Everyone is willing to tell you what to do, what to pack and things you should keep in mind when travelling. This is nice and all but you should also be aware of things to not do so that you are more cautious and enhance your safety while getting to enjoy your trip. Regardless of how many times you have travelled, this list will inform you of some of the things you shouldn't continue doing and why you shouldn't do them. Check out our list of things you should not do when travelling
Don't Trust Everyone
When you are travelling, an essential thing to remember is that you can never trust anyone. This is not to say that you can't interact with other people and even have very stimulating conversations. You, however, should not be trusting of people you have just met, meaning that you shouldn't leave your bags with anyone or lend anyone your phone. All those stranger danger speeches that you give to your children, nephews, nieces or other people apply to you when you are travelling. To stay safe, do not trust anyone at all.
Don't Eat Everything
As yummy as all the street food you see may look, you shouldn't just indulge yourself with everything. Take the time to ask around about safe food options and if possible, check the ratings as well. Also, ensure that the surroundings of the food outlet are clean and up to standard to avoid eating contaminated food. If you're someone with allergies, make sure you find clarity on all ingredients of food before eating it. There is nothing as annoying as getting a tummy ache while trying to enjoy your travel experience, so stay safe and don't just eat everything.
Don't Get Into Unnecessary Scuffles
Travelling can be very hectic and tiresome. This fatigue may get to your head making you irritable and impatient. This, however, isn't an excuse to get into scuffles with other people. You never know who you are conflicting with. Maybe that is the business owner you are going to market your products to, and you are letting the deal slide sideways with every insult you are spitting. You may also endanger your life as some people are extremely violent and could even kill you over something that could have been avoided. Keep your cool, stay hydrated and don't get involved in unnecessary scuffles.
Don't Forget To Carry The Right Currency
The money you use in the country you come from is not a universal currency, and as such, you need to ensure that you get a trade-in your money for the right currency at your local bank before travelling. This will make your trip easier and it will also help you avoid attracting the attention of thieves who may want to prey on non-locals that are coming from the bank. Just carry your already converted currency for your trip, as it is convenient and much safer.
Don't Forget To Check In With Your Family And Friends
Being able to travel safely and go back home safely is an underrated blessing. Daily, many people do not get to reach their intended destinations due to multiple reasons. You, therefore, need to inform your friends and family of your whereabouts and assure them of your safety. Also, make it a habit to check in on them every chance you get so that if you are compromised in any way, they can immediately catch up on it. You should also send your live location to a trusted family member in case anything happens. Your safety is a priority, so don't forget to check in regularly with friends and family.
Don't Overlook The Laws and Culture Of The Destination
As soon as you cross the border from your residential geographical location, the laws and cultures you are governed by immediately change. Some of the things that you may normalise from where you come from can be regarded as crimes or breaches in your destination area. You, therefore, need to do adequate research on conduct laws and cultural circumstances surrounding the destination. Remember to be conscious about your actions, dressing, behaviour and overall things you do so that you don't find yourself being cancelled by people or, more tragically, being cuffed on your trip.
Don't Look Confused
There's just something about a confused man which translates to predators as “I'm ready to be preyed on”. Regardless of how confused you are, make a plan for it with a straight face and your head held high so that no one takes advantage of you. Some people may use your confusion as an advantage to scam you, steal from you or use you. You, therefore, need to ask for help from public workers like the police, restaurant workers or any other reliable public workers you see so that you are not misled because of your confusion. Whatever tassel you are in, don't look confused.
Don't Forget Travel Insurance
This is something that many people tend to overlook and ignore. However, travelling is full of so many probabilities, and one of those circumstances may have you regretting why you didn't just get your travel insurance yet. This will come in handy if you get sick on the trip, if your flight is somehow unfortunately cancelled or if you are inconvenienced in any manner during the trip. Don't forget to get travel insurance, as this will come in handy.