40 Essential Travel Safety Tips

World travel can be complicated, between protecting personal safety, climate change, COVID and a host of geopolitical issues. But the good news is, armed with our travel safety tips you can head out there knowing what to do if trouble arises (and still have fun).

By: Lynn Coulter and Felicia Feaster

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Hey, Travelers: The World is Calling

Travel isn’t just back after the pandemic. It’s better because we’re learning how to protect ourselves from diseases and our electronics from hackers. Technology is helping the disabled safely explore far-away destinations. We can buy travel insurance to cover unexpected costs, join programs that vet our fellow travelers for security risks and find places that welcome the LGBTQ+ community and other groups. Use our travel safety tips the next time you venture out to make sure you have a great trip.

Know Before You Go

Do your research before you take a trip. The US Department of State has information on every country in the world to help you assess how safe and secure it is to visit. As of October 4, 2022, for example, the website was advising against travel to Russia or, for travelers already there, leaving immediately due to the war with Ukraine. The site also gives details on local laws and customs, health conditions and, in some countries, safety advisories related to the traveler's gender.

Safety Tips for Solo Women Travelers

Women traveling alone are often at greater risk than men or people in groups. Consider taking a self-defense class before you hit the road. Once you arrive, ignore catcalls and attempts to strike up a conversation, and take precautions like knowing which neighborhoods are safe and adding the local emergency phone number to your phone if you go out alone at night.

Want to discourage contact? Wear a fake wedding ring and sunglasses. If you're unsure about an area or activity, research it online or talk to the locals. For even more advice and resources, the Solo Female Traveler Network and Solo Female Travelers, both on Facebook, aim to empower lone women travelers with safety tips and advice.

A Group Tour Can Be Great for Solo Travelers

Tour companies know that not everyone has a travel companion, but they may also not want to travel alone. Companies like EF GoAhead Tours offer “solo within a group” tours that let you join a group for meals and activities but stay in your own private room.

Other people on EF GoAhead's solo tours also travel as individuals. Although the group goes sightseeing together, each person has free time to explore. Gay travelers and women say these kinds of tours help them feel safer than traveling alone and let them individualize their trips.

Share Your Location

If you need help, you want someone to find you fast. Download a tracking app like Find360 for Apple and Android, Google Maps for Android, or Find My for Apple. They'll let you share your location with a trusted friend or family member. Unfortunately, tracking apps won't work in some countries, like Albania and Kosovo. UrSafe is an app that works in most places and lets you share your location or call for emergency help.

Watch Your Back (Pack)

Pay attention to your surroundings, especially when you're alone. Pickpockets can steal from your backpack or slip your wallet out of your pocket. An anti-theft backpack like the PacSafe Venturesafe EXP45 is made from cut-resistant fabric with puncture-resistant, pad-lockable zippers.

If you carry a purse, buy a theft-resistant style like Travelon's mini shoulder bag. A shoulder or cross-body bag with cut-resistant straps prevents a robber from running up, slashing them and taking off. A bag or wallet with RFID blocking helps prevent skimmers from stealing digital info from your RFID-equipped credit cards (the kind you use for contact-free purchases).

Notify Your Bank

If your credit and debit cards stop working while you're away, your bank may have locked them because they saw activity on your account in a different country and suspected fraud. Tell the bank before you leave home and give them the dates of your travel.

In case a thief steals the cash you're carrying, keep some emergency money in a different, safe location. US dollars and Euros are a good choice because they're widely accepted.

Ride Share Safety

While Uber and Lyft offer a variety of features to help their passengers feel safe and secure, that's not the case with all ride shares everywhere. Ask for advice from a store or hotel employee before you call for a ride, and wait for it in a well-lit, safe place. Before you hop in, make sure the license plate or driver information matches what you're expecting. When you open the car door, ask, "Who are you picking up?" If the driver knows your name, then they are probably legit.

Beware of Skimmers and Scammers

Before you use an ATM, look at the front of the machine. If the card slot sticks out more than usual or you see other signs of tampering, someone may have installed a skimmer to steal your PIN. If the ATM looks okay, block the screen with your hand or body so nobody can look over your shoulder and see your number. Don't accept "help" from strangers (scammers) if your card gets stuck or your cash doesn't come out. Stay at the ATM while someone you trust goes into the bank for help.

Know Your Limits

Alcoholic drinks and drugs can make you lower your guard. When you're traveling, know your limit and don't drink alone. If you don't recognize a drink, ask what's in it, and don't leave drinks (or food) unattended if you get up from your seat in a bar or restaurant. You can't always see, taste or smell drugs that have been put into your drink. If the drink makes you feel strange, ask someone for help or call the emergency number at your destination.

Secure Your Documents and Data

Be sure your passport, ID and other important documents won’t expire during your trip. Make two copies of them and give one set to someone you trust back home. Keep the other copy in a locked suitcase or carry-on, and put an electronic copy on a secure server. When you’re home, get your copies back and store them in another secure place or destroy the extras you no longer need.

Avoid Public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi is often available in airports, hotels and other places, but it makes it easy for cyber thieves to access your bank accounts and other digital data. Protect yourself by turning off the feature in your phone that lets it automatically join a network. If possible, use a VPN, or virtual private network.

Don't do your banking or buy online when you're on public Wi-Fi, which can also let malware sneak onto your devices. When you get home, update your security software and change your passwords.

Don't Let Your Clothes Make You a Target

"Recognize if you have clothing or accessories that might identify you as part of a targeted minority where you’re traveling," says Carla Bevins, assistant teaching professor of business communication at Carnegie Mellon University. "It’s worth considering the risk factors when deciding whether to wear them." When you’re in another country, you’re subject to its laws, and not all recognize same-sex marriage. Some have criminalized consensual same-sex sexual relations. Legal protections for LGBTQI+ vary around the world. Learn more at the US Department of State’s website for travelers with special considerations.

Also, take your cue from the locals and dress to blend in with their culture. You may be expected to cover your shoulders, knees and even your head in some locations to show respect and modesty. It can be beneficial on many levels to "blend in" and look like a local rather than a tourist to avoid being targeted by thieves and to have a more authentic travel experience.

LGBTQI+ Travel Safety

Some places are safer than others for members of the LGBTQI+ community, says Christina Tunnah, general manager of marketing and brands for World Nomads, a global travel insurance company. Learn about the laws and customs of your destination before leaving home so you can understand and respect them. Avoid potential problems by making sure your passport name and picture correspond to your gender identity. The State Department website offers plenty of helpful insight for LGBTQI+ travelers in planning their trips and avoiding potential trouble spots.

“Part of the joy of traveling is meeting new people and experiencing new cultures," she says. "Be open to those experiences and invitations, but always trust your gut. If something doesn’t seem right or you’re just not sure something would be safe, politely decline.”

Safety for Black Travelers

Black travelers can face racism and discrimination, ranging from being denied a stay at an Airbnb, to harassment, assault and worse. Black Travel Alliance President Martinique Lewis recommends checking out a destination before you go through Nomadness Travel Tribe, ABC Travel Greenbook or ABC Travel Greenbook app for Apple.

Ursula Petula Barzey, founder and digital content creator of Caribbean & Co., suggests joining a group like Black Women Travel, Black Travel Alliance, Black Girls Travel Too or Black Travel Movement. “Follow Black travel journalists, content creators and influencers. Consider destinations that are actively marketing to Black travelers year-round, not just during Black History Month.”

Safe Tours for the Disabled

Travel can be risky for people with mobility issues. Companies like Beeyonder.com offer virtual tours to various parts of the world so users don’t have to leave the safety of their homes or offices. Live, local guides narrate the tours and interact with viewers.

In-person tours for the differently-abled and their companions/caregivers are available through Wheel the World. Accessibility trained guides help as needed, whether by pushing wheelchairs or transferring people to adaptive equipment.

If you're traveling independently, ask for an ADA-compliant (American Disabilities Act) room says Maura Horton, president of MagnaReady, a company that offers magnetic adaptive clothing. Have the staff remove trip hazards like throw rugs, and be sure there's a zero-entry shower so you can avoid slips and falls.

Lock It Up

Invest in a couple of good locks before you leave home. TSA (Transportation Approved Security) locks are a good choice because aviation security agents can open them without having to cut your lock to search your bag. Many different models are available from Amazon and other retailers. You might also want to lock your bag to your seat if you're waiting around in a restaurant or airport. If you get distracted, someone can walk by and snatch it. Bring your own lock if you’re staying in a hostel; not all hostels have them. In your hotel room, use the deadbolt and internal door latch, and lock any doors between connecting rooms. For extra security, bring along a rubber door wedge, portable door alarm or travel door jammer.

Watch What You Eat

"Food-borne and water-borne illnesses can ruin a trip," says Christina Tunnah. Food and water standards in other countries may not be as high as you're used to, and even ice cubes can be contaminated. "For eateries, use your best judgment and trust your gut. If you’re not sure about food and water safety where you’re traveling, remember the ‘boil it, cook it, peel it or forget it’ rule. This goes for tooth brushing too."

Eating street food is a great way to experience the local cuisine, but it's not always safe. Before you travel, ask your doctor about taking antibiotics or probiotics in case of food poisoning. Stick to thoroughly cooked foods. Before you buy street food, see if there are long lines. If the locals and other tourists eat there, chances are the food is OK.

Don't Eat Raw or Undercooked Foods

When you're abroad, pass on raw fruits and vegetables unless you know they're from a safe source. Patrick Hardy, CEO of Hytropy Disaster Management, a disaster preparedness company, says, “Be prepared to sanitize your own food, particularly when basic infrastructure is damaged or absent.”

You can do this by washing fruits and vegetables under clean running water (don't use soap), or removing and discarding the skins and peels. Use a clean scrub brush on foods with thick rinds or skins, like potatoes and cucumbers. If you're doing your own cooking, heat foods to a safe minimum internal temperature. Learn more about food safety here.

Check Disease Alerts

Travelers are right to be concerned about serious infectious diseases like COVID, cholera and Ebola. Poliovirus, once thought eliminated in the United States, reappeared in New York as recently as July 2022. WHO, the World Health Organization, posts news of disease outbreaks around the world, along with information on health-related topics like air pollution and chemical incidents. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) also posts a list of international and domestic disease outbreaks.

Carry Your Meds and Prescriptions

If you take medications, carry enough with you to last throughout your trip, and include some extras in case you stay longer. Don’t pack your meds in your checked luggage, which can be lost or delayed. Keep some in an easily accessible, close-at-hand bag. “Be sure to carry a doctor’s prescription with you and make sure the drugs and supplements you take are legal and allowed to be brought into the destination you’re visiting,” Christina Tunnah says. There can be severe consequences for carrying or using certain substances in some countries.

Know What You're Buying

Be wary of buying drugs in other countries. Even if the medicines cost less than usual, they may be counterfeit, ineffective or even dangerous. CDC studies have found that between 9% and 41% of the medicines for sale in low- or middle-income countries are counterfeit. If you must buy medications when you're traveling, buy only from licensed pharmacies, not open markets. Ask the pharmacist if the medications are made with the same ingredients as the ones you buy at home. Learn more about counterfeit drugs here.

Don't Get Sick When Out at Sea

When you're on a cruise, you don't want to get sick from COVID, norovirus (a gastrointestinal illness) or even a cold. "Cruise ships are dedicated to the cleanliness of their ships," says Colleen McDaniel, editor-in-chief of Cruise Critic, a website that posts cruise reviews, information and advice from cruise experts. "The protocols they established well before COVID have continued to be improved upon."

But you can do your part and stay well onboard the same way you stay well at home: wash your hands often, cover your sneezes and coughs and use sanitizing wipes on common surfaces. The CDC lists more health safety tips for cruise ship passengers.

Have a Plan for an Onboard Medical Emergency

If you have an existing health condition and encounter a life-threatening issue onboard a ship, resident doctors are prepared to stablize patients but do not have access to the same life-saving equipment a hospital does. It is wise before you pay for and take a cruise to find out what kind of medical accommodations are available to you. But be aware that serious illness or accidents can be outside the onboard medical staff's ability to treat. As a result, you may need to disembark and be treated in a local hospital where you will be left to your own devices when engaging with medical staff as the ship sails off. In foreign countries you will most often be expected to pay for your medical care upfront, so looking into travel insurance before your trip and how it can protect you if you become seriously ill on a cruise is important research to do, especially if you have preexisting conditions.

Plan for Overseas Medical Emergencies

Most domestic health insurance plans won't cover medical bills when you're traveling overseas, says Meghan Walch, director of product for InsureMyTrip travel insurance. However, "Comprehensive travel insurance plans usually include trip cancellation, trip interruption, baggage, medical, dental, emergency evac, 24-hour traveler assistance and accidental death."

She says most travel insurance companies now treat COVID like any other illness. You can probably find coverage in case you get COVID on a trip and need medical treatment. You're out of luck, though, if you have a basic plan and want to cancel because COVID cases are rising at your destination, and you're afraid you'll get sick. "However, if you add the CFAR (Cancel for Any Reason) benefit and want to cancel because of fear, you may receive up to 50%-75% reimbursement of your trip." Policies and insurance companies vary, so research what's right for you.

Keep Your Valuables Safe

Whether you're on a cruise or in a hotel, you want to make every effort to protect your valuables. Most ships and accommodations have in-room safes big enough to hold your phone, laptop, wallet, jewelry and other items. Lock them up before you go out, and make sure your door closes securely behind you.

There is no cut-and-dried guidance on who is responsible if items are stolen from your room. Much depends upon the country where you are, when you discover the theft and the ship or hotel policies where you are staying. Experts recommend using the room safe, which offers better protection for travelers if anything is stolen and the hotel is found to be liable. Experts advise looking at your insurance coverage before you travel and then at possibly adding additional travel insurance if necessary to see if covering the cost of stolen fine jewelry or other expensive items would be covered.

Your personal safety is also important, so use your peephole before opening the door to someone you don't recognize. If your room or stateroom has a balcony, secure the door when you're going to bed or leaving for an extended period.

Wear a Mask

It's important to realize that the COVID-19 threat has not completely passed, says Patrick Hardy. “There are many variants that can infect you, particularly if you have a weakened immune system due to illness or other environmental factors. Even if you regularly go in public without a mask, if you are in a high-risk area or traveling abroad, bring a mask or two with you just in case of a surge. In addition, don't pigeonhole yourself with just COVID. There are other pathogens that could threaten you just as easily and require precautions.” Check the CDC website for more information about masks.

See Your Doctor Before You Travel

To avoid illnesses, "Stay informed on the most up-to-date information and emerging developments,” says Carla Bevins. "Monitoring local media for updates, staying aware of changing weather conditions and checking in with the locals for information can help you have a safe, enjoyable trip."

She recommends scheduling a travel health consultation well before you leave home; tell your doctor where you're going. Also, "What are the entry requirements and laws for your destination? Are there vaccinations you need or is an antimalarial required? Proof of having received a Yellow Fever vaccine may be the difference between catching a connecting flight and having to wait to be vaccinated.”

Spend More to Stay Safe

Everybody likes to save money, and travelers sometimes book the cheapest accommodations and flights they can find. But in some places, budget hotels are landing pads for drug addicts, unsavory and even dangerous characters and also increase your risk of exposure to unsavory issues like hygiene issues and even, egads, bed bugs. Book a safe place to stay, in a safe neighborhood, even if it costs more. The same goes for red-eye flights. They might cost less, but you can be vulnerable if you're on the street late at night trying to catch a ride, especially if you are traveling solo. Also, be aware of tour prices that seem too good to be true. Activities and accommodations on a cheap tour may not be properly vetted for safety.

Practice Good Hygiene

RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) cases are increasing, Carla Bevins says, and while it's considered less serious for adults than others, wearing a mask may help protect you as well as children, infants, seniors or anyone else at risk for severe disease. “An N95 or equivalent mask can limit your exposure to not just COVID and the flu virus, but to other diseases as well."

"Simple measures, like good hygiene and masks in crowded areas, can decrease your chances of getting sick or sharing illness with others.” The CDC estimates that washing your hands can stop 20% of colds and other viruses and 30% of diarrhea-related illnesses. Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if you don't have access to soap and clean, running water.

Use a First Aid Kit or App

Install the free Red Cross First Aid app on your phone to learn how to do CPR and handle other emergencies and accidents. It's integrated with 911 in the US, so you can also call for emergency medical services.

It's smart to carry a first aid kit, too. Depending on where you're going, pack sunscreen, antihistamines, bandages, insect repellent, burn cream, antidiarrheals, antibiotic ointment, pain relievers like aspirin or other items. The American Red Cross store sells a variety of kits and supplies.

Remember Immunizations and Your Medical Alert Device

Before you leave home, get up to date on routine immunizations for diseases like measles and seasonal ones like the flu. Wear a medical alert device if you have a serious condition, implanted medical device or if you or someone you’re with has an ongoing issue like Alzheimer’s or autism. You can buy a protection plan to alert first responders, your family and others in emergencies. US News & World Report lists the Best Medical Alert Systems for 2023 on its website.

Sign Up for STEP

Protect yourself by enrolling in STEP, the free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for US citizens and nationals who live or travel abroad. “Demonstrations, protests, strikes, civil unrest and even terrorist incidents happen from time to time. These can be both unpredictable and scary,” says Christina Tunnah. Once you’re enrolled in STEP, a US Embassy will send you updates about your destination that might affect your safety. Follow the local news, she adds, and avoid large crowds and protests. For other ways to stay current on safe travel, check social media sites like Facebook and Twitter and click here.

Carry Emergency Numbers

An emergency can leave you rattled or just unable to find emergency numbers, addresses and directions when you need them quickly. Before you leave home, write down the phone number and address of the nearest US Embassy, the police and other emergency services at your destination. Laminate the written info and tuck it into your bag or wallet, or save a digital copy on your phone or a thumb drive. Make sure your phone stays fully charged, and carry a portable charging device in case the battery gets low.

Practice Water Safety

The WHO estimated there were 263,000 drowning deaths around the world in 2019. Most occurred during floods, but alcohol use is also a factor, especially for men. Avoid swimming, surfing or doing other water activities alone. Whether you're tubing on a river, swimming in a pool, snorkeling in the ocean or boating, follow water safety rules. Pay attention to open water tides, currents, underwater hazards and wildlife (think alligators in swampy areas).

Don't Risk It For a Selfie

Even the best picture in the world isn't worth falling off a cliff or getting rammed because you want a selfie with a moose. Don't take the chance of getting hurt or killed because you want to post about your trip on Instagram and other social media. Obey signs that warn you about things like staying away from ledges, feeding or getting close to wildlife or evacuating an area when a storm is coming.

Monitor the Geopolitical Climate

“Stay up to date on recent changes regarding the geopolitical climate where you plan to travel, whether it's domestic or international,” says Carla Bevins. “If you are concerned about your safety, reevaluate your travel plans and think about whether it’s worth rescheduling or canceling your travel arrangements. Plan for the unexpected. For example, what would you do if you needed to self-isolate? How will you get back if there’s a natural disaster or war? It’s too late to think about it after you board your plane.”

Patrick Hardy also recommends that international travelers monitor geopolitical conditions. “For instance, just prior to the war in Ukraine, the US State Department published a memo that stated travelers should evacuate immediately and write contingency plans of their own. They stated that the government would not be able to rescue anyone trapped during the war." Have a "safety person" back home who will know where you are and can help troubleshoot from afar. Be flexible, too. If something happens, you may need more time to get through traffic jams or long lines at airports and train and bus stations.

Avoid International Dangers

There are cybersecurity risks all over the world, and international travelers are often targeted. For your physical safety, don't go into a high-risk region or country alone; Carla Bevins says that at least two people should stay together. Watch out for cybercriminals in countries like Russia or China, where smartphones and laptops can be hacked or stolen, and never leave your electronic devices unattended.

The FCC advises international travelers to update their anti-virus software, back up their electronic data, take sensitive data off their devices, use strong passwords and keep their devices secure. Remember to avoid public Wi-Fi and public conveniences like fax machines, computers and phones. Learn more about the FCC's Cybersecurity Tips for International Travelers.

Have a Plan for Natural Disasters

Geopolitical issues aren’t the only things that can threaten your safety. Natural disasters can occur, like the devastating 2011 earthquake in Japan, the 2004 tsumani in Southeast Asia that killed 36 Americans or, closer to home, Hurricane Katrina, which caused over $125 billion in damage to the New Orleans area in 2005.

“Safe travel during a disaster is all about maximizing your options and minimizing your dependencies,” Patrick Hardy says. “Every decision you make should empower you, so you are not relying on someone else to do it all for you. People get in trouble when they put themselves at risk by not doing even the basic preparation for a disaster or emergency when they travel. Knowing the culture of where you are and the kinds of threats you face will help you face any disaster.”

Avoid Dangerous Climate Conditions

"Climate change has led to more extreme weather events around the globe," says Christina Tunnah, "Including stronger hurricanes, more extreme temperatures and flooding caused by heavy rains often after droughts or wildfires. To stay safe in extremely hot places stay hydrated and in the shade, wear clothing that keeps you cool and reflects UV rays and avoid sightseeing during the hottest part of the day. With heavy rains, seek higher ground in case of flash flooding, and be careful with water that may not be safe to drink. Follow the advice of local authorities for evacuations and boil-water notices."

Joe Cronin, president of International Citizens Insurance, a global and international insurance provider, says, “Shifting climates can make for more powerful blizzards or larger sea swells. Adventurous travelers who are hitting the slopes or traveling to far-off surf destinations should invest in a travel health insurance policy that covers accidents from what insurers deem extreme sports. Not every policy covers injuries or accidents from these types of activities so it's key to choose one that does. “

Track the Air Quality

In 2020, the WHO reported that nine out of 10 people around the world were breathing contaminated air. When you’re in an area with poor air quality, avoid strenuous activities like running and consider staying indoors. Wear a mask rated at least an N95 (be aware that some masks protect you for only a limited amount of time).

Track the air quality with an app like Air Matters, a real-time quality air index that provides allergy, pollen and weather data, or read the local air quality reports. "If traveling to a destination where pollution is prevalent, one should take their healthcare needs into account and ensure one possesses an adequate travel health insurance policy," says Joe Cronin. "For example, pollution can exacerbate one's allergies and in some instances, a person may be allergic to the pollution itself." Many health insurers consider allergies as preexisting conditions, he says, so be sure your travel health insurance policy covers them.