All parents want to give their kids memories that will last a lifetime and one of the best ways to go about that is to plan a fun and engaging vacation. With that in mind, there are a number of different options to consider when it comes to traveling. From deciding whether you want to fly or drive, go on an adventure or relax on a beach, or other similar items, there is no shortage of options when it comes to a vacation.
With that in mind, there are a number of problems that can arise while you are traveling. To mitigate these risks, learn everything there is to know about the dangers of traveling and how to prevent them.
What is the Most Dangerous Form of Travel?
Historically speaking, travel via personal vehicles presents the greatest danger to travelers on the road, whereas travel via buses, airplanes, or even trains are far safer. There are a variety of factors that go into this statistic, but this makes road trips, by extension, the most dangerous type of vacation for a family to go on.
Common Problems that Arise While Traveling
One of the best ways to prevent issues from occurring while traveling with your family is to learn what the most common problems that emerge are. Below are five of the most common issues people run into while on vacation:
1. Problems on the road
As mentioned, road trips are the most dangerous form of travel given the heightened risk that comes from driving your own vehicle. Whether it be finding yourself involved in a hit and run crash or your vehicle breaking down on you, having problems on the road is one of the most commonly seen issues. Additional similar issues include running out of gas, becoming lost and unable to find directions, and much more.
2. Stomach issues
When traveling anywhere new and drinking the water or eating foods you don’t normally tend to eat, there is always an added risk that your stomach will be bothered by what you are ingesting. As a general rule of thumb, inquire as to what is on the plate in front of you to make an educated guess as to whether or not it will bother your digestion.
3. Exposure to infectious disease
Depending on where you travel to in the world, there is a chance you will be exposed to infectious diseases. Even if you are vaccinated for the majority of diseases, there is still a chance that you could be exposed to something minor that you are not vaccinated for. Therefore, sickness in general tends to be one of the largest problems travelers face unexpectedly.
4. Scammers attempting to take advantage of you
While most people hope they never run across a scammer in their lives, the unfortunate truth of the matter is that not everybody has your best interest at heart. People who walk up to you on the street claiming they have a great product to sell or who are attempting to get you to go somewhere to show you something they claim will interest you is one of the major warning signs that a scam may be occurring.
5. Robberies or assaults
Finally, similar to scams, robberies and assaults are two of the most common crimes travelers are faced with. Avoid looking as if you are a tourist or as if you are lost when visiting a new area so that you reduce the risk of making yourself a target. Additionally, keep an eye out for common tricks that robbers use when trying to play on the good nature of travelers, such as pretending to be hurt or injured. Rather than stopping, call the authorities and report the incident.
Tips for Staying Safe on Your Travels
Keeping all of the above dangers in mind, there are a number of ways to stay safe while traveling which many travelers choose to neglect. Each of the following tips does not take much effort on behalf of the person handling them, though, which is why all travelers should take care of them before and during their trip:
1. Handle preventative maintenance on your vehicle
Taking care of the routine maintenance your vehicle requires is the best way to prevent a breakdown from occurring while you are out on the road. This maintenance can include rotating tires, topping off fluids, fixing existing issues, and much more. By taking care of this maintenance, the risk that your vehicle has a problem is reduced which also reduces the risk of an accident happening on the road.
2. Keep all documents or valuable safe and secured
When you are out walking in a new area, it’s best to keep all valuables out of sight to avoid making yourself a target. Avoid pulling out your phone or wearing jewelry in any area where you are not sure about the safety. On top of this, store all travel documents such as passports and IDs in a safe area when you are not in your accommodation.
3. Always inform people of your plans
Whenever traveling, it’s best to let your family back home know everything you are going to do so that if they don’t hear back from you, they can follow up. On the same line of thinking, avoid telling complete strangers you just met what you are planning on doing, no matter how polite you think they are.
4. Ask hotel or accommodation owners for safe areas
Random strangers are not the best choice when trying to find safe areas near where you are staying on your travels, but accredited hotel managers are a good resource. Especially if these individuals are born and raised in the area, they can be an excellent resource.
Keep yourself safe while traveling
While traveling can be a great way to see new spots around the world, it certainly comes with a few risks. Ensure you understand the common dangers of traveling before scheduling your next trip with your family so that you can be better prepared. Use each of the above tips to better prepare yourself for any problem that may arise on your next trip.
