Travel Safety Tips
(390 Reviews)
98% Recommended
Pam MacIntyre
Maple Grove, MN
Australia & New Zealand Specialist
New Zealand
In all my years as a Travel Professional, with curiosity I've asked several the question "What are your must see countries?" I was hard pressed to find one that did not list New Zealand! I mean who wouldn't wa...
New Zealand
In all my years as a Travel Professional, with curiosity I've asked several the question "What are your must see countries?" I was hard pressed to find one that did not list New Zealand! I mean who wouldn't want to experience this majestic part of the world?
Recently I was able to explore several areas of this amazing country, being fortunate in visiting both the North & South Island. What I love is New Zealand can be mellow or action-packed, yet it will still always be epic!
From the endless national parks, dynamic Maori culture, to experiencing the sounds aboard a yacht while gazing upon dolphins. And let’s not forget about laying witness to the majestic beauty of a sperm whale off the coast of Kaikoura.
Wait, did you say you enjoy wine? They have some of THE best in the world....how do I know? Because how could I go all the way to New Zealand and not visit a winery or two. New Zealand offers the deliciousness of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnays, Pinot Noir, Merlot and many more!
I really could go on and on, but no need if you're reading this you already KNOW you want to explore this part of the world. I would love to help you create the best version of New Zealand for you!
Australia
Let me start by saying, I have been wanting to go to Australia since I was a child. Why you ask? Well to pet a kangaroo of course! And I did! Not only did I pet kangaroos, but I fed 4 simultaneously! It was a childhood dream come true, and I cannot wait to go back and repeat the experience.
I was in Sydney during the spectacular International lights and music festival, Vivid Sydney. It was their 10th year, and all I've got to say is WOW! Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought Australia would be so perfect to visit during their winter season. Although being from Minnesota it was more like our fall temperatures. So again, perfect! It was extra special to experience VIVID Sydney and see the iconic Sydney Opera House light up. If you travel during this time of year, it truly is a must see.
The Blue Mountains region of Australia was truly lovely to walk amongst. Then headed to Hunter Valley (to locals known as "The Hunter") where wine in this region was flowing plentifully and was quite delicious!
After making a visit to Australia I now understand why many choose to go there for 2 - 4 weeks on a vacation. It's truly hard to grasp the sheer size of Australia until you have been there yourself. To give you an idea, think about the USA. Sydney would be in Florida; Cairns (Great Barrier Reef) would be in Maine; Uluru (Ayers Rock) would be in Kansas; Melbourne would be New Orleans; and Perth would be Los Angeles.
If you're looking to visit the world's largest Great Barrier Reef, immerse yourself in Aboriginal communities, swim with whale sharks or gaze upon the Uluru (Ayers Rock) the possibilities really are endless in Australia!
Together we'll create your dream trip to Australia that you'll remember for the rest of your days!
Can Be Reached At
1-763-231-8893
Now more than ever, we want to take the proper precautions to travel safely.
CDC Information:
It's important to be aware if the country you are visiting has any vaccination recommendations. Examples such as: Typhoid, dengue fever, malaria, Lyme disease, etc. While this is a personal decision to either vaccinate or take prescription pills, it's a good idea to be aware so you can make the choice right for you. Obtain all the information needed by visiting: www.cdc.gov
Credit Cards:
Be sure to notify your bank and/or credit card companies you may use while traveling. Not only will this help ensure you can use these cards when needed, but if after you've returned home there is any fraudulent activities this'll either prevent or clear issues up faster.
ATM Machines:
While also covering your pin to avoid prying eyes or cameras, it's recommended to also look to see if there has been any tampering in an effort to steal your information. There are a number of ways to do this, and through a bit of research you'll learn better on how to protect yourself. Which will help protect you both in your own backyard and abroad.
Drinking in Public:
It's best to keep your wits about you. While we all want to have a good time, when you are too inebriated in public this can increase your chances greatly of becoming a victim of a crime. Never leave your drink unattended anywhere, it's better to be safe than sorry.
Emergency:
I recommend having local emergency contact information written down and kept on you so it's handy just in case. This could help a difficult situation be less stressful. It's also a good idea to make yourself aware of escape routes in case of a fire in your accommodations.
Valuables:
Be sure to utilize a safe whenever it's an option. For items such as Jewelry, money/credit cards, passports, camera, electronics, etc. Anything really of great value to you.
Ask the Locals:
I've found in my travels this one is HUGE! The best advice you can get is directly from the locals. No matter where you travel to, all destinations have bad neighborhoods/areas so be sure to talk with the front desk, bartenders, seemingly kind locals, etc. to find out the scoop on areas to avoid. And hey they can also give you the ins & outs of the "Must See" or "Must Do" things. So you'll get two-fold when talking with the locals to help better your travel experience.
Taxi/Uber Rides:
It's a good idea to verify pricing if able on Taxi services in advance, to better gage pricing to ensure you're not getting price gouged. Also be sure to ask if that pricing is total or per person. Lastly be sure to ask if it's in American Dollars or local currency. Plus if they take credit cards, or only cash.
Aware of Surroundings:
When traveling, we are most times in unfamiliar territory. Your body language can speak volumes to potential attackers. Therefore you should always keep your head up, staying alert and being aware of your surroundings. Confidence can help reduce your risk of becoming a target.
Clothing:
Depending on where you're traveling it's important to read up on local customs of clothing, especially when traveling to more conservative countries. Some things you may find will be women covering their hair with a scarf, covering your legs/arms, avoiding certain clothing colors, etc. While many will still know you're a tourist, you may be less of a target for scams if you blend in a little bit.
Bargaining & Negotiation:
While this is not so much a safety tip, it's recommended to better understand if this is customary in the country you are visiting. While this is encouraged in some destinations, it's considered insulting and disrespectful in others. It's a good idea to learn a bit more on local cultures for a positive experience.
First Aid Kit:
- Anti-histamine tablets/lotion
- Sunscreen (Some locations this can be very expensive to buy)
- Aloe (For sunburn)
- Extra pain/headache pills for aches from touring/hiking.
- Band-Aids
- Bug Preventative (Can reduce chances of insect related diseases)
- Petroleum jelly/powder (helps prevent blisters)
Pockets:
Front pocket is always going to be safer to use, than the back pocket. Pickpockets are masters of their craft, and by using front pockets this'll help reduce your chances of them stealing your wallet.
Personal Belongings:
Be sure to keep a close eye on your backpacks or purses. A popular choice for women, will be a cross-body purse. While this isn't foolproof of theft, it lessens your chances of fallen victim to this common petty crime.
No matter where you are traveling 100% safety is never guaranteed, however rest assured we will advise you of areas we recommend avoiding for travel. By utilizing some of these tips though, it'll help minimize your risk factors that come with traveling. In the end, trust your instincts. If a situation just doesn't seem right to you, it probably isn't.