As the weather starts to turn warm in the United States and the end of the school year approaches quicker by the day, many families are starting to plan out their 2023 summer vacation. In fact, 2023 promises to be one of the biggest years for vacations since the end of the Covid-19 pandemic with an estimated 87% of people expected to travel as much this year as in 2022 and 49% of those expecting to travel even more. With so many people preparing for vacation, it’s an excellent time to take a moment to review some safety tips to remember while on your trip.
Travel Tips for 2023: How to Have a Safe Vacation
Travel Trends for 2023 to Keep an Eye Out For
Perhaps one of the biggest trends centered around travel in 2023 is an increased emphasis on experience vacations, as opposed to leisure vacations. These types of vacations are specifically designed to be personalized around a travelers’ passions and are often inspired by Hollywood-style television and movies. There also appears to be an increased interest in food-focused travel, which is resulting in a new projected number of international vacations.
5 Tips for Going on a Safe Vacation
Going somewhere new is always reason to be more cautious, but this is never more true than when you are traveling internationally. You may believe you are safe in the area you’re in, but the reality of your situation could be more dire than you realize. Regardless of the potential dangers you face on vacation, use the following five tips to stay safe while traveling domestically or abroad:
-
Be sure all of your documentation is accounted for
When you are traveling, you should always have a form of ID on you for a variety of safety reasons. Unless you need your passport, though, you should store it in a safe and locked away area. However, driver’s license or other similar forms of ID can be helpful. One of the steps to take if you’ve been injured in a pedestrian accident, as an example, is to exchange contact information, which is why having your documentation is so important.
2.Avoid informing strangers of your plans
Some people are outgoing and trusting by nature, which is not necessarily a bad thing. However, when you are traveling in a new area, especially by yourself, it’s best to avoid giving strangers a breakdown of your plans. Even if you believe someone is a good person, they may have ulterior motives you are unaware of.
3.Ask trusted locals to describe the area you are in
When staying in a hotel or accredited vacation rental, ask the hotel concierge or rental host for tips on staying safe in the area and where you should, as well as shouldn’t, go. Avoid asking strangers for the sole reason that they may have nefarious intentions and answer you dishonestly.
4.Never travel by night if it can be avoided
While traveling by night is always not recommended due to a person being more tired and more likely to make an impaired decision, it is also when more crime occurs. When you travel in a part of the world, or even country, that you have never been too before, always aim to arrive and leave when it is daytime. If you do have to travel by vehicle at night, never stop for anybody once the sun goes down, even if you think they have good intentions.
5.Don’t make yourself a potential robbery target
Oftentimes, people travel with jewelry, watches, technology, and other items that may make them a potential target in less wealthy areas. While you can still bring these items on your vacation, be cognizant about where you are walking and be watchful of those around you. If you notice very few people using technology or wearing jewelry, it’s possible you’re in an area where this isn’t advisable. On top of this, avoid dressing in fancy or expensive clothing that may indicate your social status, which could also make you a target.
Plan your next trip today
Always remember that, when seeing somewhere new, you are a visitor and don’t fully understand the area you’re in. Not everybody will have your best interest at heart when you are a tourist, so it’s important to always be aware of your surroundings so that you can ensure your safety. By using the above tips, you’ll be able to have a fun and safe vacation that leaves you sad to return home.