruises this time of year. Florida beaches and cruise ports will also be packed," AAA writes.

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YOUR GUIDE TO UNIQUE WINE EXPERIENCES FROM POPULAR NAPA VALLEY TO OUTDOORSY PALISADE COLORADO

By erica lamberg | may 15, 2024 | 4 min read.

Luxury travel includes the best of the best, and AAA Members receive exclusive savings and amenities. Learn More

PURSUE YOUR FAVORITE WINE VARIETIES Whether you favor reds, blends, white wines, or sparkling, pick a wine region that can offer you variety so you get the most bang for your buck. California Wine Country—especially Downtown Napa—offers varying price points, selections, and wine experts to guide your experience. “Downtown Napa is the home of more than 50 tasting rooms featuring more than 100 labels and nearly every varietal you can dream of,” said Bob Magnani, general manager at Bazan Cellars in Downtown Napa, California. As interesting as this sounds, it may also feel a bit overwhelming, which begs the question: where do you start?    Create a game plan before arriving. “Have an idea of what you want to experience,” Magnani said. For example, he suggested considering if you want to explore a variety of different Cabernet Sauvignon that Napa Valley is most known for, or are you looking for specific white varietals like Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, or Chenin Blanc? Use web resources of both the local visitor bureau and winemakers or vineyard’s websites to learn more.

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The Ultimate Guide To Traveling From Sacramento To San Francisco Airport

• Last updated May 18, 2024
• Difficulty Intemediate

• Category Travel

Are you ready to embark on an exciting journey from Sacramento to San Francisco Airport? Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-timer, this ultimate guide has got you covered. From transportation options to must-visit attractions along the way, we'll help you make the most of your trip. So grab your passport, pack your bags, and get ready to experience the adventure of a lifetime as we navigate the route from Sacramento to San Francisco Airport.

What You'll Learn

Transportation options from sacramento to san francisco airport, best routes for traveling from sacramento to san francisco airport, public transportation guide for getting to san francisco airport from sacramento, tips for a hassle-free journey from sacramento to san francisco airport.

If you are traveling from Sacramento to San Francisco Airport, there are several transportation options available to you. Whether you prefer a direct route or a more budget-friendly option, you can choose the one that best suits your needs. Here are some of the transportation options you can consider:

• Driving: Driving from Sacramento to San Francisco Airport is a convenient option if you have your own vehicle or are willing to rent one. The distance between the two cities is about 90 miles, and the journey takes around 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic. You can take the I-80 W or the I-5 S followed by CA-120 W and I-580 W to reach the airport. However, keep in mind that parking at the airport can be expensive, so you might want to explore other parking options nearby.
• Shuttle Service: Several shuttle services operate between Sacramento and San Francisco Airport. These services offer shared rides with fixed schedules. The journey time can vary depending on the number of stops and traffic conditions. Some popular shuttle services include SuperShuttle, Airport Express, and Pacific Airporter. These shuttles usually have ample space for luggage and provide a comfortable ride for passengers.
• Public Transportation: Taking public transportation is a budget-friendly option for traveling from Sacramento to San Francisco Airport. You can start by taking a Sacramento Regional Transit District (RT) bus or light rail service to downtown Sacramento. From there, you can catch an Amtrak train to the Richmond station. At Richmond, transfer to a Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) train heading towards the airport. BART provides direct service to San Francisco Airport and is a convenient and economical option.
• Private Car Service: If you prefer a more luxurious and private mode of transportation, you can hire a car service to take you from Sacramento to San Francisco Airport. Many limousine and private car companies offer airport transfer services. These options can be more expensive than shuttle services or public transportation, but they provide a more comfortable and personalized experience.
• Ride-Sharing Services: Another popular option for traveling to San Francisco Airport from Sacramento is using ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft. These services offer door-to-door transportation and can be more cost-effective than traditional taxis. Simply request a ride through the app, and a driver will pick you up from your location and drop you off at the airport.

When planning your trip from Sacramento to San Francisco Airport, it's important to consider factors such as cost, convenience, and travel time. Depending on your preferences and circumstances, you can choose the transportation option that works best for you.

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If you're planning a trip from Sacramento to San Francisco and need to get to the airport, there are several transportation options available to you. Whether you prefer driving, taking public transportation, or hiring a private shuttle, here are the best routes for traveling from Sacramento to San Francisco airport.

• Take I-80 West towards San Francisco.
• Continue on I-80 until you reach the Bay Bridge.
• Cross the Bay Bridge and merge onto I-580 West.
• Continue on I-580 West until you reach I-880 South.
• Take I-880 South towards San Jose.
• Merge onto CA-92 West and follow signs for the San Mateo Bridge.
• Cross the San Mateo Bridge and take the exit for US-101 North towards San Francisco International Airport.
• Follow signs for the airport terminals.

Public Transportation (BART):

• Start by taking a bus or driving to the nearest BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) station in Sacramento.
• Take the BART train towards San Francisco.
• Get off at the Colma station and transfer to the SamTrans bus line 292.
• Take the bus to the San Francisco airport.
• Alternatively, you can take BART all the way to the Millbrae station and transfer to the free AirTrain to the airport terminals.

Private Shuttle:

• Consider hiring a private shuttle service to take you directly from Sacramento to San Francisco airport.
• Search online for reputable shuttle companies that offer this service.
• Make a reservation in advance to ensure availability.
• Provide the company with your flight details, so they can time your pickup accordingly.
• Relax and enjoy the convenience of being driven directly to the airport without the hassle of driving or navigating public transportation.

Regardless of the transportation option you choose, it's important to plan ahead, especially considering traffic conditions and any potential delays. Leave plenty of time to arrive at the airport, especially if you have a flight to catch. By following these best routes for traveling from Sacramento to San Francisco airport, you'll be well-prepared for a smooth and stress-free journey.

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Traveling from Sacramento to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) can be a daunting task, especially if you don't have a car. However, with the right information, it's entirely possible to navigate this journey using public transportation. This guide will walk you through the various options available, ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey.

Start at Sacramento Valley Station:

The first step is to make your way to Sacramento Valley Station, located at 401 I Street in downtown Sacramento. This station serves as a hub for various transportation options, including buses and trains.

Take the Capitol Corridor Train:

The Capitol Corridor Train is an excellent option for traveling from Sacramento to San Francisco. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and offers scenic views along the way. Ensure you check the train schedule in advance to plan your trip accordingly.

Get off at Richmond Station:

Once you board the Capitol Corridor Train, sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey. After approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, you will reach Richmond Station. This is where you'll need to disembark.

Transfer to BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit):

From Richmond Station, you will need to transfer to the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system. Follow the signs within the station to locate the BART platform. BART operates frequent trains that will take you directly to San Francisco International Airport.

Take BART to San Francisco International Airport:

Board the BART train heading towards San Francisco International Airport. The journey from Richmond Station to the airport takes approximately 1 hour. Make sure to check the BART schedule to plan your trip accordingly and to account for any potential delays.

Arriving at San Francisco International Airport:

Once you arrive at San Francisco International Airport, follow the signs for the terminals or any specific location you need to reach. The airport is well-marked, making it easy to navigate. If you're unsure, don't hesitate to ask airport staff for assistance.

Tips and Considerations:

• Plan your trip and check the schedules in advance to avoid any surprises or delays.
• Consider purchasing tickets in advance or using mobile apps for seamless ticketing and boarding.
• Be mindful of rush hour traffic and plan your journey accordingly, especially if you have a flight to catch.
• Take note of the luggage restrictions and guidelines for both the Capitol Corridor Train and BART to ensure a smooth journey.

In conclusion, traveling from Sacramento to San Francisco International Airport using public transportation is feasible and convenient. With the right information and proper planning, you can navigate the journey seamlessly, avoiding the stress and cost of driving yourself or booking a private shuttle. Enjoy the ride and have a great trip!

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Are you planning a trip from Sacramento to San Francisco and need to catch a flight at San Francisco International Airport? Don't worry, we've got you covered! Traveling between these two cities can be a bit overwhelming, but with some careful planning, your journey can be hassle-free. Here are some tips to help you navigate the process and arrive at the airport on time.

Choose the Right Transportation Option:

There are several transportation options available for traveling from Sacramento to San Francisco airport. The most convenient and hassle-free options include using a shuttle service, booking a ride with a ridesharing company, or renting a car. Choose the option that best suits your needs and budget.

Book in Advance:

To ensure a stress-free journey, it's advisable to make your transportation arrangements in advance. This will give you peace of mind knowing that you have a confirmed reservation and won't have to worry about last-minute hiccups. Whether you're booking a shuttle service or a rideshare, make sure to do it well ahead of your travel date.

Check Traffic Conditions:

Sacramento and San Francisco are connected by Interstate 80, which can sometimes experience heavy traffic, especially during peak hours. To avoid any delays, it's important to check the traffic conditions before you start your journey. Use real-time traffic apps or websites to get updates on traffic congestion, accidents, or road closures. Plan your travel accordingly to avoid rush hours and potential delays.

Allow Extra Time:

It's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to catching a flight. Allow extra time for your journey, especially if you're traveling during busy periods. San Francisco International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the United States, so be prepared for potential delays at security checkpoints or long lines at check-in counters. Arriving early will give you ample time to check in, pass through security, and reach your boarding gate without rushing.

Pack Light:

If possible, try to pack light and bring only the essentials for your trip. This will not only save you time and money on baggage fees but also make it easier for you to navigate through the airport. If you're traveling with multiple bags, consider using a luggage cart or a luggage carrier for easier transport.

Keep Your Travel Documents Handy:

Make sure to keep all your travel documents, such as your ID, passport, flight itinerary, and boarding pass, easily accessible during your journey. Having these documents readily available will save you time and ensure a smooth check-in process at the airport.

Stay Updated:

Before leaving for the airport, check for any updates or changes to your flight schedule. Airlines occasionally make last-minute changes or cancellations, and it's best to be aware of any updates to avoid unnecessary stress or surprises. Use the airline's website or mobile app to stay updated on your flight status.

By following these tips, your journey from Sacramento to San Francisco airport should be a breeze. Remember to plan ahead, allow extra time, and stay organized throughout your journey. Safe travels!

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Frequently asked questions.

The travel time from Sacramento to San Francisco Airport can vary depending on the mode of transportation. By car, it typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. By train, it takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. Flights from Sacramento to San Francisco Airport usually have a flight time of about 1 hour.

The transportation options for traveling from Sacramento to San Francisco Airport include driving, taking a train, or flying. You can drive your own car or rent a car, take an Amtrak train, or book a flight from Sacramento International Airport to San Francisco International Airport.

The cost of traveling from Sacramento to San Francisco Airport varies depending on the mode of transportation chosen. Driving can cost around $20 to $30 for gas and tolls. Taking an Amtrak train can cost about $30 to $40 for a one-way ticket. Flights from Sacramento to San Francisco Airport can range from around $100 to $300 or more, depending on the airline and time of booking.

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AAA Newsroom

Automotive, Travel, and Traffic Safety Information

Nearly 44 Million Travelers Leaving Town for Unofficial Start of Summer

Second highest memorial day holiday travel forecast since aaa began tracking in 2000.

WASHINGTON, DC (May 13, 2024) – AAA projects 43.8 million travelers will head 50 miles or more from home over the Memorial Day holiday travel period*. This year’s total number of travelers is a 4% increase over last year and comes close to matching 2005’s record of 44 million Memorial Day travelers.  

“We haven’t seen Memorial Day weekend travel numbers like these in almost 20 years,” said Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of AAA Travel. “We’re projecting an additional one million travelers this holiday weekend compared to 2019, which not only means we’re exceeding pre-pandemic levels but also signals a very busy summer travel season ahead.”   

Road trips are expected to set a record. AAA projects 38.4 million people will travel by car over Memorial Day weekend, the highest number for that holiday since AAA began tracking in 2000. The number of drivers this year is up 4% compared to last year and 1.9% higher than in 2019. Traveling by car is appealing for many people because of the convenience and flexibility it provides. AAA car rental partner Hertz says Orlando, Denver, Atlanta, Boston and Las Vegas are the cities displaying the highest rental demand , with the busiest pick-up days projected to be Thursday, May 23 and Friday, May 24.  

This Memorial Day weekend drivers can expect similar gas prices as last year when the national average was roughly $3.57.  Pump prices rose this spring but have held somewhat steady in recent weeks. Prices may creep higher as the summer driving season gets underway. The wildcard remains the cost of oil, and unlike last year, there are now two wars – in the Middle East and Ukraine – that could roil the oil market.  

Airports are bracing for a spike in travelers. AAA expects 3.51 million air travelers this holiday weekend, an increase of 4.8% over last year and 9% jump compared to 2019. This will be the most crowded Memorial Day weekend at airports since 2005, when 3.64 million flew for the holiday as the travel industry finally rebounded post 9/11. This Memorial Day weekend, air ticket prices are comparable to last year. AAA booking data shows a 1% to 2% increase in prices for domestic flights. Several factors play into how much travelers pay for airfare, including destination, number of stops, and fare class. For example, passengers who book nonstop flights with seat selection and carry-on bags included will likely pay more than those who select basic economy with a layover.  

  Nearly two million people are expected to travel by other modes of transportation, including buses, cruises, and trains. AAA projects 1.9 million people will take these other modes of transportation, an increase of 5.6% compared to last year. “This category took the biggest hit during the pandemic with fewer people taking public transportation or not cruising at all,” Twidale said. “Now – five years later – we’re back to 2019 numbers. Travel demand has been soaring, and long holiday weekends create the perfect windows for getaways.”  

Best/Worst Times to Drive and Peak Congestion by Metro 

INRIX , a provider of transportation data and insights, says drivers leaving Thursday or Friday should hit the road early to avoid mixing with commuters. Travelers going back home on Sunday or Monday should avoid the afternoon hours when return trips will peak.   

“Travel times are expected to be up to 90% longer than normal. Travelers should stay up to date on traffic apps, 511 services, and local news stations to avoid sitting in traffic longer than necessary,” said Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX.  

Please note that the times listed below are for the time zone in which the metro is located.   

For example, Atlanta routes = ET and Los Angeles routes = PT

Source: INRIX   

Source: INRIX  

Top Destinations 

This Memorial Day weekend, travelers are seeking theme parks and entertainment venues in Orlando, New York, Las Vegas, and Southern California. Seattle, Anchorage, and Vancouver rank high because of the popularity of Alaska cruises this time of year. Florida beaches and cruise ports will also be packed. European cities dominate the international list. The top 10 domestic and international destinations below are based on AAA booking data.  

Travel Trends   

As travelers make plans for summer and beyond, AAA Travel has identified the following trends:  

• Bucket Lists : Travelers taking once-in-a-lifetime trips  
• Milestones : Families booking anniversary, retirement, and family reunion trips  
• Asia : More travelers interested in visiting Asia, especially Japan   
• Solo Trips : More people, especially women, interested in traveling by themselves  
• Luxury Vacations : More travelers seeking high-end cruises and tours  
• Trains : Many travelers interested in rail vacations across New England, Canada, and Europe  
• Adventure in Nature : Travelers booking trips to Antarctica, Africa, and South Pacific  

  Travel Agent Survey  

A recent survey of AAA travel agents highlights topics travelers are frequently discussing when booking trips:  

• Travel Insurance : 51 % of agents say more travelers are interested in protecting their trips  
• 77% of agents say ocean cruises  
• 70% of agents say all-inclusive vacations  
• 67% of agents say river cruises  

Holiday Travel Forecast Methodology   

In cooperation with AAA, S&P Global Market Intelligence (SPGMI) developed a unique methodology to forecast actual domestic travel volumes. The economic variables used to forecast travel for the current holiday are leveraged from SPGMI’s proprietary databases. These data include macroeconomic drivers such as employment, output, household net worth, asset prices, including stock indices, interest rates, housing market indicators, and variables related to travel and tourism, including gasoline prices, airline travel, and hotel stays. AAA and SPGMI have quantified holiday travel volumes going back to 2000.   

Historical travel volume estimates come from DK SHIFFLET’s TRAVEL PERFORMANCE/Monitor SM . The PERFORMANCE/Monitor SM is a comprehensive study measuring the travel behavior of U.S. residents. DK SHIFFLET contacts over 50,000 U.S. households each month to obtain detailed travel data, resulting in the unique ability to estimate visitor volume and spending, identify trends, and forecast U.S. travel behavior, all after the trips have been taken.  

The travel forecast is reported in person-trips. In particular, AAA and SPGMI forecast the total U.S. holiday travel volume and expected mode of transportation. The travel forecast presented in this report was prepared the week of April 15, 2024.   

*Memorial Day Holiday Travel Period   

For this forecast, the Memorial Day holiday travel period is defined as the five-day period from Thursday, May 23 to Monday, May 27, 2024.   

AAA Travel Agent Survey Methodology 

AAA clubs distributed surveys to a random sample of their travel agents between March 18 and March 29, 2024 to understand recent traveler trends over the past 60 days. 186 AAA agent responses were collected from 13 AAA clubs (representing 97% of AAA membership overall as of February 2024).  

About AAA    

Started in 1902 by automotive enthusiasts who wanted to chart a path for better roads in America and advocate for safe mobility, AAA has transformed into one of North America’s largest membership organizations. Today, AAA provides roadside assistance, travel, discounts, financial and insurance services to enhance the life journey of 64 million members across North America, including 57 million in the United States. To learn more about all AAA has to offer or to become a member, visit AAA.com.   

About S&P Global   S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI) provides essential intelligence. We enable governments, businesses, and individuals with the right data, expertise, and connected technology so that they can make decisions with conviction. From helping our customers assess new investments to guiding them through ESG and energy transition across supply chains, we unlock new opportunities, solve challenges, and accelerate progress for the world. We are widely sought after by many of the world’s leading organizations to provide credit ratings, benchmarks, analytics, and workflow solutions in the global capital, commodity, and automotive markets. With every one of our offerings, we help the world’s leading organizations plan for tomorrow today. For more information, visit  www.spglobal.com .   

About DKSA    

DK SHIFFLET boasts the industry’s most complete database on U.S. resident travel both in the U.S. and worldwide. Data is collected monthly from a U.S. representative sample, adding over 60,000 traveling households annually, and is used daily by leading travel organizations and their strategic planning groups. DK SHIFFLET is an MMGY Global company.   

About INRIX     

Founded in 2004, INRIX pioneered intelligent mobility solutions by transforming big data from connected devices and vehicles into mobility insights. This revolutionary approach enabled INRIX to become one of the leading providers of data and analytics into how people move. By empowering cities, businesses, and people with valuable insights, INRIX is helping to make the world smarter, safer, and greener. With partners and solutions spanning across the entire mobility ecosystem, INRIX is uniquely positioned at the intersection of technology and transportation – whether it’s keeping road users safe, improving traffic signal timing to reduce delay and greenhouse gasses, optimizing last mile delivery, or helping uncover market insights. Learn more at INRIX.com.