Top 7 Safety Tips for Teens Traveling Abroad

The experience of traveling abroad as a teenager is singular and full of newly opened horizons and unforgettable memories. Yet, with all this excitement comes great responsibility to stay safe in unfamiliar places. It’s valuable to be aware of the potential risks and to know just what to do when something dangerous comes up. The next seven tips will help teenagers make smart and safe travel decisions.

Research Your Destination Thoroughly

Before even considering packing, research where you are going. Suppose you are going to Stockholm. This is beyond reading through travel blogs or looking at a top-ten list of what to see in Stockholm. Take time to learn about the culture, local customs, and places to avoid. Is there a neighborhood known for being unsafe? What are the most common scams tourists fall for? How do locals dress, and are there any rules or cultural norms around attire?

Keep in Touch with Family and Friends

This may be a parent, sibling, or close friend, but you absolutely need to make sure someone knows where you are and what your plans are. Hiking alone, safety starts with communication. So, there’s no reason to be unreachable these days because WhatsApp, FaceTime, or iMessage let you have unlimited conversations with anyone, anywhere. Social media presence is also important. Still, you cannot rely solely on Wi-Fi because the internet in other countries may be spotty or slow.

Keep Copies of Important Documents

Nobody wants the frustration of having a passport lost abroad. It happens a little more than you would think, which is why you should make photocopies of all your important documents. Include in these copies your passport, visa if necessary, travel insurance, and any other form of identity that you’ll be carrying.

Store these copies somewhere different from where you store the originals. This becomes even more critical when you’re camping with a baby, as having quick access to essential documents can reduce stress in unfamiliar environments.

Besides physical copies, digital copies can be created and stored in a secure cloud storage service like Google Drive or Dropbox. That way, it would be accessible anytime, even when your physical documents and their backups get lost or stolen. This ability to quickly access such documents can make interactions with an embassy or local authorities much easier.

Learn Basic Phrases in the Local Language

While most people in major tourist spots speak some English, knowing a few important phrases in the local language is always a good idea. For one, this is a sign of respect to the host country that a guest has bothered to go to. This can also be very practical in cases of emergencies. Knowing how to ask for help, the way, or where the nearest police station or hospital is can spell the difference.

Here are a few phrases worth learning:

• “Help!”
• “I need the police.”
• “Where is the hospital?”
• “I don’t understand.”
• “Do you speak English?”

Even if you don’t have time to learn an entire language, apps like Google Translate can be a lifesaver. Download the necessary language pack before your trip to use it offline if needed.

Stay Alert in Public Spaces

Perhaps one of the most common issues tourists experience is petty theft. 46% of international travelers have lost or stolen an item such as a smart device, cash, personal documents, or personal items. Petty theft can happen from crowded markets to train stations. It is a common occurrence in many hot tourist spots worldwide. It takes a second of distraction for someone to take your wallet or phone handily.

Travel during shoulder season? Not all your cash, credit cards, and important documents should be carried with you in one place. Consider using a money belt or anti-theft bag with lockable zippers or slash-resistant fabric. Carry your stuff on you, toward your front, where you can keep an eye on it. When you sit down at restaurants or cafes, don’t leave your phone or wallet visible on the table. Also, try to avoid pulling out expensive gadgets or jewelry in public.

If you are in a crowded place, you must be extra careful. Often, pickpockets work in groups by using distractions to take you by surprise. One might bump into you, while another quickly takes everything. Be aware, and do not carry more money than absolutely necessary.

Trust Your Instincts

One of the best safety tools you have is your gut feeling. When something seems wrong, it probably is. Teens, especially, should learn to trust their instincts when it comes to keeping themselves safe. Whether it’s a person who seems too interested in your traveling plans or a situation that does not feel right, listen to your gut and take yourself out of the situation if you need to.

This encompasses everything from riding around with strangers to participating in seemingly hazardous activities. It is all right if one is cautious and says no, even when it seems that lots of pressure is exerted to go with the flow. There’s no harm in staying behind or finding a safer alternative. This is especially true for solo camping, where trusting your instincts and making cautious decisions can significantly enhance your personal safety.

At the same time, avoid reckless behavior that would put you in a vulnerable position. That means not walking alone at night in an uncontrolled area, accepting drinks from strangers, or going to unknown places without someone you trust.

Understand Local Laws and Customs

The laws differ greatly between nations, and what might seem to be a minor offense in your own country could bring serious consequences in another. Take the time to familiarize yourself with local laws before you go.

Find out what is frowned upon or strictly enforced in places you plan on visiting: regulations regarding things as mundane as alcohol, medicine, and public behavior. Some countries have strict regulations regarding things such as public displays of affection, alcohol consumption, or even chewing gum, as in Singapore. Breaking these laws could result in fines or even arrests for things considered culturally acceptable at home.

Conclusion

With these key tips, teens can have the greatest thrill of being abroad yet still be safe. It’s a question of being adequately prepared and looking out for your surroundings to undertake new experiences without risks.