Top 25 Travel Tips for 2021

After traveling the globe for the past 23 years, I've learned a lot about personal safety when traveling - especially solo. Here are my top 25 safety tips for avoiding trouble on your trip:

1. Beware of scammers, pick-pockets and getting robbed.
2. Write down emergency contacts with phone numbers and email addresses.
3. Keep copies of your ID, credit cards and passport somewhere safe other than your wallet / purse.
4. Check the State Department website before you travel internationally.
5. Lock up your valuables.
6. Get travel evacuation insurance.
7. Be careful of not getting sick.
8. Don't drink un-bottled water.
9. Ask locals for advice.
10. Register with your embassy.
11. Email your itinerary to family or friends.
12. Don't share too much personal information with strangers, including where you're staying or your itinerary.
13. Don't do stupid things for photos.
14. Splurge on extra safety
15. Be aware of the cultural implecations of your clothing; try to blend in, not stand out.
16. Stay "tethered" to your bag.
17. Learn basic self-defense.
18. Be situationally aware.
19. Tell your bank and credit card companies where you'll be traveling.
20. Hide emergency cash - you will almost always need it.
21. Use ATM's wisely.
22. Stop using your back pocket.
23. Travel in numbers when possible.
24. Pack a first aid kit.
25. Trust your instincts!

Bonus for Women: The travel safety tips I've listed above are equally important for both men and women; I don't think the ability to travel safely has anything to do with gender.

Unfortunately, women are victims of violence everywhere, including here in North America. Women worried about beign assaulted or harrrasedmight prefer to visit a local street festival or market or nightclub in a grup rather than alone.

Three Life Changing Experiences For The Adrenaline Junkie

“Anything that gets your blood racing is probably worth doing.”

This quote from Hunter S. Thompson rings true with any adrenaline junkie, as any adrenaline
junkie can tell you there’s nothing more satisfying than the thrill you get from living life on the
edge. If you’re reading this and can relate to what we’re saying, then these next three life
changing experiences are for you:

1. Take a Dip in the Devil’s Pool

You’ll find Devil’s Pool at the Victoria Falls, the largest waterfall in the world, in Livingstone,
Africa. Take a trip out sometime between September and December, when the waters are at
just the right level to form a rock barrier between where you’ll be sipping on adrenaline and the
edge of this massive waterfall.

2. Bike Death’s Road

Travel out to La Paz, Bolivia and grab a bike to head out to Death’s Road. The name probably
says enough to get the adrenaline going before you even get there, but this road is an
experience you’ll definitely want to have in your lifetime. It’s a 40-mile long, 11,000-foot descent narrow road that will get your heart racing with sheer drops. Even better? Most places don’t have guardrails.

3. Go Canyon Swinging

Visit Queenstown, New Zealand (any adrenaline junkie’s must-see destination) for the world’s
highest canyon swing. Get ready for some heart-pumping action as you free fall for almost 22
feet. Then relish in the glory as you look over Shotover Canyon. This experience can even be
customized with different types of jumps, so you can get one of the best adrenaline rushes of
your life.

Enjoy the Rush

While you’re out experiencing adrenaline rush after adrenaline rush, it’s easy to get caught up in the moment. So before you go, download Virtual Halo onto your phone. The app makes it easy to keep in touch with friends and family to let them know you’re safe without taking away from your experience.

How To Stay Safe While Going It Alone

If you live for the thrill of adventure, there is one thing you probably already know should be at
the top of your packing list - safety. But when it comes to staying safe while you’re going it
alone, what should you prioritize? The following is a quick guide to help get you ready to hit the road, safely.

First, Think About Survival

What are some basic necessities for survival if you were to go camping, hiking or venture off
road somewhere you could potentially stay overnight? To keep you safe, you should first pack
yourself some food and water, at least enough to last a couple days if not more, and some first
aid items like bandages and antiseptic. If you know you may venture into territories with
dangerous animals, pack accordingly with items such as bear spray or a knife. A knife will
double as a means to acquiring more food, or triple as a survival tool in the case of an
emergency.

Pack Your Bags with Safety in Mind

In addition to these items, you should pack other gear you might need. This should include
weather-appropriate clothing, any harnesses or equipment for hiking or climbing and other tools you may need for the environment you will be in. Always keep in mind that you will be alone, so having all the safety items you may need at your disposable is key in a dangerous, or even life-threatening, situation.

Bring Your Phone!

Even if cell signal may be weak, bring your cell phone. And download a safety app like Virtual Halo as a quick and easy means to get help if you need it. Not only will Virtual Halo let you keep in touch with friends or loved ones to let them know where you are, it will also let you send an SOS if you need help. This SOS will alert them immediately, and they can find out where you are and get help to you - fast. So any time you’re going it alone, be sure to have the app downloaded, and your phone on hand.