We realize that safety is a huge topic that comes up every year while our couples and destination wedding guests prepare to travel. Although the world may seem like a scary place through the eyes of the media, it doesn't have to be. Keeping common sense and your wits about you is of key importance. Here are some helpful travel safety tips to follow no matter where you may travel.
BEFORE YOU LEAVE ON YOUR TRIP
We encourage travelers to purchase travel insurance that includes sufficient medical and evacuation coverage while traveling.
Ensure you have a password for all your mobile devices (create strong passwords and change them regularly). If possible, enable location tracking on your mobile devices and install "wiping" software so that you can track them and even delete all data if they are lost or stolen.
Avoid carrying all your credit and debit cards on a trip. Instead only carry a select few.
Keep a list of the phone numbers (both toll-free and direct) for your credit and debit cards, your insurance company, and other important sources so that you can alert them if something happens on your trip. Also, consider sending our travel agency a copy of your passport picture page to store for you in case it is lost. This will help expedite getting a new one.
Leave a copy of your travel itinerary with a friend or family members.
Stop any mail and parcel deliveries before departure.
Don't bring expensive jewelry. Many couples I know including myself even wear "travel/costume jewelry" that we aren't not worried about losing. I even have my own travel ring - which is similar to my wedding ring that I can wear on vacation, with cubic zirconia stones.
Bring your own travel mug with a lid, and never leave it unattended.
WHILE ON YOUR TRIP
When you're traveling, use the same safety precautions you'd follow if you were in your home city in an unfamiliar area.
ON THE SHIP/RESORT
Lock all hotel room windows/doors at night. Consider packing a rubber or wooden doorstop that you can wedge under your door to prevent intruders from entering (or stack your luggage or a chair in front of the door so that you'll be alerted if someone tries to enter).
After dark, always walk with a partner or a group - never alone
If you're walking alone to your room and you think someone may be following you, enter your room quickly, push the door shut, and begin talking as if you're not alone. If you get into an elevator, allow others to push buttons first so you can see if they're exiting onto your floor; if they are, allow them to get off the elevator first, and go back to the lobby if you feel unsafe.
Store valuables in your in-room safe if one is available or bring your own portable safe.
Be careful using public WiFi connections to avoid the risk of hackers capturing sensitive information such as bank accounts or passwords stored on your mobile device or laptop.
And, never leave any valuables unattended or out of sight at the beach or the pool.
It's OK to drink while you're traveling of course, but eat beforehand and during and have a glass or water between alcoholic drinks.
Ask the resort to call a trusted taxi service for you, and request that the same driver provide your return to the resort as well. Set up a specific public location and time with the driver to meet for the return trip.
OFF THE SHIP/RESORT
If you plan to take excursions (e.g., sightseeing tours, adventure trips) when you travel, book those excursions through your travel advisor so that they'll be operated by reputable companies in your destination.
Avoid driving locally if you can help it. Instead, hire a professional driver through your travel advisor.
When you go out beyond your hotel, resort, or ship, have a plan. Know where you will go or meet up later if you're separated from your group. If you go out alone, alert someone in your group or the hotel front desk about where you're going and when you plan to return.
If you're approached by someone offering things you don't want (e.g., souvenirs, drugs), decline respectfully but firmly and keep walking.
AFTER COMING HOME FROM YOUR TRIP
Consider waiting to post photos, status updates, and location details on your social media until you get home, so that you don't alert thieves where you are (e.g., they may burglarize your home if they know you are out of the country).
Finally if you're ever in need of a travel agency that considers safety of the utmost important, please contact us using the form below.
Travel Weekly offers this helpful article on security issues for women traveling alone:
And, here's another travel safety tips article with good advice:
https://www.latimes.com/travel/la-tr-travel-spot-safety-tips-solo-woman-traveler-20190421-story.html
Here's a handy web site with lots of travel safety tips aimed at business travelers (but applicable to everyone): https://www.corporatetravelsafety.com/safety-tips/