The trip was a dream trip…until it wasn’t. Getting pickpocketed, breaking a limb, making an accidental turn down the wrong street, it happens! About 20% of vacationers will get sick or suffer injury on vacation. And the number that are victims of theft is definitely higher but a little harder to track. More than ever, people are thinking about how to stay safe when traveling internationally. I still remember the birthday trip to Florence Italy where a quick bite in a local restaurant on day one turned into the unimaginable; food poisoning. All the amazing dining plans for the weekend were out the window. I’ve never hated the smell of food so much in my life.
Here’s the good news, most trips are safe as long as you are prepared and informed. The #1 mistake most new travelers make that puts them at risk happens before they even board the plane. You’ll find out in the section on Before you Leave Home at least one easy fix that could save you a major headache overseas.
It happened to me and I’m determined not to let it ever happen again. In this post I’ll share the top 10 things you need to do to ensure you stay safe when traveling internationally.
How to Stay Safe When You Travel Abroad
It’s exciting and scary to travel out of the country for the first time. Going to a place where the customs are different, the food is different and you don’t even speak the language is enough to put anyone into pure panic mode. Most of the mishaps that impact travelers are completely avoidable. Whether you’re traveling solo or with friends, here are the safety essentials every first-time international traveler should know.
Before you Leave Home
An international adventure is exciting but most people miss these important steps at the onset of the trip. Safety starts before you even board the plane and it’s more than simply telling your loved ones where you are going to be.
Make Digital and Paper Copies of All Important Documents
The first thing you want to do is scan your passport, visa, travel insurance, and any other important documents that you’ll be traveling with and store them securely in the cloud.
Don’t simply take a photo and leave it unsecured. Learn how to make them hidden files or require an additional layer of security to access.
Additionally, you want to keep a printed copy of your passport and share a copy with a trusted family member or friend. Store key emergency contacts in both your phone and wallet. I’m sharing my story in the post below.
Do Your Research Before You Go
Once you know where you are going, look up crime reports and travel advisories for your destination. You can check travel.state.gov for the most reliable and latest details for a particular destination.
Understand cultural norms, laws, and etiquette especially around dress, alcohol, and public behavior. Something seemingly innocent like chewing gum or spitting in public in Singapore can lead to serious fines. Inappropriate attire in some places can bring unwanted attention.
Finally, learn about common tourists scams in that country so you can be on the lookout for people trying to take advantage of you. Check out my blog on How to Avoid Tourist Scams to get started.
Choose Accommodations That Prioritize Safety
Where you stay is one of the most important things you can do for your safety. Research safe neighborhoods and areas to avoid before booking your stay. Read reviews carefully for keywords like “safe area,” “security,” “well-lit entrance.”
Opt for well-reviewed hotels or Airbnbs in central, populated areas. Avoid staying in isolated neighborhoods, even if it’s cheaper. Look for properties with 24-hour front desk staff or security personnel.
If it’s a shared space (hostel or guesthouse), bring a portable door lock or doorstop alarm for added peace of mind.
Avoid Packing Flashy Jewelry and High-End Items
This one might be controversial but I travel with minimal jewelry and my handbag is pretty nondescript. When packing I prioritize comfort and leave heavily labeled designer items at home.
Even your luggage can make you a target. That Louis Vuitton suitcase coming down the conveyor belt immediately marks you for nefarious operators. You can look amazing without the fancy labels that make you stand out.
Some folks even choose to wear a decoy wedding ring or simple band to deter unwanted attention (especially for solo female travelers).
Register with the Embassy or Consulate
This step is often overlooked and is the easiest thing to do. The U.S. STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) is the best way to ensure government officials can support you in case of an emergency abroad. Think of natural disasters like a hurricane or earthquake where communications are limited. It’s even helpful to ensure you are notified when there is political unrest.
Registering makes it easier to receive alerts and helps officials to locate you quickly. This simple step can be the difference between life and death. They can even help you if your passport is lost or stolen.
Once You Arrive
Once you’ve arrived in your destination, you should be on high alert. It’s easy to allow travel fatigue and an unfamiliar location take you off your game. I get it. But this is when you need to be most aware. There are a lot of bad actors operating in and around airports. The nice person looking suspiciously like an authorized taxi service could be looking to rob or kidnap you. Here are a few things to look for once you arrive in your destination.
Use Safe, Reliable Transportation
I had an incredibly close call the first time I visited Mexico City for work. I didn’t trust my gut and ended up getting into an unauthorized taxi that took us to an ATM (likely to rob us). Lucky for me, we were able to get out of the situation without harm. It has never happened again.
When arriving in an unfamiliar place it’s important that you only use official taxis, rideshare apps like Uber/Bolt/Grab, or reputable transfer services. If a person is offering you a ride, they probably shouldn’t be giving you one.
Always use the safety features on any rideshare services and double check the license plate before you get in the car. If you are traveling alone, always share your location with someone you trust.
Settling in to your Accommodations
Even if you have done your diligence and selected a hotel in a safe area, there are still a few things to put on your radar especially if you are traveling alone.
Avoid ground-floor rooms in hotels if possible, especially if there’s easy access from the street. That ground floor room with direct ocean access might leave you vulnerable. Always request high floors when possible.
You should always remove your key from the card holder that includes your room number. If you lose the key while in the card holder, the person now has access to your hotel address and room number.
Next, get familiar with the neighborhood before you wander. Use Google Maps offline to mark your accommodation and nearby essentials like ATMs, police stations, or hospitals. Take a few minutes to walk around during the day and identify landmarks, transit stops, and safe businesses (cafés, pharmacies, etc.). Ask hotel or Airbnb hosts for local safety tips. They’ll often tell you areas to avoid that don’t appear in guidebooks.
Exploring the City Safely
Once you’ve arrived and completed your early safety checks, it’s time to explore the town. There are a few considerations for exploring safely. Don’t get so caught up in being some place exciting that you leave yourself vulnerable.
Carry Only What You Need When Exploring
It’s quite easy to get comfortable and move around as you would if you’re home. We never believe we will get robbed until it happens. The trick is to recover quickly. And the best way to do that is by preparing in advance with a few safety practices.
Avoid walking long distances alone at night, especially in unfamiliar neighborhoods. And never walk around with your passport. Bring a copy of your passport and leave the original locked in your hotel safe. Have a backup form of ID (state ID or a scanned copy on your phone or cloud) in case you need it.
Carry a credit card or a small amount of cash with you. Never walk around with your full stash of money or all your cards at once. Use a crossbody, anti-theft, or zippered bag and wear it in front, especially in crowded places like markets or transit.
Stay Aware and Minimize Distractions
This one is trickier for me especially since I love to walk for exercise in the morning in a new city. You should limit headphone use while walking. It’s important that you are acutely aware of your surroundings at all times.
Avoid accepting unsolicited help with directions or bags unless it’s from a uniformed employee. It may be an attempt to get closer to pickpocket you.
Of course we love to take photos to capture the beauty of the destination. That said, don’t walk around holding your phone in your hand constantly. It makes you a top target for theft. Don’t let your phone or camera distract you so much that you don’t notice who’s watching you. And be careful of strangers offering to take your photo for you. Handing over an unlocked phone is the equivalent of handing over all of your bank account passwords to a stranger.
And while some of us have never met a stranger, avoid sharing too many details with people you just met. A simple conversation can be an attempt to gather sensitive information that can later be used to take advantage of you. Avoid saying where you’re staying publicly or sharing your itinerary. I use general terms like the name of the neighborhood. If they push, simply say you are not comfortable sharing that level of detail.
It’s pretty common nowadays to share your social media handle with strangers. If this is your style, make sure you turn off geo-tagging on social media posts or post after you’ve left the location. You don’t want strangers showing up unexpectedly or knowing when you are out of your accomodations.
Learn Basic Safety Phrases in the Local Language
Know how to say “Help,” “Police,” “I’m lost,” and “I need a doctor” in the local language. People are more likely to help if they know what you are saying. Download translation apps that work offline, like Google Translate. As a back up carry a small phrase card just in case your phone dies or loses service.
If you need to call for help, you should know the local emergency dialing instructions. 9-1-1 does not work in most countries.
My Perspective
Staying safe while traveling abroad requires a bit of preparations and a whole lot of situational awareness. While we all want to believe the world is a totally safe place to wander, it’s not always the case. A little research goes a long way in helping you avoid common risks. Staying mindful of your surroundings and trusting your instincts is always your best line of defense.
Practical steps like copying documents and choosing secure accommodations can give you peace of mind abroad. Above all stay connected, aware and informed so you can respond quickly in case of an emergency.
Don’t wait until you’re already on the plane to start thinking about safety. Choose one tip from this list and implement it for your next trip whether it’s registering your trip, packing safety gear, or learning key phrases. Subscribe now to get practical travel tips, cultural insights, and first-time traveler hacks delivered weekly
FAQs About Staying Safe When You Travel Abroad
What’s the best way to protect your belongings while sightseeing?
The best way to protect your belongings while sightseeing is to use anti-theft bags, avoid displaying valuables, and stay alert in crowded areas. Wear bags across your body, keep zippers in front, and consider using a money belt or neck pouch.
Do I really need travel insurance for short international trips?
Yes, travel insurance is highly recommended even for short trips abroad. It can cover unexpected medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and more — all of which can be financially and emotionally overwhelming without coverage.
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