Travelling is exciting—international travelling even more so. But it could also be quite intimidating, especially if you are travelling alone. While travelling internationally is considered safe for the most part, you should safeguard yourself from any potential travel mishaps by following a few simple tips. The Post lists five travel safety tips you can utilise the next time you travel.

Digitise your documents

You will carry a bunch of essential documents and IDs when you travel. Taking multiple printed copies of all your documents is a must. But remember to scan these documents and have them in digital form too. You can save these on your phone, tablet or laptop for easy access.

Also, if you lose the original documents, digital copies of your IDs will be handy.

Research ahead

Google your destination before you get there and try to discover as much about it as possible. Figure out how safe the area you are staying in is and where the nearest police station and hospitals are. Find out if that place experiences petty crimes or tourist scams, and learn how to avoid these.

You should also research the transportation system of the city you are travelling to. Scout out the area you are staying in and look out for pharmacies and supermarkets in case of an emergency.

Do not carry all of your money at once

You could be tempted to carry all of your money with you at all times. While this will make you feel much safer and more confident, it is not a smart thing to do. If you get looted at any point, you will end up penniless. Instead, divide your money into several sections and keep them in different places—some with you, some in your luggage and some back at your hotel room too.

Additionally, avoid carrying all of your money in cash. Have some in your card and in your digital wallets too.

Stay lowkey

Do your best to blend in with the people around you. Respect the local culture and try to dress similarly to the locals. Leave your expensive jewellery at home too.

If you look like you know exactly where you are going and what you are doing, hecklers are most likely to leave you alone. Looking lost might clue scammers and thieves to you being a tourist and an easy target.

Avoid live posting on social media too, and tagging the location on your posts and stories. You will have plenty of time to upload these posts when you return home.

Protect your privacy

You could meet interesting individuals and make friends along your journey, but be wary of strangers when travelling. You do not know the true intentions and nature of someone you just met. Do not disclose personal information and share the location of your hotel or B&B with anyone—besides your friends and family back home.

Safeguard yourself in hotel rooms too. Keep all the doors and windows locked. You could also carry a door jam to prevent a break-in. Only let people enter your room if you have proof they are actual hotel staff, and try to make it look like you are inside the room even when you go out. Maybe leave the lights on.