You know I love to travel. And traveling with a special needs child has its own challenges. But these safety rules are pretty universal. Traveling opens you up to thieves who try to take advantage of your distractions and bad habits. There are plenty of ways to protect yourself from harm when you follow these simple guidelines. It doesn’t mean that something bad will never happen, but it can certainly reduce the risk.
Know Your Surroundings
It’s important to know where you are and where you are going. Even in a new place, you can learn the safest routes to get around. Being aware of your surroundings is very important to protect yourself from harm. You’ll want to know where your hotel is, how to get public transportation, and how to get to the nearest airport or embassy if you travel to a different country. Don’t try back alleys to get places unless you know it’s safe. Main routes are usually the best bet for safety when you travel.
Don’t Stare at Your Phone
One of the biggest mistakes that people make when they travel is getting too absorbed in their phones. First of all, you’re in a new place, look up, look around. Second of all, constantly looking at your mobile device makes you an easy target. You’re less likely to notice someone brushing up against you and picking your pocket. You’re also less likely to notice if there are people around following you. Your best bet is to keep your phone put away and not to stare at it.
Keep Money and Credit Cards Hidden
While you might like to keep your purse on you, when you’re traveling, you might consider something a little more secure to keep your money and credit cards. This is especially helpful for international travel where foreigners are targeted for scams. You can purchase a zipper pouch that you can wear on your body that lays flat under your clothes. No one can even tell something is there. When you’re travelling it might be hard to replace ID’s, cards, and money, so your best option is to keep them secure and out of sight from prying eyes.
Don’t Flaunt Your Cash
Speaking of money, be careful not to flaunt your cash. Pull out a little at a time in a discreet way so that others don’t know you have a thousand dollars hidden on your body. It’s important to keep your money hidden and use a lot of caution when you’re going out. The best thieves like to hang around tourist spots and public transportation. They can also be involved in scamming people, so be on alert.
Wear Simple Jewelry
While you might love to travel with your luxe wedding and engagement rings, sometimes it’s best to wear simple wedding bands. This is especially true when you travel to foreign countries. Elaborate jewelry invites unwanted attention and can make you a target. By wearing simple rings, necklaces, earrings, or bracelets, you won’t invite too many curious eyes.
Keep Expensive Gadgets at Home
While it’s fun to travel with iPads, tablets, and gaming devices, it’s best if you keep them at home or locked securely in the hotel safe. This can help reduce the risk of someone snatching it from you. You might know how I feel about buying the latest and greatest gadgets anyway, but if you’ve invested a lot of money in something, it’s best to protect that investment. I know parents of special needs children often have expensive devices and gadgets for their kiddos, and that’s not what I’m referring to here. Unless it’s a need, your best bet is to keep the expensive items at home while you travel.
Nickida
Nickida is a first-generation Trinidadian American wife and mother of four. She enjoys sharing recipes from her childhood growing up in Trinidad with her readers. Nickida has a son with Autism and shares posts around traveling with a child with special needs to help other families like her own. She loves television, movies and is a true 80's baby.
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