PICTURE: UNSPLASH/ TRAVELLING
Travelling overseas is a dream because one gets to explore the world, meet different people and learn different cultures while tasting different foods.
Be it that you are travelling for pleasure or work, one needs to take precautions and do a thorough research about their destination. This is to avoid being mugged, kidnapped or physically assaulted in a foreign country.
Here are the tips to help avoid such offered by Western Cape Government.
- Set a budget and save up.
Saving up and planning a budget for your upcoming trip is an important part of any trip, solo or not. You have to do some research beforehand, check the prices of food, transportation, activities, and make sure you have some emergency funds as back up. Remember, you won’t have a travel partner to rely on if you run out of funds. - Buy travel insurance before you travel.
Anything can happen abroad. You might get ill or injured and would have to see a doctor. Travel insurance will cover the costs of those hospital or doctor visits. Speak to your insurance company and see what travel insurance is available before you travel. - Research your destination, accommodation and activities beforehand
Research as much as you can about your destination, read online reviews, speak to a legitimate travel agent or friends who’ve been there before. - Inform your family or friends about your trip.
Give your family and friends a copy of your itinerary before your travel abroad. Let them know where you’ll be going, when you’re going and the names of the airlines, hotel etc. - Be vigilant and alert.
Crime does happen abroad. Travelling can be daunting especially if you’re traveling alone for the first time, the experience can leave you vulnerable to people with wicked agendas. If something happens to you while you’re alone it’ll be overwhelming. Be alert of scams, thieves, and fraudsters.
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