Even seasoned travellers run into troubles, often in seemingly safe places. While not always avoidable, there are ways to travel more safely away from home. Use the following advice to dodge becoming the victim of a crime or requiring unnecessary medical attention.

Check Your Insurance

Although no one intends to fall ill or get injured on a vacation, life happens. And when it does, it’s important to have the right insurance policy to avoid big medical bills. Before departing for your trip, always confirm that you have adequate travel insurance.

Stay Alert Outdoors

The great Canadian outdoors boasts many awe-inspiring sights. Our country’s ecological diversity also harbours thousands of species. Unfortunately, large wildlife like bears and mountain lions can threaten hikers and bikers. To avoid dangerous encounters, follow the advice below.

• Never approach wildlife, regardless how tame it appears.
• Make noise to avoid startling animals and provoking an attack.
• Keep on the trails and head back into town or camp by nightfall.
• Do not run from animals—if they chase you, they will catch up.
• Stay away from dead animals and odorous plants.

Secure Your Belongings

For in transit and at the hotel, lock up your luggage and/or use the safe for your valuables. Ideally, you should leave anything of great value at home, but if it must accompany you, then keep it at the hotel. However, bring your cash and credit wherever you go. Your wallet, depending on where you store it, might be too vulnerable in crowded places, so consider a money belt instead.

Before going on vacation, notify your bank. Most credit card companies look for suspicious activity and purchases made away from home might seem fraudulent. Similarly, memorize your credit card numbers and expiration dates in case you need to cancel them.

Avoid Dangerous Situations

This may seem commonsensical, but detecting dangerous situations before they develop is a good skill to develop. Although public places are safer than empty ones (especially at night), you must be mindful of the crowds. Refrain from going to huge events with the potential for a poor outcome (i.e. protests or demonstrations).

As well, try not to broadcast the fact you’re a tourist. While most people will want to help and recommend things to do, some may take advantage.