Staying safe is the most important thing you can do when you travel; whether you’re going on a trip abroad for business or leisure, making sure you’re safe is of paramount importance. Some destinations will require more preparation than others, and wherever you’re going, the first thing you need to do is consider how you will stay safe.
Unless you’re a CEO or celebrity, the chances are you’ve never had to consider hiring a bodyguard or team when you head abroad, and you may never have to. Luckily, there are a few simple steps you can follow to help you stay safe overseas.
Be Aware Of Your Surroundings
Situational awareness seems to be at an all-time low in the modern-day. When you’re in unfamiliar territory, you want to make sure you keep your wits about you. You don’t want to be glued to your phone or a map when you’re somewhere you don’t know. Use common sense and always be aware of your surroundings.
Research The Area
With the internet, you can research an area extensively before you go. Before you arrive in a new place, it’s a good idea to look up opinions on an area and begin making yourself familiar with local customs and any differences between your destination and your homeland.
If you know anyone who has visited the place that you’ll be visiting, or you know any locals living there, then you can ask them hints and tips on any dangerous areas to avoid.
Don’t Make Yourself An Easy Target
You may well have heard horror stories from some of those who regularly travel. A lot of these stories occur from people making themselves an easy target to local thieves or pickpocketers. Make sure you’re valuables are secure and not on view, especially if you’re walking around at night or in a non-touristy area.
One way of doing this is by making sure you have a padlock on your backpack at all times. You may also want to consider wearing neutral clothes; this helps you blend into your surroundings and not stand out as a target to criminals.
Get Travel Insurance
Having proper travel insurance makes sure that you have a degree of safety when you travel. Comprehensive travel insurance provides coverage for your valuables should you lose them or they get stolen. If you have an accident or injury, then travel insurance will also make sure that you have access to adequate medical coverage should an incident occur.
Travel insurance also helps to cover any flight delays or cancellations that can occur. If you don’t get travel insurance, then you may not be able to get reimbursed if there’s a problem with your flight or you want to make any changes.
When To Hire A Bodyguard
There are certain situations when you’ll want to consider hiring a bodyguard abroad. Certain areas of the world are particularly high risk. If there’s a risk of violence or the threat risks are high, then you’ll want to make adequate security arrangements.
You may want to consider an armed bodyguard if you’re heading to a particularly high-risk event. If you’re looking for more general protection, or you’re visiting a low-risk area, then consider an unarmed bodyguard.
If you’re unsure of the right security option for you, then contact a professional security company like Fast Guard Security Service today. Their expert staff can assess your needs, answer any questions you may have on best practices for staying safe abroad, and whether a bodyguard is the right option to keep you safe abroad.