Are you a curious soul who loves to explore the world? Before you depart to find adventure, it’s essential to arm yourself with the knowledge of travel safety. While international travel has become increasingly more accessible, it’s vital to make sure you have the resources and precautions in place to ensure both you and your belongings stay safe. This article will provide you with a Travel Safety 101 guide to help safeguard secure your journey.
1. Preparing for A Secure Adventure: Travel Safety 101
No matter if you’re a seasoned jetsetter or a new adventurer about to dive into the travel scene, staying safe when on the go is always at top priority. Whether you’re bound for a three-city tour across Italy or a weekend getaway in your nearest beach town, you’ll be ready for a secure journey with these tips in mind.
- Digital Safety – Make sure to create strong and unique passwords for your devices. Keep them varied, especially for your financial accounts. It’s also wise to back up your data prior to take-off so you don’t lose important information if an emergency arises.
- Cash and Cards – Keep a close eye on cards for purchases as well as withdrawal. Try not to keep large amounts of cash and cards with you, it might be safer to split them into different wallets. Let your bank know that you’ll be travelling so your transactions don’t get flagged based on different time zones and countries.
- Travelling Light – Baggage and carry-ons can be extended weigh and the last thing you want to do is lug around a heavy load. Stick to the essentials; cards/cash, necessary documents, clothing, standard toiletries, and a few toys for once you settle in.
- Insurance Matters – Familiarize yourself with your travel insurance policy as soon as you purchase it. Understand the coverage it offers and keep all the contact details of the insurance handy in case of unforseen circumstances.
Having the right information can help you determine how to proceed in a variety of situations. Everybody’s travels will look different based on the country visited and the mode of transport used. But, having a secure journey begins even before you take the first flight, and watching out for your safety and well-being carries on throughout your entire adventure.
2. Determining Your Level of Protection: Protection Precautions
When it comes to protecting yourself on the internet, one size does not fit all. Everyone’s activity and needs are different, so it’s important to carefully assess the level of protection you need before taking action. Here are some useful precautions to consider when assessing your protection requirements.
Update Your Devices
- Check that all your devices such as laptops, PCs, phones and tablets are up to date with the latest security software and anti-virus updates. It’s also a good idea to replace outdated technology with more recent devices.
- Ensure that the operating system of each device is regularly updated.
Secure Your Connection
- Set up a virtual private network (VPN) to protect your internet usage from eavesdroppers. By encrypting your internet traffic, VPNs add an extra level of security.
- Ensure your home network has the added protection of authentic firewalls. These secure layers of protection help prevent cyber criminals from accessing your data.
Strengthen Your Passwords
- Create strong passwords for all of your accounts that contain a mix of letters, symbols and numbers. Avoid reusing the same passwords for multiple accounts.
- Install a password manager to store and generate strong passwords for every account. This prevents your from having to remember multiple passwords.
3. Staying Informed on the Go: Resources for Safety
For Canadians who are frequently on the move, staying informed about safety is of utmost importance. Keeping up-to-date on relevant protocols, regulations, and other knowledge related to safety while on the road can make a world of difference in keeping you and your loved ones protected and secure.
Government Resources:
- Visit the Government of Canada’s Travel Health Notices for pandemic-related and priority health advisories.
- Access provincial/territorial COVID-19 websites and contact information.
- Read through Public Services and Procurement Canada’s Travel Toolkit for before, during, and after travel advice.
Transportation Resources:
- Create a PR Card or Certificate of Citizenship as these documents are often necessary for air travel.
- Book a flight at a COVID-19 safety-approved airline.
- Confirm cross-border travel restrictions.
Knowing the facts and rules associated with travel can mean the difference between a safe and a concerning trip. Before embarking on your travels, make sure to consult the latest Government of Canada safety advice, recent local health guidelines, and transport requirements. Be sure to keep yourself informed and safe on the go!
4. Putting It All Together: Creating a Safe Journey Plan
Having a good plan will take you a long way when it comes to avoiding unnecessary risk on a journey. Here is a four-step process to help you create a comprehensive and safe journey plan.
- Gather information. Do some research about your destination to get to know the local language, ambiance, culture, and customs. Re-check routes for traffic or road detours, and obtain copies of your license, passport, and travel itinerary.
- Take precautions. Plan rest and relaxation stops, and keep a regular sleep schedule. Bring food, clothing, and toiletries you may need if your plans change. Tell a family member or friend how and where you’re travelling, and be vigilant about your surroundings at all times.
- Be prepared. Keep sufficient funds on hand, and bring multiple debit or credit cards in case one card gets lost or compromised. Make sure that all of your electronics are charged, and that your phone and computer have passwords to protect your identity.
- Plan for the unexpected. Have contacts in a nearby or regional area that can help you if you need it. Have a paper version of your plan that you can present to a local official if needed. Document your experience with photographs, videos, and notes.
By taking these steps before setting out, you can ensure that your journey is enjoyable and stress-free, even in the face of unforeseen challenges! Knowing what you need and where you’re going will give you peace of mind as you make your way to your destination.
Taking time to properly plan your trip ahead of time is an important of making sure that your journey is a safe and enjoyable one. By following the steps above, you can ensure that you have all the resources and information you need to create the perfect journey plan!
At the end of the day, the journey you take and how safe you feel during it is in your hands. By following these helpful tips and investing in the right resources, you can feel secure when planning and embarking on your next great adventure. Bon voyage!
