You’re young, you’re wild, you want to see the world – you decided to travel. This is the time when you should find yourself (a cheesy, but utterly true statement). Whether you’re travelling alone, or with a friend, whether you’re doing it through an agency, backpacking and couch surfing, or you’re part of an exchange program, it doesn’t matter that much. You know what you like, and what is within your means, and you should act and travel accordingly. Prepare to expose yourself to new people, to amazing cultures and foods, but, to danger as well. We’re not trying to scare you, we merely want to draw your attention to the simple fact that travelling can be dangerous, especially for a young person. You need to learn how to stay safe. For this reason, we have drawn up some advice on how you can protect yourself when travelling all around the world.

Prepare properly

Remember to carry some extra cash, both on your person, and in your bank account. This is your emergency money, and it should not be touched at any moment. If it’s burning a hole in your pocket just remember you can splurge once you come back home.

Carry the proper clothing, check the weather reports. Have an extra everything, unless you’re hitchhiking or cycling through Europe, travelling light is pretty much overrated.

Think about how you travel. Whether you’re hopping trains in Singapore, taking the bus in Germany, or renting a car in Australia, you need to prepare properly. Get the right supplies, like lots of water and some granola bars. Research proper train riding etiquette when you’re in Asia, inform yourself on the complex bus and metro routes in Berlin, get proper insurance when you’re driving a rental in Sydney.

You should also have a contact sheet on your phone and in writing somewhere on your person. A list of good clinics when you’re travelling around in China can help you get out of a tight spot. If you have frequent dental issues, memorize the address and numbers of dentists in Munich. Have an attorneys phone number save if you suffer an injury in a car accident in Brisbane… You get our point. Prepare, and prepare properly for the place you’re going to.

Do your homework

Read up on the place you’re planning to visit. How you behave, dress, and speak in Australia should be quite different when compared to how you are to act in the Middle East. Is there any unrest in the area? Are there parts of the city you’re visiting that should be avoided at all costs? Where is it safe to go at night, where not?

On a lighter note, research the customs and the language of your destination. The last thing you need is to insult a host or end up in an awkward situation because of a cultural faux pas you were not aware of. Learning the language will help you navigate the area better, and may even get you a friend or two.

Be mindful of your most important belongings

The three most important things you carry with you are as follows: you’re emergency money, your passport, and your return ticket. You can tack on a phone onto that list if you have a good data plan. These should be kept safe at all times when you’re travelling. A good idea is to at the very least get photocopies of your documents, your passport, your ID, your student ID, and your health insurance.

Never carry your wallet or basically anything of value in your back pocket. If you carry a handbag, use one that has a zipper. Your backpack should have small locks and, if possible, slash-protective padding. A good idea is to have your emergency money in two places – your wallet and, for example, your shoe or phone case. This means that if somebody robs you (try to stay cool), you will at least have some money left.

There is safety in numbers

A pretty sure-fire way to stay safe is to understand that there is safety in numbers. First, two heads (or more) are smarter than one. If you face any issues, you can figure out a bit more easily with a buddy. Furthermore, using the buddy system, you decrease the chances of either of you getting lost.

Another important point to make is that it’s less likely someone will want to rob or attack you. IN case you run into any trouble, you one person from the group can run out to get the cops, while another can call an ambulance.

Conclusion

Travelling abroad can be one of the most fulfilling experiences in your life. The people you meet, the things you see, the challenges you face – all this can make you a more complete person. As long as you stay safe on your travels, do your research, keep your valuables safe, you will defiantly be ok and be able to have the time of your life.