Stay safe!

The most important thing to do when you travel is to stay safe. Here are our top tips on staying safe when you travel:

Before you go
•    Do as much research as you can about the places you plan to visit.
•    Find out if there are any dangerous areas. If there are any, stay away from them.
•    Find out about local rules and traditions. If you’re a girl visiting a country in the Middle East for example, it might be safer for you to wear clothes that cover your body.
•    Know about health risks. You might have to get vaccinated before visiting some countries and/or avoid drinking the water there.
•    Look up emergency numbers for the countries you visit. Then put them in your phone or write them down.
•    Find out if your mobile phone will work there or not. You might have to get a tri-band phone or ask your phone company to unlock your phone so you can use it in other countries.
•    Buy health insurance, especially if you’re travelling to the US.

While travelling
•    Travel with someone if possible.
•    Keep important things like your passport with you at all times.
•    Always have some money with you. But don’t keep all your money in one place. Use traveller’s checks or debit/credit cards if possible.
•    If you stay in a hostel, put valuable things in a locker or safe.  
•    Never go anywhere with a stranger.
•    Never walk anywhere alone at night.
•    If someone tries to rob you, give them what they want. When they’ve left call the police.
•    Never do anything dangerous or stupid. It’s not worth it.

In nature
•    Tell someone where you are going and what time you’ll be back.
•    Make sure you have whatever you need with you, including enough water and a good map.
•    Never wander off alone or leave the hiking path.
•    Follow the rules and listen to the experts.