Each year, millions of people travel abroad. While visiting new places and experiencing new things is exciting, safety has to be considered. While it may not be the most exciting topic to discuss when making travel plans; however, considering factors like personal safety and how to get medical emergency loans if needed are imperative.
Petty Theft
Petty theft happens much more often than most people expect. Scammers and pickpockets are common in popular tourist destinations, which is why it’s important to remain vigilant in public.
It’s a good idea to always keep your personal belongings within your sight and stay mindful of your surroundings when using public transportation. Consider using a bag that uses a strap that goes across your chest, and don’t keep your valuable items in your back pockets.
Motor Vehicle Safety
Injuries due to motor vehicle accidents pose a huge risk for international travelers. Several issues contribute to increased car accidents in other countries, which include:
- Inexperienced drivers
- Drug or alcohol impairment
- Improper road design
- Hazardous conditions
- Lack of vehicle maintenance
- Being unfamiliar with the “rules of the road”
To help you stay safe, be sure to request a vehicle with seat belts and inspect the vehicle before using it. You can also request vehicles with airbags and avoid nonessential driving at night.
Water Safety
Even experienced boaters and swimmers may be in danger when they are in new bodies of water. Accidental drownings and other water-related incidents are some of the main causes of Americans dying while traveling abroad. For this reason, you should take additional precautions when participating in any type of water activity.
Insect and Animal Hazards
In locations where rabies is always present, iIt’s also important to avoid wild animals, particularly bats, rodents, and monkeys. Stings and bites from insects may cause adverse reactions as well. It’s important to seek medical care right away for any sting or bite that causes bruising, swelling, redness, or persistent pain. Make sure to take extra steps to be safe when camping or when staying in primitive or rustic areas. You should also use mosquito netting and insect repellents for areas where you may be at risk.
Safety from Violence
If you are traveling in areas with civil unrest or higher-poverty regions, it may put you at risk for violence. Additional times violence may be a problem include if you are traveling at night or using drugs or alcohol. To avoid these situations, make sure you don’t travel alone and that you vary your travel habits. Make sure you don’t wear expensive jewelry or clothing, which may make you a target.
If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, it’s important to contact the U.S. Embassy, consular agency, or Consulate for help. You can also find international travel alerts for each country on the U.S. Department of State website.
Ensuring a Safe Vacation
Regardless of where you plan to go, ensuring your personal safety and health is necessary. Knowing the risks and how to protect yourself is the first step. You can also find more information on travel safety on the CDC website. What’s more, if you do happen to experience any dental issues while you’re abroad, you should go for tooth Extraction Vineland.
