While most trips pass without incident, staying safe abroad isn’t about being fearful; it’s about being prepared, aware, and adaptable. Travel should feel exciting and enriching, not stressful, and a few sensible habits can significantly reduce risk without dampening the experience.
It’s important to recognise that safety varies widely by destination. Many countries are exceptionally safe, with places such as Japan, Singapore, and much of the Gulf region experiencing very low levels of crime against tourists. In these destinations, visitors can often move around freely with minimal concern, particularly when following local norms.
Elsewhere, including much of Europe, tourists are generally safe from serious violent crime, even in major cities. However, what is often described as “low-level crime” is more common, particularly in busy tourist areas. Mobile phone theft, pickpocketing, distraction techniques, and common scams can turn an otherwise great trip into a frustrating experience. Becoming the victim of a scam may not be physically dangerous, but it can be costly, stressful, and capable of ruining a holiday.
There are also destinations where more serious crime exists alongside growing tourism. In countries such as South Africa, for example, incidents like carjacking occur more frequently than many travellers expect. This doesn’t mean such places should be avoided, but it does mean travellers need to be better informed and more cautious, particularly when it comes to transport choices and awareness of surroundings.
Be Aware
One of the most important habits to develop while travelling is situational awareness. This doesn’t mean being constantly on edge, but rather paying attention to what’s happening around you. Observe how locals behave, where they carry their valuables, and which areas feel busy and well-used versus quiet or isolated. If something feels off, trust that instinct. Many experienced travellers will tell you that intuition is often the first and most effective line of defence.
Preparation before you leave home plays a huge role in safety. Research your destination beyond the highlights: understand local customs, common scams, transport norms, and any areas best avoided. Make sure your travel insurance is comprehensive and covers medical care, theft, and any activities you plan to do. For very long trips or higher-risk destinations, registering with your country’s foreign office can provide an extra layer of reassurance.
Using Wi-Fi and Phone Safely
Public Wi-Fi is convenient but not always secure. Avoid accessing sensitive accounts, such as online banking, on unsecured networks, and consider using a VPN when travelling. We have a dedicated article covering safe internet use overseas in more detail, but the basic rule is simple: if you wouldn’t do it on a shared computer at home, don’t do it on public Wi-Fi abroad.
Be careful in using your phones PIN code in public where people can see you. An increasing common scam is thieves looking over your shoulder when you unlock your phone with a passcode rather than face or fingerprint ID. They can then access your phone and set themselves up on your phones biometric ID allowing them to then access sensitive apps such as your mobile banking.
Protecting Valuables
A few basic habits go a long way. Avoid displaying expensive items, keep phones and wallets secure, and spread important items across different bags or pockets. Cross-body bags or discreet money belts can significantly reduce risk without feeling intrusive or uncomfortable.
Keeping digital backups is equally important. Secure online copies of passports, visas, tickets, and insurance documents can be a lifesaver if originals are lost or stolen. Emailing copies to yourself or a trusted contact ensures you can access them from anywhere.
Accommodation Choices
Choosing accommodation that suits your travel style matters. Budget travellers and backpackers staying in shared rooms should be particularly mindful of their belongings, using lockers where available and keeping valuables secure. In hotels, use safes when provided, especially for passports and spare cards. No accommodation is entirely risk-free, but sensible precautions dramatically reduce the chance of problems.
Transport and Getting Around
Transportation deserves particular attention. Whether you’re using taxis, buses, or trains, choose reputable providers whenever possible, even if it costs slightly more. Avoid unlicensed taxis, and if in doubt use a ride hailing app which tends to be a safer option.
When using informal transport, always agree the price clearly before getting in. Pedal cabs in European cities are a common example where misunderstandings or outright scams can occur. Take a moment to confirm the total cost and avoid being pressured into rushing payment.
At night, stick to well-lit routes and trusted transport options. Fatigue, alcohol, and unfamiliar environments can combine to impair judgement, so pacing yourself—especially during the first few days of a trip—is a simple but highly effective safety measure. On long-distance journeys or night buses, keeping money, cards, and passports in a money belt reduces the risk of theft while you sleep.
Cultural Awareness
Cultural awareness plays a subtle but powerful role in staying safe. While no one should be targeted because of how they dress or behave, dressing appropriately, understanding social norms, and showing respect can help you blend in and avoid unwanted attention. This isn’t about losing your identity, but about recognising that you are a guest in someone else’s country.
Stay Connected
Finally, stay connected. Let someone at home know your general plans, particularly if you’re travelling solo or moving frequently. A charged phone, local SIM or eSIM, and offline maps can make a huge difference when plans change unexpectedly—which they often do.
Be Vigilant, Not Paranoid
Staying safe overseas doesn’t require paranoia or rigid rules. It’s about balance: enjoying freedom while making smart choices, being open to adventure while respecting risk. Social media is full of extreme examples, from people barricading hotel doors to piling belongings in front of them at night. In most cases, these measures are unnecessary, and if fear dominates your experience, travel may stop being enjoyable.
With preparation, awareness, and a calm mindset, travel remains what it should be—enriching, exciting, and memorable for all the right reasons.
Holiday Nerd 