Travel opens the door to new experiences, helps you meet people you’d otherwise never cross paths with, and lets you create stories worth telling for years. But nobody wants their adventure to go south, especially if it can be easily avoided. That’s where good travel safety habits come in. While some tips sound like common sense, others get overlooked because they feel too simple to matter.

And believe it or not, the basics often make the biggest difference. The truth is, staying safe while traveling doesn’t mean you have fear the worst-case scenario. When it comes down to it, it’s the seemingly minor things that add up: pausing to double-check your route, avoiding connecting to random Wi-Fi, noticing the guy who’s been standing too close in the train station for too long.

So what habits are actually useful when you’re on the road, based on both expert advice and cold hard data? What are the travel safety measures that people don’t use enough? Let’s break it all down with facts and give you the tools to stay safe, wherever you go.

Be Proactive About Your Health

Ask most travelers about safety, and surprisingly few will mention health first, even though it’s one of the more common reasons people end up in trouble abroad. Drinking untreated tap water, skipping sunscreen in high UV areas, or ignoring fatigue from long-haul flights can all lead to folks feeling under the weather. According to Battleface, people aren’t messing around when it comes to health coverage in 2025. Medical protection add-ons jumped from 73.5% to 80.8%. This big leap shows many travelers now see it as essential, not just something that’s nice to have.

It’s clear: staying healthy on the road is a top priority, and travelers are putting their peace of mind first. Carrying a basic travel health kit, staying hydrated, and being cautious with street food (no matter how tempting it looks) aren’t overreactions. After all, these smart, informed decisions can help keep you on your feet and out of the doctor’s office when you’d rather be relaxing poolside. Knowing what vaccine requirements and medical care are available at your destination can make a big difference.

Look Out for Scammers

If you’re picturing ultra-dramatic, movie-style crimes or crazy natural disasters as the main threat that travelers face today, that’s understandable, but not the reality in most cases. In fact, travel security stats show that scams and low-level fraud are far more common than violence or rare emergency situations. According to the Mastercard Economics Institute, fraud spikes up to 28% in popular tourist spots during peak season, and savvy scammers know exactly when and where to strike.

Scammers often prey on tourists, especially if they’re an easier target. Classic examples include rigged taxi meters, fake police officers, distraction theft, or the infamous “friendship bracelet” trick where someone puts something on your wrist then demands money. These schemes might seem small, but they can leave you feeling shaken or ripped off. Learning how to say “no” firmly, keeping valuables tucked away, and being cautious of strangers’ overly helpful behavior can stop a potential problem before it even begins. A few minutes of research into common local scams before your trip can often spare you from dealing with the fallout.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

One of the most valuable travel habits you can build is awareness. It sounds obvious, maybe even a little cliché, but situational awareness can save you lots of trouble down the road. Most mishaps, whether it’s petty theft, getting caught in a scam, or finding yourself in an uncomfortable situation, stem from not noticing what’s going on nearby. Thieves and opportunists often go for easy targets: folks who are distracted, glued to their phones, or lost.

According to CAP Travel Assistance, and several international travel risk assessments, petty theft is the most frequent crime targeting tourists. But here’s the good news: if you’re tuned into your surroundings, keep bags zipped up, carry your wallet in a front pocket or money belt, and watching your surroundings, you’re already way ahead. Most opportunistic crime doesn’t happen to the person that’s alert to their environment. Walking with confidence and showing that you’re paying attention can help protect you against theft while abroad.

Protect Your Data

Public Wi-Fi might feel like a lifesaver when you’re abroad, but it can also leave you vulnerable to cyber threats. Cybercriminals are getting craftier, and travelers are an easy target if they’re not paying attention. From phishing emails to fake booking sites, these scams look more legit than ever. In 2024 alone, Check Point Research found that 1 in every 33 new vacation-related website was potentially suspicious. One bad click, and suddenly an unsuspecting traveler could be out of cash and without a place to stay.

Using a VPN, avoiding online banking on public Wi-Fi, and keeping only what you need on your devices helps lock things down. Treat your phone and laptop like you would treat your passport: don’t leave them unattended, and protect them with strong passwords. Also, sharing your location in real-time on social media can let bad actors know where you are, so it’s best to wait until you’re back home. No matter how many countries you’ve been to, it pays to treat each new trip like you still have something to learn.

You May Also Like: Safety, Savings, and Self-Care: Tips for the Solo Traveler

Consider Travel Protection

Depending on the policy, travel protection can cover everything from canceled flights and lost luggage to emergency medical treatment and evacuation. While it’s tempting to skip it to save a few bucks, data from the Emergency Assistance Plus shows that travel protection claims increased in 2024, with 36% of travelers investing in travel protection packages. So, it’s definitely not something to sleep on.

Not all policies are created equal, though. Some only cover trip delays or cancellations, while others include emergency care, dental, and even medical evacuation if you’re stranded. Before you buy, read the fine print and check what your home health protection will (and won’t) cover abroad. If you’re carrying expensive equipment or planning riskier activities like skiing or scuba diving, you may need extra coverage. It’s not the most exciting part of trip planning, but when things don’t go as expected, having solid trip protection can help save the day.

FAQs:

Q: What’s a smart way to keep copies of important documents while traveling?
A: Take photos or scan your passport, ID, visa, travel protection, and itinerary, then store them in a secure cloud service or password-protected file. It’s also wise to carry printed copies in a separate location from the originals.

Q: How should I handle money while traveling to reduce risk?
A: Use a mix of payment methods. Keep a small amount of cash for emergencies, use credit cards when possible, and store backup cards separately from your wallet in case they get lost or stolen.

Q: What’s a simple way to avoid getting lost in a new city?
A: Download offline maps before you go. Apps like Google Maps and Maps.me let you use GPS without data. Make note of key locations like your hotel and train stations so you can easily find your way back.

Q: Are personal safety alarms or whistles worth bringing?
A: Yes, especially if you’re traveling solo. Small and lightweight, they can quickly draw attention in an emergency or if you feel unsafe. They’re a useful layer of protection that doesn’t require batteries or a network.

Q: How can I make hotel stays safer?
A: Use a door stop alarm or portable lock, especially in budget hotels or hostels. Always check that there’s a working deadbolt and peephole. Avoid staying on the ground floor when possible, as it’s easier to access from the outside.

Q: What’s a safe way to use ATMs abroad?
A: Choose ATMs in banks or inside secure buildings, and avoid street-facing ones. Use them during the day. Cover the keypad when typing in your PIN code, and check for any suspicious hardware on the machine before entering your card.

Q: Should I register my trip with my embassy?
A: If you’re traveling internationally, yes. Many countries offer a free program (like STEP for U.S. citizens) to register your trip. It helps your government contact you in emergencies or provide you wit alerts about local threats.

What are some other underrated but vital travel safety tips? Tell us in the comments below!