Summer is swiftly approaching, and many of us are already dreaming about embarking on adventures overseas. And as fun as that is, it’s important to stay realistic. While beaches, mountains, and small historic towns are appealing, no country on the map is safe from risk.
If you want to stay safe while traveling, it’s essential to do your research before you pack your bags. The good news is that there are plenty of available resources online to help you review your dream destination and determine the risks you may face once you get there.
Important Safety Tips for Travelers
Before we take a look at the extensive resources for research on high-risk travel destinations, let us remind you about some of the basic safety precautions you should take when traveling.
- Produce a copy of your essential documents – having a physical or digital copy of documents like your passport, hotel reservations, or maps of the place you’re staying in is a simple way to prevent panic-filled moments when you realize you’ve lost something.
- Avoid using public Wi-Fi – public hotspots are invaluable when traveling, but for your safety, you should try to avoid them. If you can’t, we urge you to use a VPN to disguise and protect your online activity. A VPN for travel is essential for every safety-cautious traveler.
- Be cautious of strangers – some countries are known for ill-meaning locals who try to exploit travelers.
U.S. Department of State’s Travel Advisories
If you’re looking for a one-stop destination for travelers who plan to travel internationally, the U.S. Department of State Travel Advisories are just the resource for you! While the website is designed for U.S. citizens, the information you can find applies to everyone.
On their website, you can look up your destination country and find information about embassies and consulates, a description of the country, requirements for entry and exit, safety and security information, local laws and extraordinary circumstances, and facts on local healthcare and travel.
Bündnis Entwicklung Hilft World Risk Report
The WorldRiskReport, an annual publication about risks worldwide, is a collaborative effort between Bündnis Entwicklung Hilft and the Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict of the Ruhr-University Bochum. In addition to the WorldRiskIndex, the report includes expert essays from academic research and humanitarian practice on a specific thematic theme.
The 2023 WorldRiskReport covered the disaster risk for 193 countries and examined all UN-recognized countries, as well as more than 99% of the world’s population. According to the report, countries with the highest disaster risk worldwide include the Philippines, Indonesia, and India.
Other Resources for Travel Research
The internet is packed to the brim with traveler communities that regularly share their experiences, advice, and suggestions on travel destinations. If you want to follow in their footsteps, look into the following resources.
- Travel blogs – there are countless travel-related blogs where real people share their insights into a variety of topics, from recommendations for accommodation and tourist spots to tips and tricks to make the most out of your trip.
- YouTube videos – like travel blogs, travel videos on YouTube offer a glimpse into the day-to-day routines of travel. You can find travelers from many countries with different budgets, offering unique points of view on their travel destinations.
- Connect with ex-pats – because emigration is a common phenomenon, you’ll be sure to find people from your country who live in your travel destination country. Do a quick Google search and do a deep dive on social media, and it won’t be long before you’re connected with someone who can offer advice on your dream vacation spot.
Final Thoughts
Vacations are a great way to relax, unwind, and learn something new about yourself and the world we live in. However, one thing you must know before embarking on a trip is how to protect yourself and your loved ones. With your digital and physical safety in check, we hope you enjoy your next vacation. Bon voyage!