Travel Safety: 10 Tips for Travelling with Confidence

Planning your trip is the first step toward a great adventure! To help you make the most of your travels, we’ve compiled 10 practical safety tips to consider before and during your trip. These simple steps will help you feel confident, well prepared, and ready to enjoy every moment.
 

Getting Ready: Essential Preparations Before You Travel

1. Research Your Destination

Start by learning about your destination’s culture, language, customs, health guidelines, climate, and other important local details. This preparation will help you plan effectively and show respect for the community you’re visiting. Even learning a few basic phrases in the local language can go a long way—and may even earn you a warm smile from the locals!

 

2. Check Government of Canada Travel Advisories

Before finalizing your plans, take a look at the Government of Canada’s travel advisories. These updates will inform you of any safety concerns, such as political unrest, extreme weather, armed conflict, or health risks that might impact your itinerary or travel insurance coverage.1

 

3. Organize Your Important Documents

Keep your travel documents in order before you leave. Double-check that your passport, visa, and travel insurance are valid and up to date. Make both paper and digital copies of key documents, including your ID and insurance details, in case of loss or theft.

Pro tip: If you’re travelling with someone, consider sharing these copies as an added precaution.

 

4. Review Your Vaccinations and Health Needs

A visit to a travel clinic is a smart move before departure. There, you can update any necessary vaccinations, get destination-specific health advice, and learn about recommended medications, such as antibiotics or anti-malarials. Be sure to schedule your appointment a few weeks in advance—some vaccines require multiple doses or time to become fully effective.

Even if you’re already vaccinated, be mindful of insect-borne illnesses like dengue, malaria, and Zika. Pack insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants outdoors, and sleep under a mosquito net if necessary.

 

5. Get Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is essential, especially when you’re exploring unfamiliar places. It can help protect you from unexpected events like medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost baggage.

With Blue Cross travel insurance, you’ll be covered from start to finish. Plus, you’ll have access to our 24/7 travel assistance service, which provides expert advice and support both before and during your trip.

 

While Travelling: Ensuring Safety and Embracing the Experience

6. Trust Guest Reviews

Use guest reviews as a helpful tool when selecting accommodations, tours or activities. Look for options with a high number of positive reviews from verified travellers. This feedback can provide valuable insights into the safety, cleanliness, and overall quality of your choices, helping you avoid any unpleasant surprises.

 

7. Stay Connected and Share Your Itinerary

Staying connected is especially important when travelling solo. Make sure you have access to a reliable mobile data plan or Wi-Fi and share your itinerary with a trusted friend or family member. Set a check-in schedule to make this a simple, consistent habit that boosts your safety and allows your loved ones to be a part of your journey from afar.

 

8. Choose Safe Transportation

Book your transportation through reputable providers and check online reviews for safety and reliability. Whether you’re using a ride-share app, public transit, or long-distance buses, make sure your belongings are secure and visible whenever possible.

 

9. Stay Alert in Crowded Areas

Tourist attractions and public transport hubs can attract pickpockets. To minimize the risk, keep your belongings close and secure. Avoid wearing flashy jewelry or displaying expensive gadgets in public. Use anti-theft bags with secure zippers, and consider a money belt or neck pouch to keep your passport and cash safe.

 

10. Be Smart About Food and Water

Tasting local food is one of the best parts of travel, but it’s important to take a few precautions. Choose vendors with a stream of customers, stick to well-cooked food, and avoid raw or unpeeled produce unless you prepare it yourself. Always drink bottled or filtered water and carry hand sanitizer to use before meals.

 

Your Best Ally: The Right Travel Insurance

Even with the most careful planning, travel can be unpredictable. That’s why Québec Blue Cross travel insurance offers comprehensive coverage—so you can explore with greater confidence.

Every trip is unique, which is why our insurance is customizable to suit your specific needs. Whether you’re looking for emergency medical coverage, trip cancellation or interruption, lost baggage insurance, or more, we’ve got you covered. For the most complete insurance, we recommend combining our different types of coverage to stay prepared for the unexpected, before and during your travels.

As a bonus, our plans include Flight Delay Service and 24/7 Travel Assistance at no extra cost, so you’ll always have support, no matter where your journey takes you.

Safe travels start with preparation, awareness and the right insurance. By following these simple safety tips, you’ll be ready to travel with confidence and make the most of every moment.