When traveling, it’s not uncommon for people to let their guard down. They are happy to be in a new location and are excited to take in the sights or are eager to participate in an important business meeting. The thrill of travel can lull you into a false sense of security.
Criminals are aware that people may not be as wary as they should be when traveling, and will prey on the innocent. To avoid being a victim, the people at TripTogether compiled some helpful tips that travelers should keep in mind. Use this information to keep clear of scams and safeguard your personal information while on the road.
Regarding potential travel partners that you meet online: Don’t offer to give anyone money, no matter how reasonable the request might seem. Someone may have pretended to befriend you and is cultivating your kindness over a period of time, only to scam you in the end. For that matter, you don’t want to give out your personal contact information to a stranger.
Before you embark, make a list of your travel plans with details about each stop along the way. Include phone numbers of where you will be staying and details about your passport and other important papers and give this information to a relative or trusted friend. This way, if you get into trouble and your luggage or smartphone is stolen, you can still access the information you need by getting ahold of this person.
You should make a habit of checking in with a friend or loved one on a regular basis, to assure everyone back at home that you are safe and that they don’t need to send the authorities out looking for you.
Don’t carry large sums of cash with you, even if you are using a money belt. Travelers’ checks are always a good bet.
While it is unpleasant to consider that criminals are waiting for unsuspecting travelers to fall for their scams, it’s better to arm yourself with knowledge about how to avoid their traps and stay safe during your journeys. We hope you find these tips useful and that your next trip will be rewarding.
