Traveling is a fun and exhilarating experience, particularly if you’re heading to multiple areas of a country or traveling across borders to explore several countries on your journey. It offers the chance to meet new people, make life-long friends, and explore the beauty of the world.
However, long-term travel doesn’t come without its downsides. One of the major considerations that you must take when you’re planning on traveling to foreign countries is your safety.
As a tourist or traveler, you’re a more vulnerable target to attackers and thieves. This is especially true if you’re traveling alone and you don’t speak the native language of the country you’re visiting.
But we don’t want to put you off! If it’s your dream to travel the world and explore different cultures, you can absolutely do this while staying safe. You’ll just need to take a few extra steps and precautions to ensure maximum safety during your travels.
Below, we have covered some top tips for long-term travel to ensure you can enjoy unforgettable travel experiences without worrying about your safety.
Get Travel Insurance
Everybody should get travel insurance, regardless of how long they’re traveling for or where they’re going. You will need to organize travel insurance in advance so it’s active and in place by the time you get on your first flight.
Travel insurance offers financial protection in unexpected events. Your travel insurance provider can offer support if you run into trouble before, during, or even after traveling. You may receive coverage for lost or stolen baggage, emergency medical expenses, trip disruptions, or flight cancellations.
There are various travel insurance policies and plans available. You should compare Traveler’s Insurance policies to find the most suitable one for your needs and preferences.
If you’re unsure of anything, contact various travel insurance providers directly to get expert guidance in choosing the best policy. Note that policies with a higher level of coverage will generally cost more to purchase, but you will also receive higher financial compensation if your travels don’t go as planned.
Thoroughly Research Your Destinations
This next tip goes without saying, but we will mention it in this article to emphasize its importance. You must research each of your travel destinations in great detail before setting off on your long journey worldwide.
Read online articles, forums, and information pages to gather as many details about your chosen destinations as possible. Research the local amenities, cultural expectations (or ‘norms’), and crime rates to fully prepare yourself for what’s to come.
It’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the local and national laws and customs to make sure you don’t run into legal issues when you’re abroad. Write down the emergency numbers and the location of the country’s embassy. It’s always best to prepare for the worst when you’re traveling long-term!
Learn Basic Phrases in the Native Language of Each Country
The basic, common phrases of a particular language are often enough to get by as a foreigner. It’s important to learn these phrases in the languages of the various countries you plan on visiting so you can stay as safe as possible.
Knowing basic phrases in the native languages of the countries you’re traveling to enables you to interact with locals, ask for their help or guidance, and navigate public transport safely. It’s also essential when you’re in an emergency situation and need to call for help or contact the police or medical services. Of course, it’s also polite to be able to speak the language of the locals when you’re visiting their cities or towns.
Although learning multiple languages might be difficult if you’re traveling across borders during your trip, it’s worth spending the time doing so for your safety and enjoyment. You can download language learning apps, such as Duolingo, to make the process as fun as possible.
Keep Second Copies of All of Your Important Documents
Important documents include your passport, health and travel insurance documents, photographic ID, and boarding passes. Without these important documents, you might be unable to cross borders to other destinations or back home at the end of your travels.
You must keep two copies of these documents in case the original copies get damaged, lost, or stolen. It’s best to keep a digital copy of these documents as well, so you can always access them electronically if needed.
Consider getting a plastic wallet or folder to keep your paperwork safe from water damage or theft. Keep your plastic wallets or folder somewhere safe and secure in your hotel or hostel room, and don’t forget to take it with you when you checkout of each place.
