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Safety · Any trip, anywhere
Destination safety essentials
The non-negotiables, in one place. If you only read one guide before a trip, make it this one.
Two weeks before
- Check your destination's current travel advisory (US: state.gov; UK: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice)
- Vaccinations up to date — some need 2 weeks to take effect
- Buy travel insurance. Seriously.
- Tell your bank you're travelling (avoids frozen cards)
- Register with your embassy's traveller programme
The day you arrive
- Only use licensed taxis / ride-share from the airport
- Memorise the hotel address + a nearby landmark for taxis
- Count your cash in private, not in the taxi queue
- Take a photo of your hotel entrance — helpful if you get lost
- Check in with home — text, don't just post on Instagram
Safety & awareness
- Share your itinerary with a trusted person at home
- Register with your embassy (US: STEP; UK: FCDO; CA: ROCA) for emergency contact
- Know the local emergency number (911, 112, 999, etc.)
- Identify your nearest embassy / high commission + its address
- Don't flash jewellery, watches, or cash publicly
- Use licensed taxis or app-based rides (Uber / Bolt / local equivalent)
- Avoid walking alone after dark in unfamiliar areas
- Carry a dummy wallet with expired cards + small cash for worst-case muggings
- Know the local scam patterns for your destinationA 5-minute search before the trip saves hours.
If something goes wrong
- File a police report for theft — your insurance requires it
- Call your insurance's 24h line before paying for care
- Contact your embassy for lost passports or serious emergencies
- Let home know what's happening before social media does