As a digital nomad, you’re likely to be constantly on the move, traveling to different cities and countries as you work remotely.
While traveling can be exciting and rewarding, it’s important to be aware of potential safety risks and take steps to protect yourself.
Here are our 10 top travel safety tips for digital nomads;
1. Research Your Destination Before You Go
It’s always a good idea to research your destination before you go, whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure. This can help you plan your trip and make the most of your time at your destination.
Learn about the customs, and laws, and be aware of any potential safety risks or areas to avoid. Look for travel guides or websites that provide information about the destination, including its history, culture, and attractions.
Check the weather forecast for the time of your trip, so you can pack appropriate clothing and plan your activities accordingly. Research the local customs and traditions, so you can respect the culture of the destination and avoid offending anyone.
Look for information about the local transportation options, such as buses, trains, and taxis, so you can plan how to get around. Read reviews of hotels, restaurants, and other places you plan to visit, so you can make informed decisions about where to stay and eat.
Check your country’s government website for any travel advisories or warnings for the destination, so you can be aware of any potential safety concerns.
Img Source | https://travel.state.gov/
2. Tell Someone Where You’re Going
Number two in our list of travel safety tips is to always tell someone where you’re going or where you are!
Before you leave, let a friend or family member know your itinerary and how to contact you in case of emergency.
It’s always a good idea to let someone know where you’re going before you travel, especially if you’re traveling solo or to a remote or unfamiliar destination. This can provide a safety net in case of an emergency, such as if you lose your passport, get sick, or encounter any other unexpected problems.
Share your itinerary with a friend or family member. Include details about your flights, hotels, and planned activities. Provide contact information for where you’ll be staying, including the address, phone number, and email address.
Give your friend or family member a copy of your passport and other important documents, such as your driver’s license or travel insurance information.
Set up a way to stay in touch while you’re traveling, such as by using a messaging app or making regular phone calls.
Ask your friend or family member to check in with you periodically during your trip, to make sure you’re safe and everything is going well.
3. Use a VPN
A virtual private network (VPN) encrypts your internet connection and can help protect your personal information and online accounts from being accessed by others.
VPNs use encryption to make it difficult for others to intercept and access your data, so you can browse or shop online with more confidence or access websites and services that might be blocked in your location.
Some websites and services, such as streaming services, are only available in specific locations. By using a VPN, you can “trick” these websites into thinking you’re located in the place where the content is available, and access it from anywhere.
4. Backup Your Important Documents
One of our top travel safety tips is to backup all your important documents before you hit the road.
This can help protect you in case of an emergency, such as if you lose your passport or other important documents while you’re on the road.
Make copies of your passport, visas, and other important documents, such as your driver’s license and travel insurance information. Store the copies in a safe place, such as a secure cloud storage service or a safe deposit box.
If you’re traveling with electronic copies of your documents, make sure they’re stored securely on your device, and consider using a password or other security measures to protect them.
By backing up your important documents, you can have peace of mind while you’re traveling and know that you have access to the information you need in case of an emergency. It’s always better to be prepared than to be caught off guard, and taking these steps can give you one less thing to worry about while you’re on the road.
5. Keep Your Personal Belongings Close
When you’re traveling, it’s important to keep your personal belongings close to you at all times. This can help prevent them from being lost or stolen, and can also make it easier for you to keep track of your belongings and stay organized while you’re on the road.
Use a carry-on bag or backpack to store your important belongings, such as your passport, wallet, and phone. This will allow you to keep these items with you at all times, and will make it easier for you to access them if you need them.
Use a cross-body bag or waist pouch to store smaller items, such as your keys and wallet. This will help prevent pickpocketing and keep your belongings close to you at all times.
6. Use a Money Belt or Hidden Wallet
Keep your cash, credit cards, and other valuables out of sight and in a secure location, such as a money belt or hidden wallet, to avoid being targeted by thieves.
A money belt or hidden wallet is a useful tool to have while traveling, as it can help prevent pickpocketing and keep your money and other important items safe.
A money belt is a small pouch that you wear around your waist, under your clothes, and is designed to be hidden from view. A hidden wallet is a similar concept, but is often designed to be worn around your neck or under your arm.
7. Avoid Carrying Large Amounts of Cash
Number seven in our list of travel safety tips is to avoid carrying too much cash.
Carrying large amounts of cash while traveling can increase the risk of your money being lost, and if you’re careless with how you flash your cash can make you a target for thieves.
Even the safest of countries and cities have pickpockets and petty crime.
Also carrying too much cash might get you stopped at immigration and quizzed as to what the cash is for.
Instead, use a credit, debit or travel card more often, and only carry a small amount of cash and local currency for emergencies or small purchases.
8. Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Probably one of the most important travel safety tips in this list is to beware of your surroundings at all times, particularly if you’re a female solo traveler. This can help you stay safe and avoid potential problems, such as getting lost or encountering dangerous situations.
Pay attention to the people and environment around you. Look for potential hazards, such as potholes, uneven sidewalks, or dark alleyways, and avoid them if possible.
Keep your belongings close to you at all times, and be aware of anyone who might try to take them. Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s better to err on the side of caution and avoid the situation.
If you’re unsure about something, ask a local for advice, or contact the local authorities if necessary. Stay alert and avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas. If you’re out at night, try to stick to well-lit and well-populated areas, and avoid walking alone if possible.
9. Have Emergency Contacts on Hand
Keep a list of emergency contacts, including the local police and your embassy, in a safe and accessible location.
Having emergency contacts on hand while traveling is an important safety measure. In case of an emergency, such as a medical problem or a lost passport, you’ll need to be able to contact someone who can help you.
Make a list of emergency contacts, including friends and family members who can help you in case of an emergency. This can include someone who can wire you money if you need it, or someone who can help you make travel arrangements if necessary.
Keep the emergency contacts list with you at all times, and make sure it’s easily accessible. You can keep a physical copy of the list in your wallet or purse, or you can store the information electronically on your phone or other device.
If you have a medical condition, make sure to carry your medication with you at all times, and make a note of any allergies or other important medical information. This can be useful if you need medical attention while you’re traveling.
10. Purchase Insurance
The last in our list of travel safety tips for digital nomads is to ensure you protect your valuables while traveling. Make sure to have insurance that covers everything you need while traveling. It’s a common occurrence for travelers to lose belongings like phones, laptops, jewelry, cameras, etc while traveling.
On top of your gadgets and valuable items, you’ll need insurance if you have an accident or fall sick while traveling and require doctor’s services or a hospital visit. In the worst case scenario you may even need help getting home.
If you are an avid traveler then make sure to research travel insurance packages that work for your lifestyle. Many insurers now offer a convenient option to buy travel insurance plan online, allowing you to compare quotes and secure coverage quickly and easily.
Travel Safety Tips for Digital Nomads – Summary
Traveling the world as a digital nomad or solopreneur is a fun and exhilarating experience. However, we never know when something could go wrong and derail our plans.
The better prepared you are for any eventuality, the less that can go wrong or the better you’ll be able to handle challenging situations.
By following these top travel safety tips, you can help ensure your safety and security while traversing the globe and exploring the world.
Good luck!