Travel, but Make it Safe.

Last Updated: December 2, 2024 — 9 min read

Traveling opens the door to unforgettable experiences, but traveling safely is as important as snagging that perfect sunset photo and curating the best travel plans.

Whether you’re a parent herding kids and loved ones through a theme park, a solo traveler chasing wanderlust, a couple seeking romance, or an adrenaline junkie craving adventure, these travel safety tips will help you navigate with confidence and ease.

First things first…Do I Need Travel Insurance?

Travel insurance can be a lifesaver — and we’re not just saying that because we’ve been in the business for over 20 years. It’s to help ensure personal safety in the event of an emergency. Think about it. A good policy can save you from financial and emotional strain from lost luggage, canceled trips, and medical emergencies. Look for plans that match your needs, whether it’s covering family trips, solo excursions, or high-risk activities like skydiving.

Before exploring and comparing travel insurance providers, check inside your wallet. Some credit card companies offer travel insurance, including emergency services allowing you to travel safely. Still, there are exclusions, so read the fine print and determine what add-ons you need to assail any safety concerns while traveling.

Travel Safely with These Quick Tips

Staying safe while traveling begins with preparation. Whether you’re packing for a weekend getaway or a month-long trek, these tips apply across the board helping you travel safely:

Research Before You Go: Check travel advisories, read reviews of accommodations, and learn about your destination’s local customs and laws.
Pack Light But Smart: Bring only what you need, and secure valuables like passports and cash in an anti-theft bag.
Share Your Plans: Keep someone back home in the loop about your itinerary.

Pro Travel Tip: Always have a backup plan for transportation, lodging, or unexpected emergencies. Flexibility and foresight can save the day.

For Families: Keeping Little Ones Safe and Sound

Traveling with kids can be fun and exhausting. While creating memories with loved ones is a beautiful way to spend time together, traveling safely can help everyone enjoy the trip.

For example, consider how kids make you or your family a target. Kids are magnets for distraction, making parents easy targets for theft. So check out anti-theft backpacks, keep essentials like passports and money in a money belt, and teach your kids to avoid talking to strangers to help you stay safe from scams.

Safe Travel Options: Road trips are ideal for families. They give you control over the itinerary, the ability to pack extra supplies, and the flexibility to adapt plans if needed.

Do’s and Don’ts for Families

Do: Choose kid-friendly destinations and accommodations with strong safety reputations.
Don’t: Overpack your schedule—leave room for naps, snacks, and meltdowns.

Top Safety Tips for Families

Tag Your Littles: No, it’s not like you’re posting them on social media. Equip kids with ID bracelets or cards containing their name, contact number, and hotel details. This can be a lifesaver at a theme park or a bustling marketplace.
Stick to Family-Friendly Accommodations: Choose hotels with childproof rooms or vacation rentals with gated pools. Check reviews to ensure they’re safe for your family’s needs.
Buddy System 101: Teach your kids the importance of sticking with a buddy—a sibling or a parent—when exploring new areas. Make sure they know your contact information, and teach them to seek out the front desk of a hotel if they get separated.
Travel Insurance for Families: Consider adding comprehensive travel insurance to cover medical emergencies, cancellations, or lost items to your trip planning. Family plans often cover all members under one policy; on some plans, kids under 17 years old are covered for free.
Pack a Family Emergency Kit: Carry a family first aid kit with child-safe medications, research the nearest hospital or clinic at your destination, and stock up on band-aids, fever reducers, and allergy meds. You don’t want a scraped knee or a sudden sneeze fest to derail your plans.

For Solo Travelers: Embracing Independence Safely

According to a recent survey of 2,600 Squaremouth travelers, solo travel is more popular this year. 42% of travelers plan to take their own and spend more than $3,000 on their trips.

While solo travel can be liberating, it requires extra vigilance. We found that solo travelers have two main concerns in 2024. 46% of travelers planning solo trips reported that their primary concern was experiencing a medical emergency, such as illness or injury while traveling. Another 22% fear crime rates and general safety at their location.

If you’re heading out on an international adventure, make sure you know local laws, have your travel documents in a safe place, and find the nearest U.S. Embassy.

Here are three quick tips to help you travel safely:

Trust your instincts.
Keep emergency contacts handy.
Use local transportation apps instead of wandering.

Safe Travel Pro Tip: Countries like Japan and Iceland consistently rank as safe destinations for solo travelers.

Do’s and Don’ts for Solo Travelers

Do: Stay in well-reviewed lodgings and update your family or friends on your whereabouts.
Don’t: Overindulge in alcohol or stray too far from well-lit areas at night.

Our Best Tips for Traveling Safely as a Solo Traveler

Share Your Itinerary: Let a trusted friend or family member know your plans and check in regularly. Apps like Life360 make it easy to share your location.
Trust Your Gut: If something feels off—an overly eager local or a too-good-to-be-true offer—walk away. Confidence is your best shield.
Stay in Well-Reviewed Lodgings: Solo travelers should prioritize hostels, hotels, or Airbnb with stellar reviews for safety and hospitality.
Blend In Like a Local: Research local customs and dress codes to avoid standing out. A hidden money belt is stylish and practical.
Keep Valuables Secure: A reasonably priced stylist crossbody or backpack with slash-proof protection can help keep valuables and essential documents safe as you explore. Also, consider keeping a dummy wallet with small bills for decoy purposes.
Consider Travel Insurance: Just like you wouldn’t go rappelling without an emergency medical kit, an insurance policy is like a safety net for your investment in your trip. With solo travel insurance, you can be reimbursed for travel costs related to medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost or stolen belongings, and travel delays.

Check out more tips about traveling safely as a solo traveler.

For Adventure Seekers: Thrills Without Spills

Whether hiking remote trails or diving into exotic waters, adventure travelers face unique safety challenges.

For example, make sure you’re not just financially protected with travel insurance but also protecting your body from new germs. Traveling safely for some locations means heading to the doctor. Vaccinations are a must for specific destinations. Pack a robust medical kit tailored to your activity—anti-chafing balm for hikers, rehydration salts for tropical explorers, or even a splint for climbers.

Do’s and Don’ts for Adventurers

Do: Always check your gear for safety before use.
Don’t: Skimp on hiring experienced guides for risky activities.

Travel Safely as an Adventure Seekers with These Tips:

Gear Up Properly: Whether ziplining in Costa Rica or diving in the Maldives, ensure your equipment is in top-notch condition. Renting? Inspect it thoroughly.
Hire a Guide: Exploring a remote jungle or climbing a challenging peak? A local guide can provide insider knowledge and keep you out of harm’s way. Also, guided group tours to locations like Patagonia or the Swiss Alps ensure a mix of adventure while keeping safety paramount.
Know Your Limits: Test your limits, but don’t push them. If you’re not an experienced kayaker, a Class V rapid might not be the best idea.
Respect Nature: Pack out what you pack in, follow wildlife guidelines, and always check weather conditions before heading out.
Adventure Insurance Is a Must: Many travel insurance plans exclude extreme sports, so choose one that covers your specific activities. Look for policies with emergency medical coverage, evacuation benefits, and trip interruption protections. Also, if your adventure requires gear, look for protections for expensive equipment.

For Couples: Romance Meets Responsibility

Romantic trips often involve strolls and cozy dinners. While spontaneity is key to romance, it’s essential to keep travel safety in mind:

Divide and Protect: Split up your valuables and cash between partners if one bag is lost or stolen.
Stay Alert in Crowds: Hold hands for romance and safety, especially in bustling areas like marketplaces or train stations.

Health and Safety Tips for Couples

Stay hydrated and sunscreen-ready during tropical getaways.
Research local emergency numbers and pharmacies.

Travel Insurance: Do You Need It? We believe it to be necessary. For couples, it’s a safety net covering unexpected cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost luggage.

Top Safety Tips for Couples

Divide and Conquer (Your Valuables): Split your cash and credit cards between you. That way, the trip isn’t over if one wallet gets misplaced.
Watch Each Other’s Six: Watch for one another in crowded areas like bazaars or busy subway stations. A distracted partner is a pickpocket’s dream.
Choose Romantic Yet Secure Locations: Opt for resorts with 24/7 security or private villas with safe surroundings. Bonus points if it’s Instagram-worthy.
Practice Health Precautions: Keep up-to-date with vaccinations and carry bug spray or sunscreen as needed. Nothing kills romance like sunburn or mosquito bites.
Emergency Contact Card: Carry a card with your hotel address and emergency contact details, especially if you’re exploring remote areas.

Traveling Safely For All Travelers — By Location

If it helps you explore our best tips based on where your travels are taking you, we’ve chatted with our experts and curated a quick tip for every type of traveler, including top tourist sites. But, of course, you can always reach us if you need anything else!

Within the United States

Families: National parks are a family favorite, offering ranger programs for kids or well-marked trails for families to explore together.
Solo Travelers: Opt for accommodations in walkable, centrally located areas, and always remember to have a travel battery pack to keep your devices charged to access digital maps or emergency services.
Adventure Seekers: There is no shortage of adventure sites! Our favorite is skiing in Colorado or Utah. Check local forecasts to prepare for avalanches or other terrible weather conditions, and follow all the resort’s safety guidelines.
Couples: Stroll through vintage cities like Savannah or historical gems like the French Quarter in New Orleans. Don’t get too caught up; forget to be vigilant in crowded spaces!

Europe

Families: Opt for stroller-friendly cities like Copenhagen or Amsterdam and avoid using public transportation during rush hour.
Solo Travelers: Stay alert for pickpockets in hotspots like Paris or Rome—thankfully, fanny packs are trendy again.
Adventure Seekers: If you’re heading to the Swiss Alps, for example, beware of changing weather; pack layers and check trail maps.
Couples: Cozy up on a gondola ride in Venice, but keep your bags zipped tight in tourist-heavy areas.

Asia

Families: Thailand is a hit, but watch kids closely near water and crowded markets.
Solo Travelers: Japan is incredibly safe, but local etiquette is continually respected.
Adventure Seekers: Trekking in Nepal? Go with a group to avoid altitude sickness mishaps.
Couples: Bali is paradise, but double-check the safety of rented scooters before hitting the road.

South America

Families: Costa Rica is family-friendly, but stay cautious around wildlife.
Solo Travelers: Stick to well-lit areas in cities like Bogotá or Buenos Aires after dark.
Adventure Seekers: The Amazon is awe-inspiring, but follow your guide’s instructions religiously.
Couples: Stargaze in the Atacama Desert—don’t forget warm clothes for chilly nights.

General Travel Safety Tips:

Staying safe while traveling begins with preparation. Whether you’re packing for a weekend getaway or a month-long trek, these tips apply across the board:

Research Before You Go: Check travel advisories, read reviews of accommodations, and learn about your destination’s local customs and laws.
Pack Light But Smart: Bring only what you need, and secure valuables like passports and cash in an anti-theft bag.
Share Your Plans: Keep someone back home in the loop about your itinerary, and if you get a local phone, be sure to share your phone number, too.

Top Travel Tip: Always have a backup plan for transportation, lodging, or unexpected emergencies. Flexibility and foresight can save the day.

Bottom Line: Travel Smart, Stay Safe

No matter who you’re traveling with (or without), the golden rule of travel safety is to plan and stay alert. Taking precautions tailored to your travel style will reduce risks and boost your confidence to enjoy the experience fully.

And remember: being cautious doesn’t mean being paranoid. The world is full of unique places, and with these travel safety tips, you’re all set to explore it safely and with style.