How safe is your travel destination?

Here in Australia, we are lucky to have a good level of safety and security, however for many other parts of the world, this is not the case. 

For many people, safety is a leading concern when travelling, especially when it comes to destinations. Fortunately, most destinations are generally safe, especially if one exercises common sense and basic precautions. 

Travellers may have variations of what they consider “safe” or otherwise, with older people often placing a higher emphasis on travel safety. 

While getting there without a hitch is one thing, the question remains: How can you determine that your destination is safe enough for you? Continue reading for some advice. 

When planning your travel adventure, it would be helpful to conduct thorough research on your chosen destinations. As you investigate, consider the following questions: 

1. Are there any recent political or religious conflicts in the country? 

2. Are there any potential threats of terrorism, war, or natural disasters? 

3. Have there been any safety incidents involving tourists or visitors? 

4. What language or cultural barriers may you encounter? 

5. Are there any special entry requirements or documents needed? 

6. What is the best time of year to visit? 

For overseas travel, it’s important to determine if your chosen destination is safe for tourists and the Smartraveller website, a reliable government resource, provides up-to-date travel, cultural, and safety advice specifically for Australian travellers. Be sure to check the latest advice before you leave. 

You may personally know of others who have travelled to your intended destinations themselves. Ask around your family and friendship communities. There are social travel groups on internet platforms like Facebook. 

Reach out if you have any concerns. You may find most fellow travellers are happy to help and are more likely to offer non-biased advice.  

Establish open lines of communication by contacting your travel agent, accommodation host, airline, transport/tour agency, and any other necessary services. They may be able to advise you on the safety aspects of your destination and any safety precautions you may need to take. 

It’s also crucial to leave your contact details and travel plans with trusted friends or family members back home. You should also consider appointing someone you trust at home to act as your power of attorney while you are away. 

This will allow them to engage with important services and make decisions for you when you might not be able to. Having an emergency contact will give you peace of mind while you explore the world. 

Some destinations don’t have the high health and safety regulations that Australia does. Consider travel insurance, especially for international trips. 

Check what your insurance covers for medical assistance, emergency medical treatment, accidents, injuries, and hospital transport. 

Read and understand your policy thoroughly, including whether your planned activities are covered. 

It may be wise to familiarise yourself with the emergency and medical facilities at your destination. Know the emergency contact number for that country and keep it handy for quick access. 

Safety is first and foremost for many travellers, particularly concerning their chosen destinations. The reassuring reality is that many destinations tend to be generally safe, provided travellers apply common sense and basic precautions. However, older travellers may prioritise travel safety to a greater extent. 

With some research, good communication, and a few pre-trip checks you should be able to determine if your destination is safe enough for you. 

Further reading: Smartraveller