Essential Safety Tips for Stress-Free Travel

When you arrive in a country for the first time, you don’t know the area, the culture, or the language. It can feel overwhelming and leave you feeling pretty vulnerable. But don’t worry! There are plenty of ways to overcome those nerves. I’ve been there, and by following these 12 tips, you’ll not only feel safer but also more confident. You’ll be able to focus on enjoying your travels and making amazing memories without constantly worrying. With a little preparation, you’ll settle in faster than you think!

Some of these travel tips are ones I researched before my trip, but others I learned along the way and wish I had known sooner! There’s nothing like a bit of experience to show you what you missed, so hopefully, these can save you a bit of trouble and help you be more prepared right from the start.

Pre Arrange Transport

For me, one of the most overwhelming and vulnerable moments is leaving the airport in a brand-new country. You’ve just landed, and immediately people are pushing to offer you a taxi. You don’t want to be scammed or overcharged, which can easily happen—sometimes you end up paying double or triple the usual rate! While ride-hailing apps can help, they're often not allowed at airports in some countries.

Now, I always pre-book my airport transfer. I usually use Klook for this, where you can book a taxi at a reasonable price. It’s been super easy every time. Even when my flight was delayed, I always found my driver quickly.

There are other ways to arrange this too. Sometimes, your hotel or Airbnb might offer airport transfer services, so it’s worth asking. In places like Indonesia, there are many ‘drivers’ for hire. If you know someone, you could even message them to arrange transport. I have a regular driver I always use when I’m in Bali!

Download Google Maps

When arriving in a new place, it’s a good idea to download Google Maps for that area, including the place you’re staying. This way, if you ever find yourself without internet or mobile data, you’ll still have access to the maps and can find your way home. It helps avoid getting lost or stuck in a situation where you don’t know how to get back. This is especially useful if you’re traveling to remote areas where there’s no signal, as you can still rely on the maps even in those moments.

Share Your Location

This is a crucial safety tip, especially if you’re traveling solo! Make sure to share your location with someone you trust using your mobile phone. If you ever get lost or something goes wrong, having someone who knows where you are can truly be a lifeline.

I use 'Find My Friends' on my iPhone, but there are plenty of other location-sharing apps that work just as well. It’s a small step, but it can make a huge difference!

Saving Emergency Numbers

Luckily (touch wood), I've never needed to use emergency services while traveling, but I always make sure to save each country’s emergency numbers. This way, if anything does happen, I'm not wasting precious time searching for a contact number – it's always better to be prepared.

Learn Basic Words

When arriving in a new country, it’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with some basic words. I usually try to learn “hello,” “thank you,” “no,” “yes,” and more if I can. I often use TikTok or YouTube for this, as hearing the pronunciation helps the word stick. This helps with everyday interactions and can also make you come across as more experienced, which might discourage people from trying to take advantage – which leads me to my next tip.

Act Confident

There are times when you’re lost, maybe searching for that restaurant that maps say you’ve arrived at (but it’s nowhere in sight). In moments like these, it can be the perfect opportunity for someone to take advantage. So, always act confidently. Try not to look too lost or check your phone too much. Instead, step into the nearest café or shop to get your bearings discreetly—this makes you seem like you know where you are, what you’re doing, and that you don’t need help.

Buy an E-sim

Having mobile data is essential—our phones feel almost useless without it! I recommend buying and installing an e-sim before arriving in a new country so you have data as soon as you land. Even a small data plan, like 2MB or a two-day e-sim, can be a lifesaver until you find a local shop to buy a longer-term SIM card. You can also get a SIM card at the airport if needed, but this is usually much pricier than buying one in town.

Use Ride-Hailing Apps

I always use ride-hailing apps whenever possible, as I find them much safer and more reliable. With these apps, you don’t need to haggle over prices or worry about getting scammed, as they’re typically regulated and use legitimate drivers. Plus, if you want an extra layer of security, you can easily share your trip details with someone you trust.

Have Some Local Currency

These days, we tend to rely on our phones for everything, including payments. However, in many developing countries, cash is still king. Having some local currency ready when you arrive is essential as you might need it for a taxi, accommodation, or even just to grab a quick meal.

Do Your Research

Before you travel anywhere, doing a bit of research on the area you’re visiting can make a big difference. You might discover places to avoid at night, common scams, or cultural norms that, if followed, can help you steer clear of misunderstandings or even confrontations. Knowing a bit about the area before you arrive is a good way to stay safe and make the most of your experience.

All of these safety tips really allow me to travel stress-free, enjoy my time more, and have fewer things to worry about. You might not even need to use some of these things—like emergency contacts or mobile data—but it’s always good to have them as a backup. No matter how experienced you are, you never know what could happen. So, enjoy your travels, stay safe, and have fun!