Smart Travel Tips: How to Avoid Mishaps and Enjoy the Journey

During stages of my career, I travelled about 200 days a year and spent a third of my nights sleeping in hotels. Friends were jealous of their gallivanting, globetrotting acquaintance.

New cities, new countries, and new experiences. Travel is an amazing way to learn about the world. It’s a whole lot of fun, too!

Except when it isn’t.

I can’t count the number of guests I’ve met over the years who were at their wit’s end due to a loss, theft, or some other unfortunate circumstance.

Here are my top ten tips that can help you reduce the risk of being a victim on your travels.

1. Do your homework. If you’re travelling to a new country, check your country’s government travel advice. If you know someone in the country, check with them for guidance. Follow the guidance you get from reputable sources. (I.e. not social media)
2. Check your documents (passports, bookings, etc.) Ensure your passport will be valid for a minimum of six months after you return home. Ensure your bookings are accurate and that you understand the time zones they are in.
3. Have a complete change of clothing in your carry-on. Keep medication (and copies of your prescriptions), a charged power bank, and a small flashlight in there too.
4. Always keep your important items on your person. (Passport, credit cards, phone, wallet, etc.) If your plane is evacuated, you can’t take hand luggage with you. If your purse gets stolen, you’ll still have them.
5. When checking in to a hotel, stay in physical contact with your carry-on bag. Thieves love hand luggage; if it’s resting against your foot you’ll notice if someone attempts to take it.
6. Lock your door. Most hotel locks have a feature that allows you to prevent staff keys from unlocking the door. Use it.
7. Use the in-room safe for important items. If they’re left lying on a desk, table, or bed, they can be moved or misplaced. (My passport once went out with the laundry…)
8. Never say your room number out loud. Hosts often ask for guests' room numbers in hotels where breakfast is included to verify their eligibility. Show them your key card folder or the room number on the hotel app instead so others don’t overhear it.
9. Don’t use your purse, phone, or carry-on bag as a placeholder while you go to the breakfast buffet. Leave your carry-on in your room and use a cheap pen and piece of paper to mark your table.
10. Wear solid walking shoes! When travelling, you’ll always walk more than you expect.