Safe travel: While you are away

Think about how miserable and vulnerable you feel when you're really ill at home... now multiply that misery by ten when you're alone in a country where medical standards are questionable, you don't speak the language, and you're not sure what you've got. Travel Insurance Direct gives you the security of knowing that you can see a doctor straight away and have your costs covered.

Even 2,000 years ago they knew that prevention is better than cure, so be aware of the following:

Water

In most developing countries, the tap water is not safe to drink. Drink sterilised or buy bottled water (making sure the seal on the bottle is intact) and carry enough with you during the day to prevent dehydration. Even use it to brush your teeth - and when in restaurants, ask for drinks without ice.

Food

Be wary of trying dishes that include uncooked produce (salads, fresh fruit and vegetables). Fruits that can be peeled (bananas, mangoes, etc) are generally safe to eat. Beware of frozen foods that may have been thawed and refrozen, and of undercooked meat, fish or poultry. When eating at food stalls, use your best judgement: if the food or preparation area looks dodgy, don't even consider eating it.

Mosquitoes

Mosquito bites are the cause of most tropical diseases, so dress to avoid getting bitten: wear long pants and long sleeves, especially at dusk and use mosquito repellent on any exposed skin, and sleep under a mosquito net.

Sun

Beware of the sun, you can burn or get heat stroke before you know it. Carry a hat and sunscreen in your daypack and remember to reapply the lotion after you have been swimming. Also drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration in hot climates.

Luggage

Just one word of advice here: never, ever leave your bag unattended. At the beach, in a cafe, or even the airport lounge, always keep your luggage with you or have a trusted travelling companion mind it for you. Make sure your hotel room is secure and take advantage of hotel safes (as long as they are reliable!). If you're sitting in a cafe or restaurant, slip the strap of your bag around your chair leg or secure it to the table.

Thieves can act with extraordinary alacrity and your bag can vanish or have stuff selectively swiped from it in the blink of an eye. Always keep your valuables (especially passport and money) well hidden on your person, rather than in your luggage.

Make sure you always know what's in your luggage - pack it yourself and never offer to carry something for another person. Drugs or other contraband can 'magically' appear in your luggage - and no matter how they got there, you will be subject to the local law that applies to drug charges.

Money

Cash, dinero, moolah… whatever the language, having enough funds will allow you to do more and see more on your travels. Keep your money safe by using a few simple precautions:

Wear a money belt or pouch and keep it concealed under your clothing. Do NOT keep your valuables in a 'bum bag' as they are easy and obvious targets for thieves.

If you carry a bag, make sure it has a shoulder strap and wear it across your chest, rather than on one shoulder, with the opening near your body. Thieves bag-snatching from motorcycles are all too common in many parts of the world these days.

Don't keep all your money and valuables in one place - reduce the risk by spreading your cash around your body.

Be careful when pulling cash out of your money belt or wallet in busy environments. Better to keep a smallish amount readily available and the rest in a concealed place on your person.

Consider keeping a small amount of ‘sacrificial', small denomination notes that can be used as a decoy for thieves or bribes.

Keep the travellers cheques and cash you won't be using that day in your hotel safe (provided you are staying at a reputable hotel).

When using ATMs, be aware of others around you and avoid letting them see you enter your PIN or take out your cash. It's wise to take out small amounts at a time however, this may mean higher bank fees - check with your bank before leaving home as to the charges you'll incur.

If you're changing cash or travellers cheques, shop around - exchange rates and commissions can vary significantly. Banks usually offer better rates than exchange offices or hotels.

Never let your credit card out of sight when you're paying for something to avoid fraudulent use of it, and destroy any carbon sheets from the receipt.

Personal safety

Common sense is probably the most practical way of staying safe. Keep your wits about you – especially in crowded places like cities and markets; off the beaten track and at night. Know where you are, where you're going and how you're going to get back - and look confident about it, even if you're not. Aim to avoid places where there is unrest or known danger and don't get involved in demonstrations or other activities that might attract police attention.

Try to blend in and respect the local customs by wearing culturally appropriate clothing so as not to stand out in a crowd.

Read guidebooks, ask questions and keep up with the local news, in case there are any notable areas to avoid.

If you do get mugged, give the thieves what they want – money is more easily replaced than you are.

There's no need to be paranoid, but be wary of accepting food or drink from strangers - it's not unknown for travellers to be drugged unwittingly and end up lost and alone with all their gear gone.

Try to stay in safe hotels - make sure the doors and windows of your room lock and check out the fire escape before you go to bed. Don't let anyone know your room number or leave your room key lying around.

Don't wander around alone at night (especially women), and avoid quiet, empty streets and laneways

If you have to seek medical attention, make sure any needles or syringes are sterile and check any medications prescribed – examine any seals, read the contra-indications and beware of any likely side effects, particularly if you have any allergies

If you're driving, be extra aware of fellow drivers and local rules - especially if you're driving on the ‘wrong' side of the road compared to what you're used to.

At the beach, beware of undercurrents, rips, marine stingers and other hazards. Take your cue from the locals regarding where it's safe to swim and if the beach is patrolled, swim between the flags.

Popular tourist scams

You're sure to meet friendly locals and enjoy warm hospitality, however, as at home, not everyone is as genuine as they seem. There are many slick operators out there, not to mention the outright criminals so be aware of some of the more common tourist scams:

Drugging drinks - If someone buys you a drink, watch them get it from the bar and deliver it to you, or better yet, go to the bar with them.

Pickpockets - Petty thievery is more common than you might think, and if you look like an obvious tourist, you may as well have 'target' written on your forehead. Keep your wallet or purse with you at all times, and distribute your money and cards around your body. It's a good idea for men not to keep their wallet in the usual back pants pocket, as that is another easy target.

Check the seals of your drinking water – if you have purchased bottled water, check that there is a proper seal or that the packaging is intact. Some places have been known to sell recycled bottles that have merely been filled up with tap water.

Beware of the black market - If something sounds too good to be true, it usually is. You might be buying souvenirs that are not authentic, and with electronics, DVDs, high fashion or other consumer goods, they may be bootlegged, knock-off or stolen goods.

Never agree to carry anything back home for anybody. You don't know what you could be carrying with you - like drugs or other prohibited or dangerous material. Be wary of accepting ‘gifts' that may contain contraband substances, and don't cross borders or go through Customs with strangers.

Always travel with a reputable tour company so you know that you'll get what you pay for and your safety will be of primary concern. Travelling with a dodgy operator could see you stranded, injured, sick, or at the very least you may end up visiting or dining at establishments run by the tour guide's equally dodgy family members.

Likewise, don't take the advice of overly-friendly taxi drivers or local hawkers.