9 Travel Safety Tips to Keep in Mind - DirectAsia Insurance

Travelling nowadays has never been easier. With instant online bookings and low-cost airfare, planning a trip has not only gotten more convenient and so much more affordable. However, there are still a lot of risks when it comes to travelling abroad. We are listing down nine tips you should always keep in mind to stay safe while travelling.
 

1. Research Your Destination

Do a bit of research on your travel destination before your trip. Political turmoil, civil unrest, and disease outbreaks are major security concern for tourists. The best place to start your research is at the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) website. They provide regular travel advisories on countries with high risk security or safety issues.
 

2. Prepare Your Itinerary

Create an itinerary for your trip and make sure you share it with people you trust. Include flight numbers, accommodations, and your general daily schedule. This way family and friends can easily locate you. You can also register in the MFA website to be alerted and assisted in cases of natural disasters, civil unrest, and political turmoil.
 

3. Buy Travel Insurance

Whether you are on a family holiday or a business trip, it’s always necessary to have travel insurance with you. It should cover you from trip interruptions such as cancellations or delays and medical emergencies.
 

4. Make Copies of Important Documents

Keep a copy of your passport and other important documents such as valid IDs, annual travel insurance documents, and immunisation record. Another additional precaution is to give a copy to family member or a trusted friend back home just in case you lose your copy.
 

5. Store Emergency Numbers

Apart from writing down your emergency contact person’s details, take note of other emergency contact information such as Singapore Embassies/Consulates in the countries you are visiting, local emergency numbers, as well as your travel insurance company in Singapore.
 

6. Blend In

Dress and act like a local. Tourists become easy targets for criminals because they are spotted easily. By dressing plainly, you can avoid getting targeted by thieves.
 

7. Travel Light

Only bring essential valuables when travelling. Expensive watches and jewellery will attract thieves so, best to leave those at home. Smartphones and cameras must be kept out of sight in a secure bag when not in use.
 

8. Be Cautious

Don’t trust strangers. Scams are very prevalent in popular holiday destinations. Thieves will often find ways to catch you off guard or divert your attention to steal your valuables. Some criminals will even try to get your personal information to get access to your credit cards and bank accounts. When speaking with strangers, make sure you are aware of your surroundings.
 

9. Divide Valuables in Different Places

Avoid carrying cash, credit cards and IDs all in one bag. This tip will help you should you lose your wallet or bag. Keep passports, cash, and IDs you won’t be using in a secure hotel safe or use a travel wallet to keep items that you use less frequently during the trip.

Travelling should be fun and relaxing. By following these easy travel tips, you can be sure that you can reduce the risks you might encounter abroad.

Keep your family safe when travelling overseas. Want a fair price for happier travel insurance, with 24/7 dedicated support? Get started here! Choose the plan you want. Pay the way you want. You are insured!