Traveling to a new and unfamiliar part of the world can be a very exciting and fulfilling use of your time. But travel can introduce a number of risks. If you’re going to have the best possible experience, it’s a good idea to proactively take stock of these risks, and to take action to prevent disruptions, and ensure that your experience is positive.
Let’s run through four key ways of doing this.
Maintain Physical Health While Traveling
When you’re on the move, it can be very easy to slip into unhealthy habits. You might suffer from stress when you’re in the airport, and fail to eat properly. Convenience is often difficult to resist, especially when you’re exhausted.
For certain kinds of professionals, like touring musicians, life on the road can be all-consuming. For this reason, it’s important to make healthy choices in advance. Find out where you can pick up a healthy meal, and establish whether your hotel has a gym attached to it. You should also make yourself aware of any health risks specific to the part of the world you’re visiting.
Protect Your Personal Information
If you’re logging onto public WiFi, whether it’s in the departure lounge, a café, or a hotel bar, some caution is warranted. Malicious actors can gain access to these networks, and intercept data being sent through them. In some cases, they can even create fake networks, by simply naming a WiFi hotspot after a local attraction.
That said, the fact that most modern websites are encrypted means that the threat is not as great as it once was. Still, you’ll want to make sure that you’re avoiding public WiFi for sensitive data, and that all of your devices are physically secure. If you need to take your laptop on a subway train, or a bus, then make sure that it’s stored in a bag that’s at your side, rather than on your back.
Use Secure Technology While Abroad
We’ve already mentioned the risk posed by public networks. Fortunately, it isn’t always necessary to avoid these networks entirely. You might pick up a free VPN for iPhone, so that you can connect without assuming undue risk. While this technology isn’t a substitute for caution, and it doesn’t leave you completely protected against these threats, it can often make a big difference.
Stay Alert to Physical Safety Risks
In certain parts of the world, and certain times of day, you might be at heightened risk of a physical threat. Pickpockets, muggers, and road traffic can all be dangerous. Make sure that you’re conscious of your surroundings, and that you attend to local guidance.
