As a student, nothing feels more liberating than backpacking your belongings and jetting off for an unexpected adventure.
Whether it’s a semester abroad, a gap year, or a summer vacation, exploring new countries provides meaningful life experiences that can boost confidence, improve problem-solving skills, and promote personal development. It allows young adults to experience diverse cultures and make lifelong memories.
However, while the thrill of travel can be exciting, it also comes with numerous challenges that can put one’s safety at risk. Here are crucial travel safety tips for students embarking on backpacking escapades.
Understand the Importance of Travel Insurance
So why invest in travel insurance?
Well, having student travel insurance is a major key to ensuring a safe journey. Core benefits of travel insurance typically include emergency medical coverage, trip cancellation or interruption protection, and lost or damaged personal belongings.
This way, you can get immediate assistance and reimbursement in case of unplanned events, such as sudden illness, last-minute trip cancellation, or lost luggage.
Before purchasing any insurance policy, research thoroughly, and understand what is covered and what isn’t to avoid surprises.
Research and Planning
Ample research and planning should be essential aspects of your trip.
Familiarize yourself with the local laws, customs, and etiquette of the country you intend to visit. You should also learn a few basic phrases of the local language, especially those that might be useful during emergencies.
Moreover, before leaving, inform someone back home about your travel itinerary and update them with your whereabouts as often as possible.
Stay Healthy
Your health should be your utmost priority when you are on the road. Make sure to get all the necessary vaccinations as recommended by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
Eat healthily, drink plenty of water, and keep good hand hygiene. Avoid consuming street food or drinking untreated water if you are uncertain about hygiene standards.
Moreover, carry essential medicines for common ailments such as flu, diarrhea, or fever.
Become Financially Fit
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Be financial savvy when traveling. Always have multiple sources of funds readily available. This could mean a mix of cash, credit cards, and traveler’s checks.
Inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid unexpected account freezes for suspicious foreign transactions.
Also, avoid carrying large sums of cash or flashy valuables that may attract thieves.
Mind Your Personal Safety
Constantly be aware of your surroundings and prioritize your personal safety. Avoid venturing into unsafe neighborhoods, especially at night.
If you are attending an event or party, avoid excessive alcohol consumption and never leave your drink unattended. Keep emergency phone numbers in your wallet and also save them in your cell phone.
Appropriate Packing
Pack as light as possible and include first-aid kits, universal plugs, portable chargers, travel pillows, flashlights, and quick-dry clothing.
Carry copies of all important documents including your passport, flight tickets, and travel insurance. Digital copies could be of great help if originals are lost or stolen.
Also, don’t forget to lock your backpack when leaving it unattended.
Respect Local Culture
Respecting local culture is not just a necessary behavior but also a safety measure. Understand local norms, dress codes, and public behavior expectations. Abiding by these norms will reduce the chances of unwanted attention or confrontation with locals.
Rediscovering the world through traveling can be valuable, moving beyond one’s comfort zone, learning new cultures, and creating memories. However, the safety aspect should never be overlooked. Ensuring your security by equipping yourself with the necessary precautions contributes to a smooth and enjoyable backpacking experience.
Remember, as a student traveler, the world is your school, and every journey is a lesson.
Happy traveling!
