Top tips for safe travel

1.Back (packer) glance

Get in the habit of looking back when you get up to leave somewhere. Travel is very distracting, and you're probably carrying more stuff than when you're at home, so you're more likely to leave a jacket or journal at that Parisian cafe table where you were people watching.

2.Separate your sources of money

You know how you keep all your bank cards in your wallet/purse when you're at home? Well, don't do this while you're travelling. Keep at least one in a different place, preferably not on your person. If you lose all your cards on the road it is very difficult to get replacements

3.Don't keep your wallet/purse in your jeans' back pocket

To avoid being pick pocketed, keep your wallet in your front pocket, especially a pocket that can be buttoned up. Best of all, use the inside pocket of your jacket. 

There are also a load of different 'money belts' that either hang inside your shirt or wrap around your waist (under your shirt), etc. Make sure it's waterproof because travelling can often be sweaty/perspiring work. 

There is no better way to advertise the fact that you have a load of valuables on you...and, of course, they were never ever cool.

4.Scan all your major documents

Scan your travel documents and email them to yourself. It was traditional to photocopy your passport and visas, travel insurance etc, and keep them in a separate part of your luggage. But that's old school. These days, digital is best - that way your documents won't go missing even if your bags do

5.Get travel insurance

This is mainly for health costs if you get ill or injured while abroad. Hospital costs can quickly get into the tens of thousands of dollars, even for a minor injury. Insurance is worth it. We love these guys.

6.Get vaccinated

Visit your doctor before you leave to get all the relevant vaccinations/immunisations for the destinations you're visiting, and to learn what health precautions you should follow.

7.Be wary of using your credit card at an internet café

Internet cafes' computers may have key logger software or hardware that records your key strokes, so unscrupulous characters (not necessarily the owners of the cafe) can see the username and password to your online accounts (banking, email etc.) or grab your credit card details.

A good trick to make this more challenging for them has been proposed by Thorn Tree user Karlo: open a couple of other browser windows (for the website you are using) and half way through entering your passwords or credit card information type incorrect information into these windows.

8.Don't leave your belongings unattended in public spaces

People do it all the time. Most notably, travellers leave their bags at their feet or hanging from the back of chairs when they're at cafes or restaurants. Either keep them on your lap or wrap its strap around your leg.

9.Don't pat stray dogs and cats

You may be missing your pets at home, but stray animals may be carrying rabies and other fun infections (and big teeth). You should also not feed monkeys, for the same reason.

10.Your worst enemy may be your travel companion

Often your travel companions will take risks that compromise your safety. They'll ask for help from people that you wouldn't go near, they'll aggravate a situation with arrogance, or they'll break any number of the no-nos mentioned above. Don't submit to their peer pressure. Stand your ground. And if they continue to be unsafe then consider parting ways.

Lonelyplanet.com