Travel is supposed to be the highlight of the year.
Here’s the problem… One wrong move while driving can turn your dream vacation into a financial nightmare. Whether it’s neglecting insurance or disregarding safety tips– one poor decision abroad can leave you with a personal injury lawsuit, hospital bill and no assistance whatsoever.
In this article you’ll find the top travel safety mistakes outlined and how each one could cost you thousands.
Let’s jump in!
What you’ll discover:
- Why Travel Safety Matters More Than Ever
- The 6 Biggest Travel Safety Mistakes
- How To Protect Yourself Before You Go
Why Travel Safety Matters More Than Ever?
A lot of travellers think accidents only happen to “other people.”
Wait, no they don’t. From 2019-2021 there were over 1,500 deaths of United States citizens due to non-natural causes while in foreign countries. Leading cause? Motor vehicle collisions. 1,500 deaths. That’s hardly negligible. And this just accounts for deaths, not injuries.
Getting injured while travelling can have serious financial consequences. Something as minor as a slip-and-fall can result in surgeries, lost wages, cancelled flights and even lawsuits when returning home. Filing a personal injury claim may be the only option to recoup these losses. If the accident occurs in Canada, or involves a Canadian driver/operator, personal injury lawyers in Edmonton can help determine if you have a case and the proper forms to file.
The truth is…
Most injuries sustained while traveling are preventable. All you need to know are the things to look out for before you leave.
The 6 Biggest Travel Safety Mistakes
Now onto the real mistakes. These are the ones committed most frequently — ones that cost travelers the most money.
Read each one, check off those that apply to you, and correct them before your next adventure.
Mistake #1: Skipping Travel Insurance
This is the biggest one by far.
Most people think they’ll be covered by their homeowners insurance when they’re overseas. In most cases, they won’t be. Emergency medical evacuations can exceed $200,000.00 depending on where you are and how sick you are.
Read that again — $200,000. For one flight home.
A starter policy is approximately $5/day. That’s cheaper than a cup of coffee. And it can protect you from:
- Hospital bills overseas
- Medical evacuation fees
- Trip cancellation losses
- Lost luggage costs
Math is easy. Don’t be that traveller who didn’t learn it and suffers consequences.
Mistake #2: Ignoring Road Safety
Cars are the #1 killer of travellers worldwide.
When you stop to think about it, it all makes perfect sense. You’re sleepy. You’re in a foreign country where all the signs are in another language, and drivers use the “wrong” side of the road. It just spells disaster.
Annually, 25,000 tourists die in traffic accidents. And many times that are injured. Simple fixes exist for this issue though…
Here’s what to do:
- Avoid driving at night in countries you don’t know
- Skip alcohol if you’re behind the wheel
- Use seatbelts even in taxis and rideshares
- Stick to reputable bus/transport companies
If at all possible, don’t drive in your new country. Buses, taxis, or tours are infinitely safer than renting a car.
Mistake #3: Not Researching Your Destination
Most people book a flight and then figure things out when they land.
Wrong answer. Countries have vastly differing risks – some have rip currents that kill tourists annually. Others have dangerous adventure tours. There are some countries with crime hotspots you won’t know about unless you search.
Before you go, spend 30 minutes researching:
- Local emergency numbers
- Government travel advisories
- Common scams in the area
- Areas to avoid (especially at night)
Honestly, this small step can save your trip.
Mistake #4: Trusting Every Tour Operator
Not every tour operator is created equal.
Tourists often book “discount” tours from sketchy websites and then find themselves on dingies without life jackets or zip lines that haven’t been inspected in decades. Adventure tourism is one of the riskiest activities tourists participate in.
Before booking any tour, check:
- Online reviews on multiple platforms
- Licensing and certifications
- Safety equipment on display
- Guide training and experience
If the operator can’t answer basic safety questions, walk away.
Mistake #5: Ignoring Water Safety
Beach holidays look relaxing in the photos…
Yet drowning is one of the top causes of death for travelers globally. 76% of fatalities from boat accidents drowned. Of those deaths for which authorities could confirm life jacket usage, 87% were not wearing one.
That’s nearly 9 out of 10 deaths a simple life jacket could have prevented.
To stay safe in and around water:
- Always wear a life jacket on boats
- Swim only at beaches with lifeguards
- Never swim after drinking
- Respect warning flags and signs
Many picturesque beaches are unsupervised by lifeguards. The water can be deceivingly tranquil… But that’s where 90% of drownings occur.
Mistake #6: Taking Risks For The Perfect Photo
This is a new one but growing fast.
Research indicates that 259 people have died while taking selfies from 2011 to 2017. Falls and drowning were the leading causes of death. People are literally risking everything over the perfect selfie.
Cliffs, waterfalls, train tracks, wild animals… none of those care about your Instagram followers. If it’s roped off there’s probably a reason. Don’t risk a hospital visit for a photo.
How To Protect Yourself Before You Go?
Now you know the mistakes… Let’s talk about what to do BEFORE you leave.
This stage may take an hour or two of your time. It could save you thousands if the worst happens.
Your pre-trip checklist:
- Buy comprehensive travel insurance
- Save emergency contacts in your phone
- Photocopy your passport and ID
- Register with your embassy (if needed)
- Learn basic phrases in the local language
Have electronic and hard copies of all essential information. Also, share your complete itinerary with someone at home.
Finally, should an accident happen abroad (or back home after your travels), take notes. Take pictures. Get names. Police report. Medical reports. Etc. This information will be EXTREMELY useful when needing to make a claim.
Final Thoughts
Travel is the best thing you can spend money on. So long as you make it back home intact.
These are the 6 mistakes that cost travellers the most. Whether it’s money, time, or (even worse) something much more valuable. The good news?
They can all be remedied. With a little research, a little insurance policy and some common sense, you can avoid most travel calamities. Travel wisely — and continue to do it year after year.
