Travel Safety Tips I Actually Use

Travel is supposed to be fun, but I’m also big on having a few things in place before I leave so that if something goes sideways, I’m not trying to figure everything out in the moment.

These are some of the travel safety habits I personally think are worth having in place before a trip.

• Take photos of your passport and important travel documents

• Email copies to yourself

• Keep a separate physical copy somewhere in your luggage

• Share copies with one trusted friend or family member

• Memorize at least two important phone numbers

• Know where the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate is

• Save the embassy phone number and address offline

• Share your location with people you trust while traveling

• Have a safe word or safe phrase with your group

• Keep emergency cash separate from your wallet

• Keep one backup credit card somewhere separate

• Know your hotel or accommodation address without relying only on your phone

• Download offline maps

• Keep your phone charged and carry a portable battery

• Do not keep every important item in the same bag

Have a Safe Word or Safe Phrase

If you are traveling with friends or family, agree on a word or phrase that sounds completely normal but means something is wrong.

The goal is to make it something you can say or text without drawing attention.

For example, your group could agree that if someone says:

“Do you think Beyoncé lip syncs?”

everyone immediately knows that person needs help, feels unsafe, or needs someone to come get them.

I actually like a phrase better than a single word because it can blend naturally into a conversation or text.

Decide What the Safe Phrase Actually Means

A code phrase is only useful if everyone knows what to do when they hear it.

Before the trip, decide whether the phrase means:

• Call me immediately

• Come to my location

• Call hotel security

• Call local police

• Contact the embassy

• Stay on the phone until I am safe

💡 SHANE’S TIP

Do not pick something obvious like “help” or “emergency.”

Pick something memorable, normal-sounding, and specific enough that your group will recognize it instantly.

And make sure everyone knows exactly what action they are supposed to take when they hear it.

The Bottom Line

The goal is not to travel scared.

It is to have a few simple systems in place so that if something happens, you are not starting from zero.

A little preparation can make a stressful situation much easier to handle.

Go somewhere. Make it worth it. And be safe!