Keeping yourself safe is travel advice that must not be taken for granted. Security should always be the first thing to be taken into consideration whether at home or outdoors. This is especially true when traveling because when you find yourself in unfamiliar places, you don’t know what the risks are.

Here are some safety tips to make sure you have a secure and happy travel:

Only bring the necessary things that you might need. For both overseas travel and local trips, travel light. A single bag is more than enough for all your belongings as any seasoned traveler will tell you. Having a single luggage allows you to move more freely and watch your belongings more carefully. Of course, having a free had will prove helpful in avoiding possible thievery.

Of course, our valuables should be kept close. Cash, credit cards, passports and other important documents are best kept in well-hidden places. The more ingenious the hiding place, the least likely our valuables will be stolen. Thieves usually target handbags, fanny packs, and outside pockets so avoid putting important items in them. In fact, avoid them altogether if possible. There are those who keep their valuables in a single pouch that they wear under their clothing. Another good travel advice is to keep the valuables in a hotel safe.

Try to bring travelers checks and credit cards rather than large amounts of cash especially during overseas travel. We all know how tedious and problematic a lost or stolen passport can be. That is why it is wise to bring an extra set of passport photos and a photocopy of the passport’s information page. That way, a replacement can be easily made when your passport is lost or stolen.

Bring only the essential things that you need whether you travel. In other words, travel light. If possible, try to pack everything in a single bag. Not only will this increase mobility, but it will also allow you to monitor your belongings more effectively. A free hand is always needed when countering possible malicious attempts.

Lastly, inform your family and friends of your itinerary. The importance of a social support system cannot be discounted. If you have plans to travel abroad for a considerable period of time, consider buying a telephone calling card. That way you are easily able to keep in touch with them especially during emergency.

Finally, coordinate your trip with friends or family who will be left at home. A social support system is important for security especially if you are to travel abroad for a considerable number of days. You could purchase a telephone calling card which would serve as a convenient means of keeping in touch with friends and family. This is so that in cases of emergency, you can easily contact them and vice versa. Make security a top priority and be alert and aware of your surroundings. Being on vacation doesn’t mean that your security should take a break as well. By following this advice, you can enjoy safe and secure overseas travel.