Traveling is exciting because you get to explore your surroundings and experience a change of environment. However, you encounter many security threats while traveling.
Indeed, even if your trip is strictly on a budget, traveling appetite springs its threats. Therefore, this article lists many helpful tips on staying safe, happy, and secure during your trip.
Here is a quick list of travel safety tips
- Be mindful of your social media updates: Oversharing on social media can give criminals an insight into your personal data and end up victimizing yourself.
- Always turn off your location: If your device updates your location automatically, turn the feature off to protect yourself from locational tracking.
- Be careful about your picture background: Avoid standing in front of famous landmarks during photography because it can be used to gather more data.
- Avoid pre-trip updates: Keep your travel plans confidential because they can be used against you.
- Review those you tag in pictures: Tweak your social media settings to control how your photos are shared online.
- Avoid using public Wi-Fi: Unsecured Wi-Fi makes your device vulnerable to cyberattacks.
- Use a VPN: A VPN encrypts your data and allows you to view geo-restricted content.
- Log out from your accounts when no longer in use: Always log out of any application or account after using it to prevent unauthorized access.
- Install anti-theft apps on your devices: Anti-theft apps can help you recover your lost device when travelling.
- Turn on 2-factor authentication: An alternative authentication method secures your account even from people with your password.
Why should you worry about online safety while travelling?
The world is slowly becoming increasingly insecure, primarily due to the prominence of hackers and identity thieves online. Unfortunately, not everyone takes that into consideration. Most people are clueless about all the bad things that could happen in this digital era.
Being aware of all the security threats is not enough. How you handle them is what matters. Remember, trouble lurks in the shadows always; it’s imperative to protect yourself.
When you are away, both physical security and cybersecurity are critical.
But what makes me unsafe online while traveling, we hear you ask.
When you move from one place to another, you get to explore a new area not only physically but also unknowingly step into a different online world.
The most straightforward demonstration of it is the change of your IP location. When you go online by interacting with a different ISP, you get a new IP address with a new online location tag.
Furthermore, given the various digital and cybersecurity regulations implemented by the governments, you come under different legal obligations for online safety practices. Consequently, the kind of digital threats directed at you also become different.
This elaborates on why online safety is as important as physical security while travelling.
In fact, given the ever-evolving online security threats, digital travel safety tips are highly prioritized.
Ironically, while most people tend to take care of their physical security on the go, they have no idea how to protect their privacy online.
That begs us to cover travel security digital tips first because you should protect yourself online before reaching a new destination.
21 online security tips to ensure travel safety
These practical travel safety tips for your digital security prevent you from cyberbullying, hacking attempts, and identity thefts while on the go.
1. Be mindful of your social media updates
It can be fascinating and somewhat thrilling to continually update beautiful moments on your social profiles. Of course, it’s natural for you to share your adventures and fun with your friends.
However, just as your friends view your moments, thieves and hackers may also spy on you.
Today, most people update their activities on their social media. But very few understand the risk involved in doing so.
That is mainly because most people let off their personal information through social media. Such information includes sharing travel details without concern about social media security tips.
If you don’t mind the show, you’re at a high risk of a severe criminal operation. These crimes may range from home burglary to hacking and even identity theft.
Criminals will always look for ways to get through and scam you financially. Your attractive destinations, dresses, and assets can seriously contribute to this.
Updating your boarding passes, passports, or travel details can also contribute to victimizing yourself.
Fraudsters would go to any length to use this information against you. It could be victimizing you, setting you up, manipulating your travel plans, stealing your identity, or creating other major havoc.
Releasing your information on social media may adversely affect you and can be catastrophic for your friends and families. That can create many problems by making them vulnerable to being scammed or hacked.
2. Always turn off your location
Sometimes, you may not need to post about your trip to let people know you’re away. The location tracker is a dead giveaway.
You always have to remember to configure your device settings. For example, remember to disable your location to keep it off the public eye.
Most smartphones today automatically store locations. You will expose yourself to risk if you don’t turn this off.
It’s important to understand that not all social media platforms have automatic location turn-offs. So check your social media security settings thoroughly and disable location tracking there.
Besides, as per our security research, updating pictures on a trip is also very unsafe since the embedded EXIF metadata can efficiently serve as a location tracker.
Therefore, no matter how beautiful it may seem, update pictures always after you return.
While it might not feel as thrilling as earlier, it assures security.
3. Be careful about your picture background
The internet has become so advanced that tracking isn’t as tedious as it used to be. Nevertheless, scanning your surroundings carefully before taking a photo is essential. Avoid standing before prominent figures, billboards, address boards, or navigation boards.
You shouldn’t count it among the travel-specific safety tips. Instead, apply it in your everyday routine, too.
That’s because a hacker or thief can know vital information such as your residence, workplace, or favorite spot just by this. It then becomes easy for the cybercriminal to connect the dots and research who resides where and how those locations relate to you. This way, you not only risk yourself but also make your kith and kin vulnerable to cyber threats.
4. Avoid pre-trip updates
Your travel plans should not be anyone’s concern except you and your family.
While announcing your upcoming business or personal trips on social media may seem incredible, it isn’t.
So, avoid broadcasting your daily life on social media. It’s not necessary to keep everyone posted. Sharing about your trips before time can only create more avenues for people to trail and victimize you.
5. Review those you tag in pictures
If you can’t help updating your travel experiences in real time, this safety tip is for you.
Avoid tagging people in your travel pictures.
Most social media platforms are configured to allow friends of a person you are tagging to view your post. Unfortunately, it means such tagging may expose your picture to people unknown to you.
Review your social media accounts’ settings and tweak your privacy settings to receive maximum protection. If your friends decide to make your pictures viral, urge them to put them down.
6. Avoid using public WiFi
You should avoid giving away your information by turning off your WiFi.
Avoiding public Wi Fi networks is among our team’s most emphasized travel safety tips. Although using free WiFi feels good, you risk your identity being shared.
If you’re being tracked or monitored, jumping onto a public Wi Fi networks are a perfect giveaway. Public WiFi leaves your device vulnerable to hacking attacks as it often lacks adequate security.
Moreover, not all apps on your device apply encrypted transmission. If such apps exist on your device, connection to public WiFi becomes even more dangerous.
7. Use a VPN
There is a reason why we keep getting ‘thank you’ emails from our readers for recommending using VPNs.
Undoubtedly, using a VPN is among the most effective safety tips for protecting yourself as you travel. All you need to do is subscribe to any of today’s top VPNs that ensure security.
A VPN helps encrypt your information when you connect to an unencrypted network. In addition, it helps ghost your presence, making it difficult to trace your location.
With a VPN connection enabled, you remain secure even to do sensitive online activities while travelling, such as online shopping or banking transactions.
Best VPNs to use while traveling
Besides protecting your internet traffic, a VPN is helpful in many ways. For example, it will help you unblock geo-restricted content and avoid ISP throttling. Here are the top 3 best VPNs for traveling.
NordVPN
Key features
- AES 256-bit encryption
- Kill switch
- No-logs policy
- Leak protection
- 30-day money-back guarantee
NordVPN is our top-choice Virtual Private Network VPN for traveling. First, it will protect your online connections with robust security and privacy features like AES 256-bit encryption, kill switch, split tunneling, and leak protection. Also, the provider adheres to a strict zero-logs policy and is based in a privacy-friendly jurisdiction, which helps to keep your data completely anonymous.
A VPN with an extensive server network is ideal when traveling. NordVPN has over 6,000 servers in more than 61 countries, enabling you to bypass geo-restrictions worldwide. Moreover, the servers have blazing-fast speed, even distantly.
Pros
- Dependable security features
- Impressive unblocking capabilities
- Massive server network
Cons
- Outdated desktop app
ExpressVPN
Key features
- Network Lock
- AES 256-bit encryption
- No-logs policy
- DNS leak protection
- 30-day money-back guarantee
ExpressVPN is another reliable VPN for travelers. The VPN has a reputation for providing speedy connections on its servers, meaning you’ll download torrents, stream videos, and play games seamlessly without lags or buffering.
Moreover, the VPN uses state-of-the-art security features like AES 256-bit encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch (Network Lock) to keep you safe. Also, it does not collect user data to maintain your anonymity.
Pros
- Fast-speed servers
- Has apps for almost all devices
- Employs sufficient security measures
Cons
- Slightly expensive subscription plans compared to competitors
Surfshark
Key features
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Kill switch
- AES 256-bit encryption
- No-logs policy
- 30-day money-back guarantee
While Surfshark is the most affordable Virtual Private Network VPN on this list, you’ll still get premium features. The most popular is the unlimited simultaneous connections, allowing you to use multiple devices on a single subscription. Also, it employs adequate security features to keep you safe and private.
The VPN is compatible with all major operating systems, including Windows, Android, Linux, macOS, and iOS. All the apps are easy to configure and use. Also, Surfshark has browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox, although they only encrypt the browser traffic.
Pros
- Allows you to connect as many devices as you want.
- Unblocks popular streaming services.
- Budget-friendly subscription plans.
Cons
- Slow connections on some servers.
8. Logout from your accounts when no longer in use
Some travel destinations offer Smart TV services with movie apps that customers can connect to. This luxury offering ensures their customers feel at home as it prevents them from missing out on their favorite shows.
We emphasized the importance of avoiding the use of public WiFi earlier. But, unfortunately, Smart TVs use precisely this type of connection. Therefore, you should avoid using such services unless you can install a VPN on your Smart TV.
But if you opt for the service, log out from your accounts before you set off.
9. Install anti-theft apps on your devices
Most anti-theft applications have versatile online safety functionalities, becoming one of the recommended travel security tips.
These apps track your device and help erase your documents and password in case of theft or misplacement.
Installing an anti-theft app on your device will give you security assurance if you lose your device for any reason. Fortunately, most of the internet-connected devices out there today boast tracking services.
Also, many third-party anti-theft apps are available on Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Nonetheless, ensure that you either activate such services or opt for trusted third-party apps. That will give you an edge should you encounter any unfortunate event.
10. Turn on 2-factor authentication
Two-factor authentication has also become one of the top recommendations for ensuring online accounts’ security, even while traveling.
This method for additional security checks significantly reduces the probability of losing your accounts in case of password theft.
Given the increasing incidents of password hacks and data breaches, you should ideally enable this feature for every personal or official online account you use.
So, check your online accounts and see if they offer this option; if yes, turn it on. Some of the services that offer 2FA (two-factor authentication) today include:
- Amazon
- Apple
- LastPass and Dashlane (password managers)
- Dropbox
Although 2FA doesn’t offer total security, it goes a long way in securing your accounts. So, while it could be a bit tacky for beginners, it’s worth it.
11. Be conscious about the sites you use
Look out for websites that do not have SSL certification. Fortunately, most modern browsers today tell you if a website you’re visiting is not secure. Also, knowing if a site is SSL-certified is a straightforward task.
Don’t worry for those who don’t know what an SSL certificate means; we will give you a quick rundown.
SSL stands for secure socket layer. It is a security protocol assigned to websites to enable encrypted information transmission. Therefore, if a website is SSL certified, all the activities are encrypted and kept off hackers’ radar.
One simple step to know if a website is secure is to look at its address. That website is safe if you see the extra “S” ahead of HTTP in its address. Also, you may find an activated padlock sign with the URL that indicates an active and valid SSL connection.
12. Turn off email tracers
If you haven’t turned off/disabled this, you need to. Email tracers, like pictures, put your location for hackers to assess.
You must disable auto image loading to prevent your emails from getting tracked. Most primary desktop and mobile email apps (such as Gmail and MS Outlook) do so via their respective Settings.
You can also find extensions such as PixelBlock and Ugly Mail to block trackers on Firefox and Chrome, respectively. Better yet, it would be best if you could switch to secure email providers.
13. Disable Bluetooth
Turning your Bluetooth on is a security risk, especially in public areas. If Bluetooth is left open, anyone in the connectivity radius can access your device and pick up your information.
Notably, Bluetooth hacks are easy to execute without a trace. So turn off your Bluetooth to avoid unnecessary stress or threats while on your trip.
14. Avoid ATMs that swallow cards quickly
Have you ever noticed that some ATM machines swallow cards faster than others?
Well, that can have some security implications for a card owner.
ATMs with low swallow speeds are more secure than quickly swallowed cards.
If your ATM card takes longer to get swallowed, don’t panic. You’re in safe hands.
Stand back and wait for your card to be swallowed before you proceed.
15. Notify your bank before going on a trip
It’s essential to keep your bank informed when going on a trip to keep your transactions under close monitoring.
Skim through security procedures in case of emergency. That includes inquiring about security threats, e.g., if your ATM card gets stolen and the fastest way to reach your bank for aid.
Get your identity documents registered with the bank to help verify your identity if any unfortunate case arises. Also, add some security questions to your account to strengthen your bank security further.
If you haven’t done any of this, this is the best time to get to it.
16. Password-protect your devices
Leaving your phones, laptops, or any other device without password protection is risky, even at home. Imagine how dangerous that can be while away. In addition, not having passwords on your device will expose your device to online and offline data theft.
Here, you may also consider not using a password you already used on your device. If you genuinely care about your security, you should avoid reusing passwords.
Generating new passwords for each account goes a long way in ensuring security. For example, if your Facebook, Twitter, Gmail, and mobile devices have the same password, you’re at high risk of getting your security breached on all if only one gets compromised.
17. Avoid receiving physical mail when on trips
Apart from an image geo-tracker or email tracers, piling mail in your mailbox can easily indicate your unavailability at home. So before you go on a trip, visit your local mail office to opt out of mail services.
If this isn’t available in your country, you could ask your family and friends to help pick up your mail to prevent them from piling up.
18. Remove / backup sensitive information on your device
Before you even begin your trip, backing up your data is crucial. That will help if you encounter data loss or damage problems during the journey. If needed, delete any sensitive files from your device.
One of the best approaches you can adopt here is backing up your data onto encrypted cloud storage to ensure your personal and work information security.
19. Clear unnecessary apps
Some apps create avenues for your device to get hacked. So before your tour begins, skim through your apps and rate them based on their importance and uses.
Delete all those apps you won’t use while on the trip.
The fewer apps you have, the greater your security. However, with several apps on your device (especially unnecessary ones), it may be hard to know which can become a security threat to you.
20. Update your device security
Ensure your system/device apps, especially security applications such as antivirus and antimalware, are constantly updated. Updated software ensures your device protection is at its maximum possible level, reducing exposure to malware and hacking.
21. Avoid using just about any USB device
Do not use any USB device that someone else gives to you. Impersonators can use USB devices as secret channels to steal your private information right under your nose.
It also applies to charging booths. Their services can be tempting as most of them appear when you need them. Except for it, there isn’t any need to use a charging booth. USB devices don’t only charge your device on a normal but also have some data-sharing features.
There is every possibility that those charging booths can secretly steal your information. Therefore, we recommend you avoid them, no matter how tempting they may seem. Carry a power bank if you need to charge away from your residence.
14 offline security tips to ensure a safe travel experience
Online tips can only protect you from potential dangers in the cyber world. But it isn’t enough to keep you safe from possible hazards. So here are some tips you need to apply offline to ensure safer traveling.
1. Be alert
Don’t let your guard down around strangers.
If you’re traveling for business purposes, avoid inviting your clients to your residence. Instead, meet in public places such as restaurants or open meeting spaces.
Avoid getting drunk, and be extremely mindful of what you consume.
Besides, observe adequate security measures when relating to new friends or people you’re not close to.
Ensure to keep your room number private. Be observant and take note of the body language of those around you.
2. Avoid standing out
Avoid looking like a tourist! Avoid giving up your vulnerability, even if you’re lost or confused.
Try not to look too flashy and avoid inappropriate dresses. Avoid staring and taking pictures everywhere. Keep your conversation low, especially if you’re conversing in a foreign language.
Even if you can’t figure out your location, be calm. Use a map discreetly and avoid looking at your phone constantly, as this can be a severe giveaway.
3. Avoid flaunting your valuables
Wearing branded items can be cool, but they can hit back at your security. How you dress can attract thieves, which begs the need to avoid flaunting. Also, avoid showing off your cash.
Discreetly pull out the money you need for purchase from your wallet.
Avoid pulling out more cash than needed to prevent people’s attention. Instead, adopt an ‘on-budget look’ while traveling to protect yourself.
4. Make extra copies of all your travel documents
Nobody wants to lose anything during a trip, but accidents do happen.
Therefore, another worthy mention among the safety tips for travelers listed here is to have a backup plan for your travel documents. In simple words, you should have hard copies and digital copies of your documents, such as your passports, with you all the time.
5. Read about the place you intend to travel
Having a little knowledge of where you’re about to visit can save you a lot of stress. Like there are dos and don’ts in your locality, other areas might have them.
Get to understand their law regarding dressing, for example. Understand appropriate dress codes for each event and the penalties for breaking them.
Understand some gestures that are not allowed in public, e.g., PDA. Also, read about common gestures permitted in public. Finally, read through their food laws, religion, restrictions, daily life guides, traditions, festivals, and the rest.
Other than hard drugs, some drugs and food items are banned in some areas. Sometimes, blogs may not carry all the vital information needed. Skim through social media forums. Pay keen interest to details regarding the proposed location. Could you take note of all of them?
Understand things that happen in such environments, such as natural disasters. It would also help to consider other factors, such as avoiding dangerous animals.
Remember, ignorance hardly gets pardoned in countries with strict laws.
6. Your hotel rooms can have hidden cameras
While it’s illegal, some hotels take advantage of their customers by planting hidden cameras in their rooms.
Shocked, right?
This is not just a rumor; some travelers have verbally confirmed this. Having surveillance cameras in your room can be very creepy and discomforting.
To protect yourself from this, check the room thoroughly for hidden cameras.
Looking alone with your eyes may not be enough, so you might want to employ some mobile camera detectors.
Although this method is handy, 100% camera detection is not assured. You can also detect spy cams in your hotel room to use your device to connect to the host server to get a rundown of connected devices. Device names can sometimes give you helpful hints if you pay enough attention.
7. Don’t trust blindly
If you feel bad about it, it is okay to say no to something. Sometimes, you may be pressured by friends or strangers to do something that has dire consequences. It is okay to trust others, but always be honest with your instincts.
This could be a decision to use a specific route, a decision to pay by cash or credit card, a decision to talk to a stranger or not, or even a decision to let in a stranger. Follow your instincts.
8. Carry a basic medicine kit
Common ailments such as headaches and stomach problems don’t need a doctor. A basic travel-sized medicine kit can give you huge relief when experiencing discomfort. You can also include any medicine specific to your condition, such as allergies.
However, you should seek medical assistance for more complex ailments or injuries and avoid abusing the medicine. Also, ensure not to carry any illegal medicine in a foreign country.
9. Dress appropriately
Get familiar with local dressing customs and dress accordingly. This is especially important when visiting countries with strong religious beliefs regarding dress codes. For instance, women should not enter a church with a mini skirt. Another example is in Bali; people must wear a sarong to enter a temple, and women are not allowed to enter during monthly periods.
Additionally, dress according to the site and area you are visiting. For example, you can’t go to the beach in summer clothes or climb Mount Everest in shorts. Always wear something comfortable for a specific occasion.
10. Share your travel plans with family and friends
Your friends and family must know where you will be at a given time. This information can help them trace you if you go missing in a foreign country. Family members and friends can also use the information to warn you against impending danger or suggest a possible attraction site.
However, be cautious with whom you share the plans because not all friends are trustworthy.
11. Lock Up Your Valuables
This should probably be the first priority. Your valuables could be money, electronics, or even documents. When traveling, don’t expose anything of value to prying eyes to prevent muggings, property loss, and even loss of life. Stay at a quality hotel with secure lockers and a safe to lock up your valuables.
Also, drink responsibly and do not entertain strangers and shady friends in your hotel room. You can also use the split technique, where you split your money, hide some in your pocket, and put the rest away in case you lose your wallet.
12. Research common travel scams
Search online for content related to previous travel frauds and scams and learn from other people’s experiences. This information can save you time and money and guide you in coping with some scamming incidents. Learn about pricing and exchange rates and more about the residents of your destinations.
Additionally, research about emerging scams and threats, such as the Ransomware strain claiming to be booking.com. Finally, find out ways of protecting yourself from travel scams and fraud.
13. Register with your embassy
An embassy is supposed to protect your interests in a foreign country. You should inform the embassy about your visit so they can include you in any programs targeting its citizens. An embassy can also give you travel advice and suggestions about traveling in a foreign country. Additionally, in case of calamities, insecurity, or evacuation, the embassy must have your details to help you.
14. Record emergency numbers
Your plans of having a smooth vacation in a foreign country may be ruined by an incident that requires emergency services. Emergency numbers for the fire brigade, police, ambulance, and Red Cross can be helpful in such circumstances. Also, find your embassy location and understand how they can help you. You must switch to local phone numbers in a foreign country to communicate. Find out about cell phone service providers and their charges.
A few less-known travel security risks
Booking.com. ransomware
There is a recent strain of Sodinokibi ransomware, which is sending phishing emails disguised as coming from booking.com. Ensure your software is up to date, and do not open attachments and links from an unknown sender.
Skimmed ATMs that steal credit card details
Hackers create malicious programs and devices to steal credit card details when inserted into an ATM. This is called skimming, where the skimmer devices are illegally installed on ATMs to steal your login details when you insert your credit card. The hackers then use the login details to steal money from your account. You can take the following precautions to minimize skimming risk;
- Visit your bank before leaving on vacation: Inform your bank about the countries you plan to visit to avoid a false alarm when you withdraw cash or make a card payment from an unusual region. Make inquiries about how they respond to emergencies and how they contain damages in case you lose your credit card. Set up security tools such as security questions to make it harder for anyone to access your account. Additionally, ask for banking advice for people travelling to your destinations.
- Check the speed of feeding your credit card in the ATM: Secure ATMs swallow it slowly, making it harder for hackers to skim in such machines. An ATM that picks up your card quickly raises suspicion, and the probability of skimming is very high.
- Limit ATM usage: Exchange and carry some local cash but not too much to avoid trouble. You can also pay for some services and products online before the trip. This can save you time by avoiding long queues in places like museums. Additionally, you can use your credit card directly without withdrawing cash at the ATM, but ensure it is a trustworthy outlet, not some shady boutique shop downtown.
Airbnb rental’s hidden spy cameras
When you rent an Airbnb, you expect total privacy. Airbnb rules state that a host should inform the guests about any installed cameras and where they are installed. However, some hosts use secret cameras to spy on guests, which is wrong. This is a recent trend that needs to be addressed before crippling the entire sector.
Airbnb is aware of this illegal privacy infringement and has announced plans to crack down on hosts who use spy cameras. Why would Airbnb hosts use secret cameras to spy on guests? The motive is illogical because they should focus on keeping the customers happy to earn positive reviews and attract more customers. You can take the following steps to find and remove spy cameras in Airbnb and Hotels.
- Find the hidden cameras: Look everywhere in the room to see if you can find any hidden cameras. Some common areas include smoke alarms, lamps, alarm clocks, and wall paintings or decorations.
- Use your phone to scan for hidden cameras: Mobile applications are developed for Android and iOS to detect hidden cameras. Do this if you are unsatisfied after a physical search.
- Scan connected devices in the network: When you connect to the host’s Wi-Fi, scanning for other devices connected to the network is possible using an application such as Fing. This method is effective, especially when the cameras are undiscoverable manually and using a phone application. However, it is not foolproof because the host can create a separate network to transmit camera data. Additionally, maybe the cameras are turned on remotely and off during the scan, making them undiscoverable.
Signs of travel threat you should look out for
Signs of travel threats cut across offline and online safety. Besides having cases of pickpocketing, there are other substantial red lights to be mindful of.
Be alert at all times. A new destination doesn’t assure security. Don’t think twice about filing a complaint with local authorities if you are being trailed or monitored.
If you encounter cases of a break-in, raise the alarm and get the situation investigated. In addition, ensure that you check your bank transactions daily. If you notice any suspicious transactions, call your bank immediately.
If you suddenly can’t log into your social media accounts, take appropriate actions beyond recovering your passwords. Get all your friends and family notified.
