Here at Continental we love to travel and hope you do to. While we believe traveling should be a fulfilling and carefree experience, it’s very important to be aware of any potential dangers or hazards so you come back safe and sound with all your belongings. Follow a simple set of guidelines to keep yourself and your valuables safe.
Quick Tips:
- Check the Canadian Government’s Travel Advisory website before planning a trip
- Visit a hospital sooner rather than later if you’re getting sick
- Be aware of local dangers and customs
- Don’t advertise wealth or ‘touristy’ stuff
- Photocopy your important documents
- Secure valuables in your hotel
- Wear a money belt or use zippered pockets if you’re worried about pickpockets
- Use common sense
Travel Advisory
One of the first things you should do is check for any current travel advisories associated with the country or region you’re traveling to. These can be found on the Government of Canada website HERE.
More often than not normal security precautions will be recommended, but in some instances there are heightened risks. These can be regional warnings (such as avoiding border cities in Mexico), overarching risks (such as a larger risk of terrorist activity), or recent disease and health concerns. These warnings should be taken very seriously and must factor into your travel plans and decisions.
That being said, don’t let recommendations of a ‘high degree of caution’ warn you off traveling altogether. In many instances, travel to these destinations is still available and popular as long as you aware of any potential dangers.
Staying Healthy
- Nothing derails a trip like an illness. While sometimes you can’t do anything about it, you can take precautions so you stay fit and ready to explore – instead of confined to a hotel or hospital bed.
- Eat and drink smart: While you should always be ready to try new things, try to make sure your food is properly cooked and your water is clean. The availability of things such as clean water will vary from country to country – so be sure you know whether or stick to bottled or not.
- Bring a first aid kit: Little injuries and cuts can turn into something much worse if allowed to fester. That’s why a small first aid kit with bandages/disinfectant can go a long way to keeping you up and on the go.
- Visit a hospital: When in doubt, visit a local healthcare facility if things look serious. It’s better to deal with something sooner rather than waiting for it to get worse.
Staying Safe
Staying safe and secure is always important, but there are definitely a few things to remember no matter where you are. Much of it boils down to common sense while always being aware and on your guard. If you use your best judgement and stay smart, you’ll find that the trip should go much smoother overall. With that said, here’s a few things to remember to keep yourself and your stuff safe.
- Be aware of local dangers: Whether you’re in the city or way out in the country, there are always areas that are best avoided. Give rougher places a wide berth and listen to local warnings about potential hazards that might not be known to outsiders.
- Respect local customs: Be aware of religious, cultural, or societal differences in your destination of choice. Whether you agree with it or not is irrelevant. You are a guest in their country and if you want to stay on the locals good side, be respectful and polite of the way things are done.
- Don’t advertise wealth: Dressing in a low key manner and not flaunting pricey items around goes a long way to deterring potential thieves from targeting you. In addition, try to keep the ‘tourist’ branding to a minimum (e.g. large suitcases, maps, etc), as it will make you a more likely target for petty crime. Look like you belong and you’ll be safer.
- Secure your stuff: Whether it’s a money belt or just zippered/tight pockets, you want to make it tough for your belongings to be stolen. Anything worth taking shouldn’t be sticking out of your pockets.
- Make copies of your documentation: Passports, tickets, etc. When traveling, these are the papers you can’t live without. Make copies of them for both you and someone you trust at home so you have a backup if things go south.
- Leave valuables in the hotel: Whether it’s pricey electronics or anything else you don’t want to lose, it’s often safer to leave it in your hotel room rather than carry it around with you all day. Make sure they’re out of sight or in a safe when you do leave them behind.
- Adapt to the situation: The list of things to consider will vary depending on the nature and location of your trip. For example, if you’re backpacking, be sure you have the necessary supplies and stay within your skill level. If you’re renting a car, you have to consider the road quality and driving habits of the locals. As long as you know what you’re getting into and adequately prepare – you should have a memorable trip for all the right reasons!
Planning Your Trip
What to do While You’re There
Upon Your Return
Travel Checklist
Packing Like a Pro
Travel Money Advice
Helpful Travel Websites
Important Travel Information
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