Safety First: Five Things to Always Keep in Mind While Traveling

▲ Be Cautious with Public Wi-Fi Abroad (Photo / Dagou / Illustration)

By Rita

“Be careful when you go out”—a phrase you’ve probably heard tens of thousands of times since childhood—takes on extra importance when traveling abroad. It might be manageable in Taiwan, but once you’re overseas, language barriers and unfamiliar surroundings can make things unpredictable. Beyond doing your homework to understand the local environment, many situations are simply beyond your control. The Huffington Post has compiledfive things you should watch out for while traveling,worth reviewing every time you prepare for an international trip.

1. Personal Data Theft
Wi-Fi is probably the first thing most travelers look for upon arriving at a destination. Whether in restaurants, cafés, museums, and more, it’s often readily available. But be very cautious: avoid using public networks for online banking or money transfers, because you never know who might be lurking to steal your banking details. The safest option is to wait until you’re back at your hotel or buy a SIM card for your personal use.

2. Corrupt Police
In some countries, police may abuse their authority and extort money from travelers. Some have reported that police in Thailand or Vietnam target motorcyclists, falsely accusing them of violations and issuing fines that actually go straight into their own pockets. Extra vigilance is advised when visiting these countries.

3. Respect Local People
Most locals take pride in their country and communities. As a traveler, showing respect toward the place you’re visiting and its people is essential—disrespect can lead to unexpected consequences. Behaviors such as speaking rudely or showing disrespect toward others’ partners are definitely not advisable.

4. Beware of Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Many solo travelers seek casual encounters—and there’s nothing inherently right or wrong about that. However, if you have an STD, it’s important to inform your partner of the risks. And if you don’t have one, taking proper preventive measures is a must.

5. Adapt to Different Transportation Systems
Getting used to local transportation usually takes some time. Different cities have different public transit systems, and even road traffic rules—like which side of the road vehicles drive on—can vary. Stay alert, go slow, and first observe whether pedestrians or cars have the right of way to avoid accidents.