Holidays are the best time of the year; something we look forward to for weeks and even months. The last thing you want to do is worry about whether or not you're safe at the destination you're going to. The truth is that it doesn't matter where in the world you are. Whether you are at home or on the other side of the world. Risk is everywhere. But here's some tips on how to stay safe on vacation.
Cash – Never carry large amounts of cash with you during your vacation. Just take what you need and put the rest in a safe in the hotel. Or use your debit card (if possible) or a credit card.
Bags – Make sure you have a safe handbag with you and keep it close to you at all times. Don't put a wallet in your pocket to make it easy for pickpockets.
Drink alcohol – We all go on vacation to have a good time, but always be alert when you drink. Keep an eye on your drink and never leave it unattended. Also, don't drink too much as this can make you an easy target for theft.
Taxis – Always make sure you take a licensed taxi. A good tip is to set a price before you go to avoid getting ripped off. If the taxi has a meter, make sure the driver has it working.
Do not leave windows and doors open – in hot weather it can be very tempting to leave a window or door open to keep your hotel room cool while you are away. Bad idea, especially if your room is on the ground floor. Turn on the AC or fan once you get back or request a room on a higher floor for a little extra security if you need to.
Do not show assets – Be smart when you flash your brand new camera and surprise people with your latest gadgets. Of course you don't hide them either, but possibly upload your photos at the end of each day, just in case.
Use common sense – chances are you won't run into any problems during your vacation, but always use common sense. If a certain situation doesn't feel or isn't right, walk away and avoid it. It's probably the best thing to do.
Travel insurance – And to cover all reasons, make sure you never leave the country without getting proper travel insurance. You never know what might happen, so it's not worth the risk. Travel with added peace of mind knowing you're covered should an unfortunate situation arise.
But the most important? Lots of fun! If you follow these simple steps above, you won't have to worry about your vacation. Make the most of your free time and enjoy a fantastic holiday.
