Common Mistakes to Avoid When Travelling to Exotic Destinations

Travelling is one of the most exciting things that you can choose to spend your hard-earned money on, especially when you’re travelling to exotic destinations that are nothing like what you have ever experienced before. While you go travelling to have new adventures and create everlasting memories, there are some things that you need to make sure you absolutely do not do when travelling to a new country to ensure that you’re not only safe, but are also respectful of the country that you are visiting.

Travelling Alone

When travelling anywhere abroad, but especially to places where you have never been before that could potentially be dangerous, make sure that you never travel alone. If you are alone in a foreign country that you do not know well, it can be very easy for thieves and dangerous people to notice that you are a lone foreigner and target you for a number of crimes. If you do want to travel solo, there are some measures that you can take to make sure that you’re as safe as you can possibly be. Try not to stay out too late after dark if your hotel is in a more isolated area where there is less foot traffic and tourists to blend in with; if you’re walking at night on your own without witnesses any crime can be possible.

Not Preparing Your Health

If you’re going to an exotic country that you have never previously visited, it’s more than likely that you will come into contact with illnesses and disease that your body has not been exposed to that can potentially prove fatal. One of best ways that you can prepare for travel is to make sure your vaccinations are up to date to ensure that you are as protected as you can possibly be. It is vitally important that you research what vaccinations are needed for the specific country that you are visiting and how long in advance these vaccinations must be administered, as there are different diseases and incubation periods for every country. You don’t want your vacation ruined by the threat of illness, so take the right precautions and ensure that you are fully protected so that you can enjoy your travels without worry.

Eating and Drinking without Caution

While this applies to eating out anywhere, you need to make sure that you’re careful about what you’re eating for fear of illness. If you’re travelling to developing countries, there are some precautions that you should definitely consider taking before you eat and drink abroad. It is important that you avoid tap water as this could potentially be unclean and therefore infected with harmful and potentially fatal bacteria that vaccinations can not save you from. When drinking water, make sure that it is either bottled or treated, or that you have boiled the water to remove any harmful substances. Even though fruit and vegetables seem like they should be safe and nutritious, make sure that you don’t eat any raw vegetables as they could have potentially been cleaned with dirty water and therefore may cause you more harm than good.

Travelling is one of those experiences that everyone must do at least once in their life, but there are major mistakes that people make whenever they travel, especially to exotic or developing countries. It’s important that you enjoy yourself on your trip away, but it’s more important that you ensure your own safety by taking precautions both before you leave and during your time away. Don’t make any of these common travelling mistakes that can be detrimental to your health; make sure that you take care of yourself so that you make amazing memories and have wonderful experiences wherever you are headed.

This is a contribution from one of our contributing writers.