Quick Guide

The Pre-Travel Safety Checklist

Essential preparations before any trip — from weekend getaways to international adventures. Takes 10 minutes, lasts the whole trip.

4 min read All travel types

Most travel safety advice focuses on what to do when you're there. But the best protection starts before you leave. These quick preparations take minutes but can make a real difference if something goes wrong.

Before You Go

The Info Drop

Share your itinerary with at least one trusted person — flights, hotels, addresses, contact info.

Set up location sharing with a family member or friend for the duration of your trip.

Photograph your documents — passport, ID, credit cards (front and back), insurance cards. Store in a secure cloud folder.

Save emergency numbers for your destination — local police, embassy (if international), your hotel.

Tech Prep

Download offline maps of your destination in Google Maps or Apple Maps.

Install a translation app if traveling internationally (Google Translate works offline).

Pack two chargers — one for your bag, one for your person. Dead phone = vulnerability.

Set up Find My Phone and make sure it's working before you leave.

Packing for Safety

Personal alarm — small, loud, clips to your bag or keychain.

Doorstop alarm — $15 device that screams if someone opens your hotel door.

Small flashlight — power outages happen, and phone flashlights drain battery.

Backup cash — hidden separately from your wallet ($100-200 in local currency).

TSA-compliant pepper spray — check regulations for your destination. Some places it's legal, some it's not.

Pro Tip: The Decoy Wallet

Carry a cheap wallet with $20-40, an expired card, and an old ID. If you're mugged, hand it over. Your real wallet stays hidden. It sounds paranoid until you need it.

Research Your Destination

Ten minutes of research can prevent major problems:

• Neighborhoods to avoid — every city has them. Check travel forums, not just tourist sites.
• Common scams — Google "[destination] tourist scams" before you go.
• Transportation norms — are rideshares safe? Which taxi companies are legit?
• Cultural considerations — dress codes, behaviors that might attract unwanted attention.
• Local emergency numbers — 911 doesn't work everywhere.

Solo Travel Extra

If traveling alone, establish a daily check-in with someone at home. A simple text at the same time each day. If you miss it, they know to check on you. This isn't paranoia — it's planning.

At Your Accommodation

Within the first five minutes of arrival:

• Check the door locks. Does the deadbolt work? Is there a security chain?
• Locate fire exits. Count the doors between your room and the stairwell — you may need to find them in the dark.
• Test the windows. Do they lock? Which floor are you on?
• Use the safe. Passport, extra cash, backup credit card.

Small steps. Big difference.

Travel Confidently

This checklist is just the beginning. Fierana's travel safety module goes deeper — with destination-specific guidance, scenario training, and the confidence to explore the world on your terms.

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