Travelling through Europe can provide you with an enriching experience. After all, travel broadens the mind as the saying goes, so it’s something everyone should enjoy as much as they can. Full of diverse cultures to immerse in, stunning landscapes to explore, and an almost endless amount of historical landmarks to see, Europe has it all within just a few hours of travel.
One thing to keep in mind no matter where on the continent you decide to explore is your safety and wellbeing. You’ll want to enjoy every minute of your trip, so keeping a few things in mind and preparing as best you can before setting off can ensure you will have an unforgettable experience. To help, below are a few top tips that may come in handy, so you can plan not just your itinerary but also how to avoid common mishaps whilst away.
#1 – Keeping Your Valuables Safe
Whether it’s a city break in Paris or Berlin, exploring the ancient ruins of Rome, or relaxing on a Greek Island paradise, you’ll more than likely have a few valuables with you. From your smartphone to your passport and any travel money, you’ll want to ensure these items are kept safe at all times. Some items you’ll want to leave at your accommodation whilst others you’ll need to carry with you. Here are a few tips:
- Consider using anti-theft bags when on the move whilst away, which are backpacks or cross-body bags designed with reinforced straps, RFID-blocking pockets to keep your credit cards safe, and lockable zippers to deter pickpockets. A belt bag or a neck pouch under your clothes can also be useful for added security that keeps things out of sight, ideal in crowded tourist spots or when using public transportation.
- Make use of hotel safes or similar secure storage options in your accommodation to store valuables you don’t need to carry daily. Things like your passport or backup funds and travel documents are good to keep here. Splitting up your sources of money and backup documents across different bags can also reduce the risk of losing everything at once just in case a bag goes missing.
- Keep digital copies of important documents like your passport, travel insurance policy, and ID such as your driving licence. Ideally, make sure you can access them from your smartphone or tablet just in case you need to. This step ensures you have backups readily available in case of theft or loss.
Enhancing the security of your possessions is the best way to enjoy a worry-free trip. The unexpected can always happen, so being mindful of the above as well as not having all of your valuables on show when out and about will help you avoid losing any items or attracting attention.
#2 – Staying Healthy While Travelling
Whilst keeping your valuables safe, you’ll also want to ensure your own safety as well as your health whilst away. It can be easy to take it for granted, especially if you are in general good health, so staying safe whilst on holiday also means looking after your health whether it’s the activities you take part in, such as hiking or any adventurous things like skiing, or the food and drink you consume. Getting injured or ill whilst away is the last thing anyone wants, so be sure to stay vigilant and have a good travel insurance policy that covers the duration of your holiday just in case.
Whilst it isn’t mandatory to have insurance when on holiday, you’ll be glad you had it if the unexpected happens. Whilst you may have a valid Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), keep in mind that this won’t cover everything, so to avoid being left out of pocket when having to pay for any medical expenses whilst away and ensure you can claim back on things like lost luggage and even flight delays and cancellations.
If you are someone with any pre-existing medical conditions, you’ll want to look for medical travel insurance policies for peace of mind whilst away. Just in case you do experience any health issues or medical emergencies when in Europe, this can be ideal for unexpected illness or injury, helping you get the care and attention you require when necessary.
In general, it’s a good idea to always carry a basic travel health kit equipped with any essential prescription medications you need, plasters, hand sanitiser, bandages etc. Travel insurance provider Staysure recommends checking your destination’s regulations regarding taking medicines abroad before you go and packing enough medication to cover your holiday. The NHS Fit for Travel website has further helpful information on what to take with you regarding first aid.
To avoid common travel-related illnesses, make sure to stay hydrated on hot days, frequently wash your hands, and be cautious with the type of food or drink you choose to have especially if unfamiliar. By taking these precautions, you can minimise health risks and instead, enjoy every moment of your time away.
#3 – Using Public Transportation Safely
It’s quite likely that wherever you are in Europe you’ll need to use public transport, whether it’s a taxi to and from the airport, a train or tram, or even a bus around a busy city. It is of course a very easy and generally safe way to get around once you know what you’re doing, especially when visiting somewhere new.
When using taxis, it’s safer to book through a recognised app or ask your hotel or accommodation to arrange one rather than hailing one on the street. For trains and buses, avoid travelling late at night, especially if you are alone and stay vigilant to your surroundings just like you would do back home. To avoid getting lost, be sure to work out exactly where you want to go and the best route there. If you are unsure, find a local tourist information centre for help.
As mentioned above, keep your belongings secure and avoid having anything expensive on show that may attract attention. Although you know that you are a tourist, try not to make this obvious to people around you. The chances of anything going wrong whilst away are slim, but by being cautious and prepared, you can safely enjoy getting around your destination without issue.
#4 – Emergency Preparedness
In the same way that having travel insurance can help when the unexpected happens, it’s a good idea to also prepare for emergencies just in case. In the rare circumstances that you find yourself in an emergency situation, being prepared with a few useful tips can help you know what to do.
- Research your destination before you go. The Foreign Travel Advice pages on the Gov.UK website are a great resource for this. Familiarise yourself with the local emergency numbers, for instance, 112 is the European emergency number, which can be dialled free of charge for immediate assistance.
- You may also want to have the contact information for the nearest British embassy or consulate for the country you’re visiting just in case. Everything from lost passports to medical emergencies or legal troubles you can speak to them about. You can find this information on the Gov.UK website, or you can call the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) 24/7 for assistance on +44 (0)20 7008 5000.
- Consider saving these numbers on your phone and note them down to keep in your bag just in case your battery goes flat. It’s also best to tell a trusted friend or family member of your travel plans and check in regularly.
Stay Safe For An Enjoyable European Trip
No one likes to think about the unexpected things that may happen whilst on holiday, but it’s worth spending a bit of time before your trip being fully aware and prepared just in case anything does happen. Keep these tips in mind and they will help ensure you have a safe and enjoyable journey from start to finish. Travel smart, stay aware, and have a great time exploring!
