Traveling abroad is an incredibly exciting and life altering experience. While chances are you will have a trip without incident, being aware of your surroundings and practicing travel safety procedures will help you to ensure you have nothing but a positive, safe traveling experience.

First and foremost, safe traveling begins when you are at home, by packing correctly. While it seems like a no brainer, leaving behind expensive jewelry or other valuables is a good idea to ensure your safety. If you must carry valuables, pre plan a place to conceal them. Things such as your passport, as well as cash and credit cards should be locked in your hotel safe, or if carried on your person, in a pouch or wallet worn around your waist.

If you are unfamiliar about the laws and customs of your destination, it is a good idea to spend some time researching them. Traveling safely requires a bit of planning, so consult the library, your travel agent, or even foreign embassies to research customs and laws that you feel may pertain to your trip.

Before you leave, be sure to plan your itinerary in order to have the most safe traveling experience possible. Have all legal documents in order at home in the event of any traveling safety issue or emergency, including insurance documents, credit statements, and power of attorney. While it may seem like a lot to think about for a trip, having your affairs in order before you leave is a necessary precaution in the event that something goes wrong.

Finally, use common sense and safety while traveling. For instance, do not use short cuts, do not travel alone at night, make a note of emergency numbers you may need, and beware of pickpockets.
While it is more likely than not that you will have a safe traveling experience, taking added precautions will help you to increase that likelihood. Proper preparation and planning will help you to have a care free trip, spending more time enjoying the sites than worrying about whether or not you are safe.