How to stay safe while travelling

Staying safe on your gap year is a priority and taking safety precautions is an essential part of your travel preparation. Travelling is fun but you need to be aware that sometimes your safety may come under threat while you are abroad.

Check the top safety tips before you go

In order to stay safe while travelling it is important to follow basic safety precautions and do your destination research. Some places are safer than others, and it's wise to read all of our country key facts and check travel safety advice on the FCO website before you go away. Familiarise yourself with all the top safety tips for each of your travel destinations and you'll feel better prepared. Take care of your safety and focus on having an unforgettable gap year - make it memorable for all the right reasons!

Avoid being a victim of crime

The majority of crime is opportunistic theft like pick-pocketing and bag snatching. Some destinations are more dangerous than others but it is possible to be a victim of crime anywhere in the world, especially if you let your guard down. Here are some tried and tested tips for staying safe while travelling:

Avoid walking around alone when it's dark but if you have to, keep to well-lit areas.

Don't take short cuts down alleys and avoid walking alone on beaches at night

There is a greater risk of crime at night. Try and arrive in new places during the day. When booking flights, try to pick one that arrives at a reasonable time, so you have time to reach your accommodation during the daylight hours.

Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts.

Don't make yourself an easy target and you make sure you keep your belongings safe. Don't wear expensive jewellery or have your phone etc on show.

Only travel in licensed taxis and don't accept lifts from strangers.

Don't hitch hike. It's not safe in any country.

Try to be sensible with your alcohol consumption. Don't get so drunk that you don't know where you are or what you are doing.

Keep an eye on your drinks at all times. Just like in the UK, there is a big problem all around the world with drinks being spiked.

See our special notes for female travellers for some top tips aimed specifically at women travelling abroad.

Do not buy or take drugs overseas, it's not worth the risk. Foreign countries have varying laws, but you could be landed with a hefty fine, a prison sentence, or even the death penalty

Lock your doors and windows at night. If there is no door lock, use a simple door wedge that can be bought from a hardware store. This makes it very hard for the door to be opened from the outside.

Sign up for a safety training course

If you want to be fully prepared and understand how to stay safe abroad, why not sign up for our Safety Training Course in London before you travel? Learn top safety tips from travel safety experts and be fully prepared to look after yourself abroad!