Traveling can go wrong when you come underprepared for your trip. Lacking an itinerary can create a number of problems that can affect a person’s decision-making and finances. However, recreational travel does not plan a lot before heading out. Making quick plans is a part of recreational travel, but you must always take care of yourself from the problems that may occur due to unplanned traveling or criminal activities like pickpocketing and kidnapping. Here are some easy-to-follow tips for recreational travelers.
Avoid carrying valuables
Try to pack your bags light with only the necessities for your journey. Avoid carrying expensive items like jewelry, cash, etc. Carry an ATM card to make transactions and keep only the required cash in your wallet. Avoid visiting crowded areas in a new place with expensive items that have high risks of getting stolen.
Drink responsibly
You will have moments of fun visiting the local pubs and bars of your travel destination. However, overdrinking can make you lose the sense of time and direction. You can end up getting lost and ending up in the wrong neighborhood. The fact that you are too drunk will also make you a potential victim of robbery or worse. You must also keep an eye on your drink to prevent anyone from slipping in something.
Learn about local scams
You can research and learn about the most common scams in the area you plan on visiting. Some of the scams can get so worse that you will be forced to take out your money. Take the help of other locals if you are caught in such scams or go directly to the nearest police officers. When you have a better knowledge of scams, you will be able to escape them quickly.
Emergency phone numbers
Check for the local emergency numbers of the place that you plan on traveling to. Check out the number of the nearest embassy before you leave your home. Keep all the emergency contacts with you in writing and also save the numbers on your phone. You should be able to access the most useful emergency number whenever you need it.
Keep copies of original documents
Do not take out your original documents every time someone asks for them. Keep multiple copies of the documents when you are traveling so you can prevent your original documents from being stolen. Even if you lose copies of your passport and other documents, you can create new copies as long as you have the original documents with you.
Try to blend in
When you are exploring new places, you must spend time exploring and learning about the local culture and traditions. You must make sure that you do not do anything to offend the locals. Do not be the obvious tourist and be a part of the local crowd. Dress like the locals and try not to make it apparent that you are a tourist. Do not be the highlight of a crowd to escape the eyes of the local offenders.