Lucky you. The folks are rewarding you with a BIG trip abroad to honor your college graduation next year. But whether riding on a Eurail pass through the major cities of Europe, trekking through Nepal, creating a vlog the length of Vietnam, or island hopping in the Caribbean, keep this in mind. When we’re young, our sense of adventure often overrules those warning bells that go off when danger approaches.
So though we don’t want to be preachy, here are a few things to watch out for (providing, of course, that coronavirus-related international travel restrictions have been eased by the time you plan to go):
- Think carefully about how much cash you need, and don’t bring an excess. Go minimalist when it comes to jewelry, avoiding eye-catching items that might attract too much attention. When possible, leave money, jewelry, credit cards and electronic gear in a hotel safe.
- Don’t flash cash in public. It attracts unwanted attention.
- Guard your drinks. Do not leave them unattended, or if you must, ask a trusted friend to keep watch so no one slips something in them.
- Exercise prudence when drinking. You don’t want to appear drunk and helpless. It invites trouble.
- Do you know how to swim in the ocean? There are things out there that can kill, such as rip tides, dangerous waves and in some places, sharks. Talk to a lifeguard about what the ocean is like at your resort. Avoid swimming unaccompanied.
- Be cautious about what you share on social media. Turn on privacy settings and don’t reveal too much about your location.
- Consider travel insurance. It can be a big help if you get injured or need an emergency evacuation to get home.
- If you go abroad, guard your passport and other personal documents carefully.
- If restrictions remain in place at your destination, related to the COVID-19 pandemic, and you can still travel there, make sure you abide by local restrictions. Find out before you go whether you’ll be required to quarantine (usually 14 days).
Otherwise, have a good time and make sure you send your folks (and grandparents) an old-fashioned postcard.