Travel Safety Tips: Protect Yourself on Your Trip
(425 Reviews)
99% Recommended
Pam MacIntyre
Maple Grove, MN
Australia & New Zealand Specialist
New Zealand
In all my years as a Travel Professional, I’ve asked countless people, “What’s on your must-see list?” And without fail, New Zealand is always at the top! Honestly, who wouldn’t want to experience this majestic ...
New Zealand
In all my years as a Travel Professional, I’ve asked countless people, “What’s on your must-see list?” And without fail, New Zealand is always at the top! Honestly, who wouldn’t want to experience this majestic part of the world?
I was fortunate enough to visit both the North and South Islands, and what I love about New Zealand is that it offers the perfect blend of laid-back charm and action-packed adventure, all while being nothing short of epic.
The country is home to endless national parks, a rich Maori culture, and unforgettable experiences like sailing through the sounds while dolphins playfully follow your yacht. And let’s not forget the awe-inspiring moment of witnessing a sperm whale off the coast of Kaikoura—talk about jaw-dropping beauty!
Oh, and did I mention wine? If you’re a fan of great wine (and who isn’t?), New Zealand is a must-visit for its world-class Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and more. How do I know? Because I couldn’t resist visiting a winery or two during my travels!
Honestly, I could go on and on about the magic of New Zealand, but if you’re reading this, you already know you want to explore this incredible part of the world. Let’s work together to create your perfect New Zealand adventure!
Australia
Let me start by saying, I’ve wanted to visit Australia since I was a child. Why, you ask? Well, to pet a kangaroo, of course! And yes, I did! Not only did I pet a kangaroo, but I actually fed FOUR at the same time. Childhood dream come true, right? And I can’t wait to go back for round two.
While I was in Sydney, I had the chance to experience the spectacular Vivid Sydney Festival, celebrating its 10th year. It was honestly WOW! Never in my wildest dreams did I think Australia would be so perfect to visit during their winter season. But coming from Minnesota, their “winter” felt more like our fall—absolutely ideal! Seeing the Sydney Opera House light up during the festival was something I’ll never forget.
And then there’s the Blue Mountains region—so lovely to explore on foot. From there, we ventured to Hunter Valley (known to the locals as "The Hunter"), where wine flowed freely, and every glass was more delicious than the last.
Australia’s size is truly hard to grasp until you’ve experienced it firsthand. To put it in perspective: Sydney would be in Florida, Cairns (home of the Great Barrier Reef) would be in Maine, Uluru (Ayers Rock) would be in Kansas, Melbourne would be in New Orleans, and Perth would be in Los Angeles.
Whether you're dreaming of visiting the world’s largest Great Barrier Reef, immersing yourself in Aboriginal culture, swimming with whale sharks, or gazing upon the majestic Uluru, Australia has endless possibilities waiting for you.
Let’s make your dream trip to Australia a reality—one that you’ll remember for the rest of your life!
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Essential Travel Tips for Safe and Enjoyable Adventures
Now more than ever, taking the right precautions before and during your trip is key to traveling safely and confidently. Here are some must-know tips to keep in mind:
CDC Guidance
Before you travel, check the CDC’s website for any recommended vaccinations for your destination—this might include typhoid, malaria, dengue fever, Lyme disease, and more. Whether you choose vaccinations or prescription meds is up to you, but having the info upfront helps you make informed decisions.
Credit Card Alerts
Always notify your bank and credit card companies about your travel plans. This helps prevent your cards from being blocked and speeds up fraud resolution if any issues arise after your trip.
ATM Safety
When using ATMs abroad, cover your PIN and look for signs of tampering. Crooks sometimes use hidden cameras or skimmers to steal info. A little extra caution goes a long way in protecting your money, both at home and away.
Drinking in Public
We all want to enjoy ourselves, but stay aware when drinking in public. Overindulgence can increase your risk of becoming a target. Always keep an eye on your drink and never leave it unattended.
Emergency Prep
Jot down local emergency contacts and keep them handy. Knowing escape routes at your hotel or rental—especially in case of fire—can make a big difference in a crisis.
Protect Your Valuables
Use hotel safes when possible for passports, cash, jewelry, electronics, and other important items. Securing your belongings gives you peace of mind so you can relax and enjoy your trip.
Ask the Locals
From my experience, locals are gold when it comes to travel advice. Don’t hesitate to ask them about safe neighborhoods, hidden gems, or places to avoid—they usually know best. Plus, chatting with locals can give you insider tips you won’t find in guidebooks and help you connect more deeply with the culture.
Taxi & Ride-Share Tips
Before hopping into a taxi or Uber, it’s a good idea to clarify the fare—ask if the price is per person or for the entire ride, and whether it’s in local currency or dollars. Also, check if they accept cards or if you’ll need cash. Having a rough idea of the distance can help, too. While most drivers are honest, sometimes you might encounter one who takes a longer route to increase the fare. That said, traffic can also cause delays, so it’s important to stay aware but not overly suspicious. A little caution goes a long way without assuming the worst.
Stay Alert
When you’re in unfamiliar places, stay aware of your surroundings. Walk confidently, keep your head up, and trust your instincts—it helps you avoid unwanted attention. Be especially mindful in areas where trouble might be lurking nearby. Enjoy your time, but don’t let your guard down too much; just stay aware to keep yourself safe.
Dress for the Culture
Respect local customs by dressing appropriately, especially in more conservative countries. This might mean covering shoulders or legs or avoiding certain colors. Blending in a bit can help you steer clear of unwanted stares.
Bargaining Know-How
Haggling is common in some countries but not in others. Research local shopping customs so you know when and how to negotiate respectfully.
First Aid Basics
- Pack a small kit with:
- Antihistamines for allergies
- Sunscreen (it’s often pricey abroad)
- Aloe for sunburns
- Pain relievers for headaches or soreness
- Band-Aids
- Bug spray (to ward off insect bites)
- Petroleum jelly or powder to prevent blisters
Protect Your Pockets
Keep valuables in your front pockets rather than back pockets—pickpockets are skilled, and front pockets make it harder for them to snag your stuff.
Watch Your Belongings
Cross-body bags are a smart choice since they’re harder for thieves to snatch. While nothing’s foolproof, they can help reduce the risk of petty theft. In some cities, pickpocketing is more common—so even simple things like leaving your phone on the table while dining require extra caution. If you want, we can go over specific tips based on your travel plans to keep you prepared.
In Conclusion No trip comes with a 100% safety guarantee, but these tips can help minimize risks and keep you prepared. Trust your gut—if something feels off, it probably is. And remember, I’m here to help you navigate any uncertainties.With a little awareness and preparation, you can focus on enjoying your travels and making amazing memories. Safe journeys!