Edmonton’s Travel Insurance Specialists

The smaller the hotel, the more likely that staff and guests will know you belong and other ‘non-guests’ don’t. In this way, visitors and loiterers will tend to stand out. You might also want to consider bed-and-breakfasts for the same reason.

In addition to ensuring your hotel is located in a safe neighbourhood, you also want to make sure your room is in a safe area of the building. Avoid booking ground-floor rooms, or any room that has easy access from outside, such as from a balcony or fire escape. Book a room close to an elevator, and away from direct exits.

Take the trouble to ensure your room will have double locks and a peephole. You can also bring your own rubber doorstopper for added protection. While we’re on the topic of door safety, remember to never open your door to someone you don’t know. Even if your visitor claims to be a member of the staff, check with the front desk to verify the person’s need to enter your room.

Use covered luggage tags and put your office address on them instead of your home address.

It’s a good idea to go as unencumbered as possible. Try to minimize what you take with you, and avoid using expensive-looking luggage, which can mark you as a wealthy tourist. Ideally, you should be able to have one hand free at all times.

Back your car into your parking spot so you don’t have to back out when you leave. This makes for a much quicker getaway should anyone follow you to your car, or in any other emergency situation.

Rather than stowing your valuables in overhead storage bins on a plane – or worse, in the luggage you’ve checked – store them in a secure waist pack that you’ll keep on you at all times while travelling. Take your valuables with you everywhere, even when going to the washroom. When sitting in a restaurant or other public area with your carry-on bag on the floor, put your foot through the strap. You will not only be alerted if someone tries to grab it, but you also will be sure to not leave it behind!

Either bring your own phone or rent one for the trip, and make sure you program in a few of the local phone numbers you might need in an emergency – such as the police and your hotel. Don’t forget to have your family contact information handy as well. You should keep in touch with family or friends regularly so they know your schedule and where you are headed, especially if your plans change.

When travelling, try to dress casually. The aim is to blend in so you aren’t targeted as a tourist. Leave your jewelry at home, and dress to respect local customs and acceptable attire.

If you plan to take advantage of your hotel’s gym facilities, make sure it has an attendant. You may be a target in an unmonitored facility. If you’re a jogger, ask the concierge for popular (and safe) running routes. Don’t wear headphones, vary the times you go jogging, and carry some identification in a wrist pocket.

Your ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign can be used to make your room seem occupied while you’re gone, which is helpful if you’ve left valuables behind. Ideally, you should lock these valuables in the hotel safe. One sign you shouldn’t use is the “Please Make Up the Room” door hanger. Obviously with this one you give a clear signal that you’re gone. Instead, just call the front desk or housekeeping to let them know to visit your room for cleaning.

It’s a good idea when going out at night to take precautions. Never accept drinks or food from strangers trying to befriend you. Try to walk around in well-trafficked streets. Make use of taxis and group sightseeing tours, wherever possible. Keep in mind that depending on where you are visiting, certain activities you’re accustomed to at home may be culturally taboo. Learn and respect local customs to stay out of harm’s way.

People who intend to steal from you or harm you come in all ages and appearances. Don’t let your guard down when travelling. Be careful not to be swept into a false sense of security based on looks alone.

Cruise the Internet before you leave to learn anything you can about staying safe in the country or region you’re headed to. Familiarize yourself with the culture and customs, and pay particular attention to guidelines for women. Also, be aware of any travel advisories, reports, or warnings for your destination through the Consular Affairs website.

The last thing anyone wants to think about when planning a holiday is getting sick or injured, but when you’re away from home, even the most minor injuries or illnesses can become a major expense. While an accident or illness can happen anywhere at any time, emergency medical travel insurance protects you from the unexpected costs that can come with a visit to a doctor or hospital outside of your home country. Always know you’re covered no matter where you are. Call a Go Insurance travel specialist today to find out about our competitive rates and options for travel insurance!