27 tips to ensure a secure travel Experience (online and offline guide)
Travelling can be thrilling since it has to do with exploring and changing the environment.
It could either be for work purposes or an exciting getaway vacation where you can have time to bask in the sun while enjoying the beauty of a new destination.
Even if your trip is strictly on a budget, travelling appetite springs its own threats.
We have put together this article with lots of helpful tips on how to stay safe, happy, and secure during your trip.
Pick a pen and a paper or layback comfortably and read through all the tips you need to know as you set out.
Before we get to the crazy spiky part of all this, there are few threats that I feel everyone should look out for while planning a trip.
It's no news that the world is slowly getting increasingly insecure, and there is danger lurking everywhere.
This is solely due to the prominence of hackers and identity thieves in this global world.
Sadly, not everyone puts that into consideration. Most people are totally clueless of all the bad things that could happen in this digital era.
Here is a major threat to look out for that most people never know.
Hidden cameras in hotel rooms
Some hotels take advantage of their customers by planting hidden cameras in their rooms.
Shocked right?
Well, this is not just a rumour, as some travellers have given verbal confirmation of this.
Having surveillance cameras in your room can be very creepy and discomforting.
To protect yourself from this, check the room thoroughly for hidden cameras.
Looking alone with your eyes may not be enough; you can employ some mobile camera detectors.
Although this method is Handy, total camera detection is not assured.
Use your device to connect to the host server to get a run down of connected devices. This way, all cameras or bugs can be easily detected.
27 stay safe tips you should adapt on this trip
It's not just enough to be aware of all the security threats, and how you handle them matters.
We have selected 27 stay safe tips that can be useful as you set out.
There is always trouble lurking in the shadows; it’s very important to protect yourself.
These 27 tips would be segmented into online and offline guides. Other than cybersecurity, physical security is also essential.
Be mindful of your social media updates in regards to your trip.
It can be fascinating and somewhat thrilling to update beautiful moments on your page continually.
You would love to let all your friends in on all the thrills and fun of your adventure.
That’s nice, but honestly, just as your friends are viewing your moments, thieves and hackers may also be getting updated.
Most people form the habit of updating their adventures on their social media, but very few people understand the risk involved in doing so.
Criminals snoop the internet daily to pick out their crime victims. This is largely because most people let off their personal information through social media.
If you are the type that doesn't mind the show, then you're at a high risk of being at the centre light of a serious criminal operation.
These crimes may range from home burglary to hacking and even identity theft. Criminals will always look for ways to get through to you and scam you financially.
Your beautiful destination, dresses, and assets can be a serious contributing factor to this.
Updating your boarding passes, passports, or travel details can also be a good way of victimising yourself.
Fraudsters would go to any length to use this information against you.
It could either be by victimising you, setting you up, manipulating your travel plans, stealing your identity, or creating other major havocs.
Releasing your information on social media may not only adversely affect you but can also be catastrophic for your friends and families.
This can create lots of problems by making them vulnerable to being scammed or hacked.
Always turn off your location
Sometimes, you may not need to post about your trip to let people know that you're on a trip.
The location tracker is a dead giveaway. You have to always remember to configure your device settings.
Turn off your location to keep off the public eye. Some phones naturally store phone locations. If you don’t turn this off, you will be exposing yourself to risk.
It's important to understand that not all social media have automatic location turn-offs. Check your social media settings thoroughly.
Personally, I feel updating pictures while on a trip is very unsafe and should be frowned at.
No matter how beautiful it may seem, all pictures should be updated after you return.
Even though the feeling may not be as thrilling as earlier, or when the pictures were taken, your security is assured.
Be mindful of your picture background
The internet has become so advanced that tracking isn't as tedious as it used to be.
It's important to scan your surroundings extremely well before taking a photo.
Avoid standing new obvious figures, billboards, address boards, or navigation boards.
This tip does not only apply to travels but is very important daily.
A hacker or thief can get to know vital information such as your residence, workplace, or favourite spot just by this.
It's easy for a hacker to connect the dots and get research on who exactly resides where and how those locations relate to you.
You won't only be putting yourself at risk but those related to you.
3. Posting about your trip before time should be avoided.
Social media goes beyond what we see. Your travel plans should not be anyone's concern except yours and your family's.
Broadcasting your trips may seem really cool, but in a real sense, it isn't.
Avoid broadcasting your daily life on social media.
It's not necessary to keep people posted.
Broadcasting your trips before time can only create more avenues for people to trail you. In such a situation, you are putting yourself up for victimisation.
Be mindful of those you tag on travel pictures.
If you really can't help updating your travelling experiences while at it, then this is for you!
Avoid tagging people on your travel pictures.
Most social media are configured to allow friends of the person you are tagging to view your post equally.
This can only mean that tagging someone to your picture exposes it to more views.
Review your social media accounts to receive maximum protection. If your friends decide to make your pictures viral, urge them to put it down.
Privately let them in on a few security tips and hacks and why they need to follow them.
Avoid using public WiFi
The importance of avoiding public WiFi has been the most emphasised tip in the book.
Using a free WiFi may feel good, but you're exposing your identity to being shared in actuality.
WiFi lets those connected to be not only aware of your identity but also your previous connections.
If you're being tracked or monitored, this is a perfect giveaway.
A public WiFi leaves your device vulnerable to being hacked.
Not all apps on your device use encrypted transmission. If such apps are present in your device, connection to public WiFi becomes dangerous.
Avoid giving away your information by consciously turning off your WiFi
Use a VPN
We have lots of tips on how to protect oneself with a VPN and top VPNs to use to ensure your security.
A VPN helps encrypt your information when you're connected to an unencrypted base.
It helps ghost your presence, making it difficult for your location to be traced.
This means you're totally secured.
Your data will not be all over the place. This prevents you from being vulnerable to hackers, no matter the network source you're connected to.
Logout your information from any base when it is no longer in use.
Some travel destinations offer smart TV services with movie apps that customers can connect to.
This luxury offer is to ensure the comfort of the customer. To prevent them from missing out on their favourite shows.
I've previously emphasised the importance of avoiding the use of public WiFi. Smart TVs make use of this type of connection. I highly recommend you avoid using such services.
But if you decide to opt for the service, ensure to logout your personal information before you set off.
Avoid swiping your ATM into just about any payment machine.
Carrying cash on a trip may sound very exhausting, but it's indispensable.
Using cash for some purchases while on a trip can protect you from cases of skimmed ATMs.
Skimmed ATMs are a serious security threat that can be avoided by controlled ATM usage.
Avoid inserting your ATM into just about any payment machine available.
If you still do not feel comfortable carrying cash, opt for payment apps. Make use of popular payment apps such as Google pay etc., to ensure your financial security.
Install antitheft on your devices
Most anti-theft devices are very reliable as they don't only track your device.
They can equally help to erase your documents and password in case of theft.
Getting an antitheft installed on your device will give you security assurance when your device gets stolen.
There are lots of anti-theft services to opt for.
Scan lots of them and opt for those that can suit your device and also offer backup services.
Turn on 2-factor authentication.
Check out for any account that offers this and turn it on. It could be a bit tacky, but it's totally worth it.
Although this doesn't offer total security, it goes a long way in securing your information.
If you've not already enabled a 2- factor authentication to all your accounts, do it now.
Turn off email tracers
If you haven't turned off/ disabled this, then you need to right now.
Email tracers, just like pictures, put your location out there for hackers to assess.
Protect yourself and those around you by turning this feature off.
Disable Bluetooth
Forgetting to disable your Bluetooth is a security risk, especially in public areas.
If your Bluetooth is left open, anyone in the radius of connectivity can gain access to your device and pick up your information.
Bluetooth hacks can be done easily without a trace. Take out time to turn off your Bluetooth to avoid unnecessary stress or threat while on your trip.
Avoid ATMs that swallow cards quickly
I bet you didn't see this coming.
Have you ever noticed that some ATM machines swallow cards at higher speeds than others?
Well, this equally has some security implications as a card owner.
ATM machines that have low swallow speed are more secure than those that quickly swallow cards.
If your ATM card takes a longer period to get swallowed, don't panic. You're in safe hands.
Stand back and wait for your card to be swallowed before you proceed.
Consult your bank before going on a trip.
It's important to keep your bank informed when going on a trip so your transactions would be closely monitored.
Skim through security procedures in case of emergency.
Make inquiries relating to security threats, e.g., If your ATM card gets stolen and the fastest way to reach your bank for aid.
Get your identity documents registered with the bank to help verify your identity if security breach cases arise.
Set up some security questions, too, to help further account authentication.
If you haven't done any of this, this is the best time to get to it.
Password your devices
Leaving your phones, laptops not password secure is very risky during trips.
Not putting passwords on your device will only expose your device to theft without any means of verification.
It's important to avoid using an already used password for your device. Generating new passwords for each of your accounts goes a long way in ensuring security.
If your Facebook, Twitter, Gmail, and mobile device have the same password, you're at high risk of getting your security breached, and information stolen.
Avoid receiving physical mail when on trips.
Asides a photograph geo tracker or email tracers, piling mails in your mailbox can be a great indication of your unavailability.
Before you go on a trip, endeavour to visit your local mail office to opt-out of mail services.
If this isn't available in your country, you could ask your family and friends to help pick up your mails to prevent them from piling.
Remove / backup sensitive information on your device
Before travelling, it's crucial to backup your data in case you encounter problems during your trip.
If need be, delete those important files away from your device.
Use encrypted cloud storage to ensure the security of all your personal and work information.
This assures optimum security in case your devices get hacked; hackers wouldn't find any information to use against you.
Clear unnecessary apps
Some apps create avenues for your device to get hacked. Before you travel, skim through your apps, rate them based on their importance and uses.
If there are apps that you wouldn't need on your vacation, endeavour to delete them.
The lesser apps you have, the greater your security. With lots of apps on your device, it may be hard to know which can become a security threat to you.
Update your device security.
Make sure your system / device security is always updated e.g., antivirus.
Updated software protects your device and reduces exposure to malware and hacking.
Get a security layer and an antivirus, such as security tokens, firewalls, etc to protect yourself from being breached.
Avoid using just about any USB device.
Avoid using any USB device you don't really know or given to you by someone.
USB devices are secret channels through which your information can be stolen right under your nose. It also applies to charging booths.
Their services can be really tempting as most of them appear when you need them.
Aside from that, there really isn't any need to use a charging booth. USB devices don't only charge your device normally but also have some data-sharing features.
There is every possibility that those charging boots are secretly stealing your information.
I totally recommend you avoid them no matter how tempting they may seem. If you feel you may have a need to charge away from your residence, ensure to carry your adapter along with you.
Using an adapter will ensure optimum security.
7 Offline security tips to ensure a safe travel Experience
Online tips can only protect you from crimes in the cyber world. But it isn't enough to keep you safe from possible dangers.
Here are a couple of offline tips to take note of while travelling.
Be alert
Don't let your guard down around strangers.
If you're travelling for business purposes, avoid inviting your clients to your residence.
Opt to meet up in open areas such as restaurants or open meeting spaces.
Avoid getting drunk, and be extremely mindful of what you consume.
Security measures should also be observed when relating to new friends or people you're not really close to.
Ensure to keep your room number private. Be observant and take note of the body language of those around you. Look out for yourself to prevent being sorry.
Avoid standing out
Avoid looking like a tourist!
Try your best to avoid giving up your vulnerability even if you're lost and totally confused.
Try not to look too flashy and avoid inappropriate dresses. Avoid staring and taking pictures everywhere.
Keep your conversation on a low, especially if you're conversing in a foreign language.
Even if you can't figure out your location, be calm.
Use a map discreetly and avoid having to look at your phone constantly, as this can be a severe giveaway.
Avoid flaunting your valuables
Wearing branded items can be really cool, and all, but can be a big security risk.
The way you dress can attract thieves, so avoid flaunting.
Avoid showing off your cash. Discreetly pull out the money you need for purchase from your wallet.
Avoid pulling out more cash than needed to prevent people's attention.
Adopt an 'on budget look' while travelling to protect yourself.
Be extremely mindful of sites you use
Look out for websites that do not have SSL certification.
In previous articles, we have been able to address how to know if a site is SSL certified.
For those that don't know what being an SSL certificate means, don't worry; we will give you a quick rundown.
SSL stands for secure socket layer. This is a security protocol assigned to websites to enable encrypted information transmission.
Therefore, if a website is SSL certified, all the activities on that site are totally encrypted and out of hackers' radar.
Check out simple tips to know if a site is SSL certified and how to get yourself protected if your favourite site isn't.
Make extra copies of all your travel details.
Making a copy can also include digital copies. We don't plan to lose anything during a trip, but accidents do happen.
Losing a passport can be very stressful as it requires a lot of time and resources.
Get digital copies of all your travel documents in case such accidents occur.
Adapt a password locker
In the case of an attempted security bridge, a password lockers function is to keep you notified.
If your device is stolen, they keep you notified so you can change your password.
Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts. With a password locker, security is assured as breaches can be easily detected.
Read about the place you intend to travel to.
Having a little knowledge of the place you're about to visit can save you a lot of stress.
Just like they are dos and don't in your locality, other settings equally have them.
Get to understand their law regarding dressing. Understand appropriate dress codes for each event and penalties attached to breaking them.
Get to understand some gestures that are not allowed in public, e.g., PDA. Also, read about common gestures allowed in public.
Read through their food laws, religion, restrictions, daily life guides, traditions, festivals, and the rest.
Even things as vital as drugs are allowed in some countries. Other than hard drugs, there are some drugs and food items banned in some areas.
Sometimes, blogs may not carry all the vital information needed. Skim through social media forums. Pay keen interest to details regarding the proposed location. Take note of all of them.
Understand things that happen in such environments, such as; natural disaster occurrences.
Take into consideration other factors such as dangerous animals to avoid.
Ignorance will not be pardoned in countries with strict laws.
Signs of travel threat you should look out for
Signs of travel threats cut across offline and online safety. Besides having cases of a pickpocket, there are other huge red lights to be mindful of.
Be alert at all times. A new destination doesn't assure security.
If you have a feeling of being trialled or monitored, make a complaint to local authorities.
If you encounter cases of break-in, raise the alarm and get the situation investigated.
Ensure to check your bank transactions on a daily basis. If any suspicious transaction is noticed, call your bank immediately.
If you suddenly can't log into your social media accounts, raise the alarm. Get all your friends and family notified.
Try to get the account blocked, or you try retrieving it.
Final words
As a traveller, security is Paramount. Take note of each and every single one of these tips.
Try to apply them daily till they become habitual.
They may really seem overwhelming, but there is nothing as important as safety.
If you encounter any challenge that is beyond you, contact the embassy to get assistance.
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