subject: How to Use Your Wits to Keep Safe Abroad [print this page] How to Use Your Wits to Keep Safe Abroad How to Use Your Wits to Keep Safe Abroad
Going on holiday abroad can be a very rewarding and exciting thing to do, especially in the height of summer, when you can chill out, lie back and relax in the warming glow of the sun without a care in the world. But while a holiday represents a great time to unwind, it's also the time that people tend to become a little careless with their belongings, as the sense of freedom can often lead to a diminished sense of safety. Crime happens all over the world, but holidaymakers are often the prime target for thieves and pickpockets, so here is a guide on how to keep your money, and most importantly, yourself safe whilst you're abroad.
Bags and Wallets
When it comes to keeping your possessions safe, you have to use your common sense, especially when you are on holiday, and might not necessarily know the area you are in very well. So when it comes to your personal belongings, you must excise some caution, and after all, you wouldn't leave you bag unattended while you were in a pub or club at home, so why would you do it on holiday? Make sure you keep your bag and wallet with you at all times, and that your bag is securely closed. As an extra precaution, don't carry your cheque book, PIN number or cash card in the same place, as this will make it easy for thieves to access your money.
Personal Safety
When you're aboard apply the same rules to personal safety as you would at home, such as not walking alone late at night, sticking to well-lit streets, not drinking to excess and travelling in groups wherever possible. Make sure you have the name of your hotel on your person, so you won't forget where you're staying, and always make sure you have money left over for a bus or a taxi back to your accommodation.
Communication
Good communication is the best way to keep yourself safe and out of harm's way. Travelling alone is a necessity sometimes but you should always do your best to go with someone else two people are always far safer than one. Even solo-travellers should do their best to make friends in hostels which will allow them to move about in groups. It is also crucial to keep your loved ones informed of where you are and where you are going. This way they can keep tabs on you. Finally, it is worth considering picking up a cell phone in the country your visiting sim cards can be purchased for very little money. Having a phone will allow you to call for help if anything goes wrong: cell phones are your best protection while travelling abroad.
It pays to be safe while you're enjoying your time abroad, but any holiday, even a holiday to well-known areas like holidays in Cyprus, could be a little more dangerous than you realise, so make sure that you stay vigilant against any potential threats.
