Safe Travel Guide for Seniors
STORY BY RACHEL JACKSON
Traveling the world after you retire is a dream – and even if you only make it to a few new places, you’ll be having the time of your life.
But how do you stay safe while you’re away from home?
Use these tips to ensure you don’t fall foul of the many common traps.
Be money-savvy
Traditionally, you might have gone on holiday with a stack of foreign currency in your bag, and then carried it around or left it in your hotel safe while you were away. These days, thieves and scammers have a lot of ways to get hold of your money, based on the common mistakes that tourists make. Avoid them with the following precautions:
Avoid common scams
There are certain tourist traps that are aimed at travelers. Be wise about these common tricks:
There are many ways to increase your safety through modern means – such as the use of technology.
Keep safe and stay savvy by:
Consider personal safety
Of course, there are some things you can do for your safety on a personal level. These include:
It’s much better to be safe than sorry – and preparing beforehand will mean that you feel much more secure and happy during your travels.
But how do you stay safe while you’re away from home?
Use these tips to ensure you don’t fall foul of the many common traps.
Be money-savvy
Traditionally, you might have gone on holiday with a stack of foreign currency in your bag, and then carried it around or left it in your hotel safe while you were away. These days, thieves and scammers have a lot of ways to get hold of your money, based on the common mistakes that tourists make. Avoid them with the following precautions:
- Never keep all of your money in one place. Split it between hidden compartments in your luggage, a safe, your own purse or wallet, a money belt hidden inside your clothing, and other hiding places
- Consider using an ATM card to withdraw money while you travel, so long as the exchange rates are favourable and there are no fees.
- Don’t keep large amounts of cash in your wallet or in your hand – when going to pay for something, don’t give the impression you have lots more money.
- Check exchange rates across multiple vendors before exchanging, both on the way out and on your return
Avoid common scams
There are certain tourist traps that are aimed at travelers. Be wise about these common tricks:
- Unlicensed taxis charging above the going rate.
- Drivers taking you to a different location than your request in order to collect commission on restaurant bills, etc
- Displays of poverty or charity intended to guilt you into donations, which may not go to the needy.
- Accommodation-organised excursions, which may inflate the cost of exploring on your own.
- Street crime - misdirection or play-acting can be used to distract you from your possessions.
- Offers of free products or services – such as a rose for your partner, which will turn out to have a fee when taken.
- Individuals dressed as police officers who may demand money, or to check your currency to see if it is fake.
- Calls claiming to be from your hotel reception, asking you to confirm your payment details.
- Bag theft on board buses and trains where bags can be placed in cargo compartments.
There are many ways to increase your safety through modern means – such as the use of technology.
Keep safe and stay savvy by:
- Downloading guidebook apps onto your phone, which will tell you where to go and what to avoid.
- Download maps before you travel.
- If you need to download new maps or other resources when you arrive, use a VPN connection so that your personal data is protected.
- Store the local emergency number in your phone just in case you need it.
Consider personal safety
Of course, there are some things you can do for your safety on a personal level. These include:
- Having full medical insurance.
- Taking appropriate clothing and weather protection, eg umbrellas or sunscreen.
- Carrying a hiking pole or walking stick.
- Bringing any medication you may potentially require.
- See a specialist travel doctor before you leave home!
It’s much better to be safe than sorry – and preparing beforehand will mean that you feel much more secure and happy during your travels.