Did you know that over 5.4 million Indians travel abroad every year for vacations, business trips, or studies? Now that many people can afford international trips, visiting new places is one of the easiest and most exciting personal experiences one can have. It gives a wonderful opportunity to explore different cultures, meet new people, and enjoy the sights, sounds, and flavours of a new place.
However, travel can also turn disastrous if you are not careful. That’s why we have put together a few essential points to help you stay safe, no matter where you go.

E-copy important documents
Along with taking physical copies of your essential documents such as passport, visa, itinerary, travel insurance, accommodation bookings etc., also maintain e-copies of them on your phone or on a cloud. If you’re travelling in a group, consider mailing these electronic documents to your companions. This way, even if you do lose any of your physical copies, you will still have electronic backups when you need them.

Keep your family informed
It’s easy to get caught up in activities that come with exploring new places, and you may often find yourself with very little time for anything else. But the one thing you must do without fail is keep your family updated on your whereabouts. Let them know when you are heading out, where you are going, and when you plan to return. With affordable local SIM cards and Wi-Fi availability, this is not difficult. Keeping them informed can make it easier for them to reach you in case of an emergency.

Don’t keep all your money together



You may have a single pouch or bag to hold all your essentials – documents, cash, ID proof etc. – but avoid keeping them all in one place. Separate your money from the documents and carry them in different bags. This way, even if your wallet or bag gets stolen, you will not lose all your cash. An alternative to carrying money is to use a Forex card, which offers more benefits. For example, HDFC Bank’s Multicurrency ForexPlus card is widely accepted and available with 23 globally accepted currencies. More importantly, the card has a temporary blocking/unblocking feature for added security. Additionally, if you lose your card, you can even reach out to the bank for an emergency cash delivery. You can find out more about the card and its advantages here.

Store maps and emergency numbers
When travelling to an unfamiliar place, it is advisable to have maps of the area and important emergency numbers. In most cases you may not need them, but it doesn’t hurt to store phone numbers and offline maps on your phone – or even carry a physical map with you, just in case.

Insure yourself
No matter how safe a traveller you are, there is always a possibility of something going wrong – delayed/cancelled flights, medical emergencies, lost baggage etc. – which can lead to unnecessary expenses. You can easily avoid this situation by buying a travel insurance plan. Insurers like HDFC Ergo cover such cases and even offer 24x7 emergency assistance, giving you peace of mind on your journey. However, before buying an insurance plan, find out the maximum coverage required by the country you are visiting, plus other details, to ensure you buy the right policy.

Remember, travelling is one of the best experiences that life has to offer. But it is essential that you travel responsibly and safely. So, make a note of these tips before packing your bags for your next trip. Happy journey!

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