As your travel plans near, your excitement increases. But staying safe is as important as having fun and relaxing on your vacation. You need to think about what could go wrong, stay aware, and be ready to protect yourself digitally and physically. Following these safety tips, no matter where you travel, can help put your mind at ease.
Pickpocketing and petty thievery continue to be the most frequent problems tourists face when they visit another country. Don’t carry a lot of cash, and be sure to use cross-body bags or anti-theft backpacks when walking around crowded places. Store passports, backup credit cards, and electronics you don’t need in your hotel or Airbnb.
Consider investing in smart travel locks or GPS tracking tags for your luggage for extra peace of mind. In recent years, there have been reports of Canadians losing bags and having stuff stolen during layovers in other countries. Apple AirTags and Tile trackers can help you quickly find your things.
Situational awareness does wonders. Research local customs, cultural expectations, and well-known security issues in the country or state you’re visiting. By night, stick to well-lit, busy streets and refrain from walking alone in strange places.
Be up-to-date with local news apps or emergency alert systems. Nowadays, many cities provide SMS-based or app-based updates on events such as protests, natural disasters, and transit emergencies that may disrupt your plans.
Losing your passport or travel documents can turn a great trip into a nightmare. Always carry digital and physical copies of your passport, visa, travel insurance, and ID. Store backups in secure cloud storage or email them to yourself in case of loss or theft.
It’s also wise to write down the contact info for the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate in your destination. In a crisis, having that number handy can speed up the help you need.
Travellers often face cybersecurity risks without even realizing it. Using public Wi-Fi carelessly at airports, cafes, or hotels can leave you vulnerable to data leak. Hackers can intercept sensitive data like login credentials, banking information, or even personal photos shared over open connections. Prevent these issues by investing in a virtual private network (VPN).
Learning how to connect to VPN services before the trip will help you browse safely, access geo-blocked content, and protect your private information from malicious actors. Most VPN providers offer mobile apps that are easy to install and activate with a single tap.
Make a list of emergency contacts before leaving. The list should include your family and friends at home, your travel insurance provider, and the local emergency number at your destination (police, ambulance, fire station).
If you have a medical condition or allergies, carry the physical or virtual document with you. Some Canadian travellers also wear medical ID bracelets or health apps where emergency medical information can be stored on their smartphones.
Additionally, get your travel insurance to cover foreign medical care and figure out how to reach assistance in the country you’re visiting.
No one travels without their smartphones. Fill yours with useful apps such as translators, offline maps, and currency converters. Activate the “Find My Device” feature in case your phone gets lost or stolen, and ensure your mobile data plan doesn’t shock you with roaming charges.
Don’t forget to apply multifactor authentication (MFA) to all critical apps and services. It’s one of the simplest methods to secure your accounts while on the road. Add that to a secure VPN connection, and you can significantly protect yourself against digital risks.
ATM scams are getting smarter, especially in tourist places. Only use machines located inside banks or under heavy surveillance, and check the card slots for any interference. Protect your PIN when typing it in and avoid withdrawing vast amounts of money at once. If you have the time, ensure that your transactions are conducted during the day and keep checking on your bank activity for any unusual alerts.
Travelling in 2025 is more than just about the destination. First of all, it’s about how safe and smart you’ll stay during your trip. By following these tips for physical and digital protection, you’ll have fewer things to worry about and more time to enjoy the journey.
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