Tips For Safe Travels

By Jenise Jackson
Blog Content Contributor

This past summer, I vacationed in Las Vegas a.k.a. Sin City. Much like New York City, Las Vegas is a city that never seems to sleep and it honestly can be very overwhelming at times. However, that is how most places will seem to you when they are foreign to you. And even if you are somewhat familiar with an area, things are constantly changing and not everyone has the same good intentions. Because of this and the fact that I was a single traveling female, I believe it was important to take extra precautions to ensure that I stayed safe while I was away from home. I want to share those tips with those who may be doing some traveling any time soon.

Research, Research, Research

If you are visiting a destination for the first time, it is always a good idea to do a background check. Of course this can be time used to scope out things that you might want to do once you get there, but you should also look into safety information as well. I personally like to read a lot of reviews on the hotels I’m looking at in order to be aware of any crime rates. I want to make sure my surroundings are safe. Researching ahead of time leaves you prepared for the actual trip!

Do Not Trust People Too Quickly

Not everyone in the world has good intentions. Now, I am not saying you have to be rude to everyone while you are away on vacation, but be careful of who you befriend. And if you are the type of person who is okay with hooking up with someone, be mindful of protecting yourself as much as possible while away from home. It is okay to try and make friends while on vacation, just be cautious at all times.

Try to Blend In

Sometimes it can be hard to not look like a tourist when you actually are one, but it is a good idea to try and blend in with natives of your vacation destination. When you look like someone who is unfamiliar with a location, you become more vulnerable to criminals. Confidence is key here too. Always try to appear confident, even when you are not, while vacationing. Trust me, I know from experience and it helps out a whole lot.

If You Are Going To Drink, Do It Responsibly

I saw a lot of women get extremely drunk on the Strip in Vegas and lose control of themselves. I am not saying that you should not consume alcohol while on vacation, but you should definitely monitor yourself. You should know how much you can handle, so make sure you set a limit. Eat before you consume liquor, pace yourself while drinking and never take a drink if you do not know where it came from or if you did not see it being made.

Make Sure To Check In With Loved Ones Regularly

Sure, you may be an adult, but there is no harm in letting someone know that you are safe. I make it an effort to let someone close to me know where I will be at throughout the day, but I know that is a bit extreme for some people. However, do your best to not be vague about your whereabouts. Not only does it let others know that you are alright but you never know, there could be an emergency that requires you to be specifically located. If you make sure that someone knows your whereabouts, it can make it easier for you to be found in case of an emergency.

Of course, there are a lot more tips you should consider while traveling but these are some that I find to be very important. If you plan on vacationing soon, I hope that you enjoy yourself while remembering to stay safe as well. Happy travels!

Featured image by Madison Tyson.