It doesn’t matter who you are, vacations overseas are always a bit scary, and even more so when it’s your first time visiting the location. It’s okay to be nervous, but don’t let it discourage you! Nothing should stop you from having the best time of your life. Not even a few worries and concerns. In fact, to help you relax, I will give you some of my favorite safety tips for traveling overseas that always help me no matter where I go! Be it at the beach or relaxing at the resort, never forget the basics.
Keep your passport up to date
This should be obvious, but people can be very forgetful sometimes. You need to make sure your passport is valid before you travel, because you don’t want to have any trouble on your trip! Make sure to always be up to date, and always be ready to keep your documentation somewhere safe. Your hotel room safe is a good start!
Check the visas
Always, always make sure you know if you need a visa to enter the country you’re traveling to. It’s vital! Some places require you to send in an application weeks or months in advance before you even set foot in the airport, while others will let you stay for a certain amount of time before a visa becomes necessary. This changes from place to place, so always check before you visit! This should be one of the first steps you need to take while planning your trip. Luckily for you, however, Punta Cana doesn’t require you to make an application at all! So long as you stay three months or less, you can travel anywhere on the island free of charge.
Avoid drinking tap water
While back home it’s normal to drink tap water, standards in other places may vary. It’s always better to play it safe and default to bottled water during your trip. Other canned beverages like juice and soda are safe too while you’re overseas. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Because you never know! Good news for you, though, because you will always be offered plenty of drinks wherever you stay. This is mostly not an issue, just don’t be tempted to drink from the tap!
Learn a few useful phrases
Vacation spots are great for English speakers because you will find no shortage of people to talk to. Everyone does it, everywhere! It’s very handy indeed, but you’re bound to run into one or two people who don’t speak a word of your native language. In those instances, it’s good to have a few useful phrases practiced, enough to get around. Asking for directions might be very hard otherwise!
Do your research
Every location is different, with its odds and ends. It’s always good to do extensive research to get an idea of where to go, what to avoid, and what you should do. Check out handy guides with safety tips for traveling overseas. For example, did you know that you shouldn’t go to the beach in Punta Cana during the night? I bet you didn’t, and there are a few more tips like that which can really make the difference! You can always read everything you need to know about Punta Cana here, you’ll find everything you need!
For more information, check out these safety tips for Punta Cana!
Dress appropriately
Though vacations are a time for you to relax and unwind, it’s probably safer to dress smart. Depending on where you’re going you will need special clothing, and this will probably be the difference between a good and a bad trip. You shouldn’t visit Canada in winter without wearing a heavy jacket, for example, and you should definitely never go to Macao Beach wearing one! You’re supposed to have fun, not overheat in the sun!
Keep family and friends updated
Photos are helpful for many reasons. Not only are they nice memories you can share with your loved ones, but they also keep track of your wellbeing. Double function! Always tell your friends and family back home where you’re going and how the trip is so far. Yes, even if you’re in a group! If anything happened to you, it would be easier for them to know and alert the authorities. Let’s pray this is never necessary, but it shouldn’t go without saying.
And there you go! A few safety tips for traveling overseas that will definitely help you feel a little safer during your travels. Although Punta Cana is one of the best locations for people who want a simple, calm experience, it’s never too much to take precautions! Have fun, smile, and be merry, but don’t get reckless! And hey, while you’re at it, why don’t you immortalize the moment with a wonderful photo session? What better way to top off a trip than by showing off!