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Secrets to Travel Safe on Your Next Vacation

You have air tickets, hotel reservations, routes, but have you considered or taken steps to protect your health and safety? The worst thing that can happen is to go to the hospital for a vacation or to bring home a strange and exotic virus that has been bedridden for weeks.

They also want to avoid the worst theft, robbery or terrorist attack. Your resort may be called an "island paradise," but don't be naive and assume that everyone is as friendly as they appear in the brochure.

Be smart, be prepared to make the right decision, especially if you are traveling with family. These holidays are meant to be fun - and you can do your part to prevent most disasters from happening. 

1. Check travel tips

Your embassy will list places where they recommend "attention" or simply tell you to stay away from them. This may be due to the tense political situation or the low level of security in underdeveloped areas. 

But also take tips with a pinch of salt. You can expect the capital and major cities of a country to be more tourist-friendly, as the government will likely go to great lengths to develop them. The exceptions, of course, are countries that are going through civil war - in this case, read international newspapers (or web versions of local English-language newspapers) to see how bad things are.

2. Get vaccinated

Some viruses, which are relatively rare in your country, can breed in other climates - and you don't have the natural antibodies to fight them. Get a variety of vaccines (your embassy website will also recommend which ones you really need, depending on what you want to visit).

3. Bring medicines and prescriptions 

Ask your doctor for two copies of your prescription (carry one in your wallet and one in your luggage). Also carry enough antihistamines (if you have allergies) or supporting vitamins or medications. Asthmatics should wear a nebulizer - especially since seizures can be caused by climate change or exercise (you never know how much you'll run during a tour).

4. Never flaunt your values

When you wear a Rolex or show a large amount of money, you are actually screaming, "Rob me!” Keep small bills and put them back in your belt pocket for easy access (this is for entrance fees, taxi fees, snacks). Keep larger banknotes in the zippered pocket. Just to be on the safe side, divide the money and divide it into several pockets - even if they rob you, you still have something left.

Another tip: bring only what you need for the day and leave the rest in the hotel safe.

5. Travel in groups

This is an unknown country and you may not even speak the local language. So, stick together while moving out (at least in pairs), especially at night.

6. Ask the hotel receptionist/travel agent which places to avoid

Before exploring the area, make a list of places with known crime rates, or streets that are usually dark after certain hours. Identify the area on the map and avoid it accordingly.

7. Tell the hotel receptionist where you are going

This is especially important when skiing, hiking, or participating in activities where there is a risk of getting lost or getting injured. Make a list of how many people will be at your party and what time they can expect you to. You can then notify the authorities if you have not returned.

Tariyaa travel is always available for easy booking of flight, hotel, space and car renting in The Gambia. Visit Tariyaatravel to learn more.