Whether it’s your first time travelling or your 25th time travelling, safety needs to be on top of everyone’s priority list. To keep safe you need to stay aware of your surroundings, so here are the top 10 safety travel tips you need to know.

Safety while traveling

Always keep a photocopy of all your documents in a safe place and always carry your passport with you. You may be asked for identification wherever you go, so it is best to be prepared.

At night, don’t travel alone. Try and avoid travelling at night, if not, travel in large groups.

Do your research on the locations you will be visiting. Know where to go and where not to go. There are always places in the city that are unsafe.

When using ATMs, avoid using them at night, as there is a greater chance you will be robbed.

Safety at your hotel

Swipe cards are becoming more common in hotels instead of keys. So make sure they are using unmarked swipe cards at your hotel. If you are ever robbed the perpetrator wouldn’t know which room to access.

Lock your doors whenever you are in the room, and double check your door is fully secure before going to bed.

Walking the streets in safety

Try and blend in with the locals, by dressing in similar style. You will stick out like a sore thumb if you are wearing something completely different.

Be aware of your surroundings, and that includes people as well. You may be scoped out by those who want to cause harm.

Be discreet; don’t wear expensive jewellery, even in the day time. No matter what time of day it is, it will not stop people from trying to rob you.

If you don’t feel too confident about your valuables, such as money and credit cards, wear them in a belt which is worn underneath your clothes.

Know where to get help

Wherever you are, know where to get help. Know where you can find the local police, know where your embassy is and know how to contact your travel insurer.