Sometimes the unexpected or unplanned can disrupt your travel arrangements, which may affect your experience and potentially jeopardise your safety and security.
Everyone knows to avoid unlit streets at night, steer clear of rough neighbourhoods and not flash expensive jewellery.
What about those risks that are less apparent?
Salads
It’s easy enough to buy bottled if the tap water is unsafe to drink on your travels. But what if the salad you just ate at a restaurant was rinsed under the tap, and quickly leads to an upset stomach? Carrying enough medication for 48-72 hours to clear a bug is a good safety protocol, and declining ice in your drink is also recommended. A good rule of thumb to follow is if you can’t cook it, or peel it, then leave it!
Company Branded Bags
Everyone loves getting swag, however criminals could spot corporate logos, assume you work for them and see you as a potential target. Stick to plain bags to prevent unnecessary attention – particularly if the brand name is a large well-known multinational.
Your Passport
Some passports may attract more scrutiny than others. In certain regions, local sentiment or political tension can lead to travellers being detained purely due to the nationality of their passport. Understand the local risk, travel conditions and geopolitical fallout to prevent being potentially harassed on arrival.
Luggage Labels
Solo female travellers should avoid using ‘Miss’ on luggage tags, as it can signal to opportunistic individuals they are travelling alone. Subtle precautions like this can help reduce unwanted attention and minimise potential risks.
Understanding the local environment, doing due diligence, arriving prepared and having great situational awareness can help you anticipate and navigate even the most unexpected scenarios.