10 Ways of Staying Safe on Holiday

It's that time of year again - the kids are off school for an extended period of time, and many families are planning their summer vacations.

While this should be a time for relaxation and fun, it's important to take some precautions to ensure that everyone stays safe while they're away from home.

Holiday Health And Safety Tips

Here are 10 tips to help you stay safe while you're on holiday:

1. Stay hydrated

Drink plenty of water, especially if you're spending time outdoors in the heat.

Dehydration can lead to serious health problems, so make sure that you and your family stay well-hydrated throughout the day. 

You may also want to consider where you are: drinking water from the tap at home shouldn't cause any issues, however, in some countries the water may either not be safe to drink or is just so different that it could have a few undesirable side effects!

It's always better to be safe than sorry and so our recommendation would be to either boil any drinking water or specifically purchase bottled.

Related: 8 Things you Need to Know About Hydration

2. Protect yourself from the sun

This is especially important if you're going to be spending extended periods of time outdoors.

Make sure that you and your family wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and reapply it regularly, especially if you are either in a hot climate, swimming or both.

Wearing a hat and/or sunglasses will also help to protect you from the sun's harmful rays and it's always a good idea to keep cover-ups on hand for the kids; they'll be too busy playing to notice if they're getting sunburned!

3. Be aware of your surroundings

This is particularly important if you are travelling to a new city or country.

Make sure that you know where you are and always be aware of what's going on around you.

If possible, it's a good idea to research the area before you go and familiarize yourself with the layout, as well as any areas that might be best avoided.

It's also a good idea to keep your belongings close to you at all times and not to flash them around unnecessarily - pickpockets are everywhere, even on holiday!

Related: Should I Book a Holiday or Stay at Home?

4. Travel smart

If you're taking public transportation, be aware of your surroundings and don't fall asleep.

It's also a good idea to keep your belongings close to you and not to put them in the overhead bins - if possible, keep them on your lap or between your feet.

If you're driving, make sure that you're well-rested before you start your journey and take regular breaks.

It's also important to familiarize yourself with the local laws and customs - for example, in some countries, it's illegal to use a cell phone while driving.

5. Keep valuables safe

This is especially important if you're travelling to a new city or country:

• Make sure that you don't carry all of your valuables with you - leave anything that you can afford to lose in the hotel safe.
• If you must take valuables with you, keep them close to you at all times and be aware of your surroundings.
• Never leave your belongings unattended, even for a moment - this includes at the beach, pool or any other public places.

6. Be cautious when meeting new people

If you're travelling alone, it's important to be cautious when meeting new people. Don't give out too much personal information and always trust your gut instinct. If something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't.

It's also a good idea to let someone know where you are and who you're with - send a text or make a quick phone call so that someone knows where to find you if something happens.

If you're travelling with children, make sure that they know not to talk to strangers and to always stay close to you.

7. Choose your accommodation wisely

When booking a hotel or other accommodation, make sure that you do your research first.

Check reviews to see what other travellers have said and make sure that the accommodation is in a safe neighbourhood.

It's also a good idea to find out if there are any security measures in place, such as security cameras or locks on the doors.

If you're travelling with children, make sure that the pool area is safe and that there is someone on staff who can provide first aid if necessary.

8. Keep an eye on your food and drinks

This is especially important if you're travelling to a new country where you're not familiar with the food and water.

Make sure that you only eat fresh, cooked food and that you avoid anything that has been sitting out for too long.

As we touched on earlier, steering clear of local tap water also means it's a good idea to avoid ice cubes in your drinks.

9. Don't overdo it

It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of being on holiday and want to do everything at once, but it's important not to overdo it.

If you're not used to the heat, start off slowly and build up your time in the sun gradually.

It's also a good idea to take breaks throughout the day and to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

If you're planning on doing any physical activity, such as hiking or swimming, make sure that you're well-prepared and have the appropriate gear.

10. Be prepared for emergencies

It's always a good idea to be prepared for emergencies, even when you're on holiday.

Make sure that you have a first-aid kit with you and that you know how to use it.

It's also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the local emergency services in case you need to call them.

And finally, make sure that you have travel insurance in case something happens and you need to cancel your trip or get medical attention.

Wrapping Up:

Summer is usually a time of fun in the sun and while it is important to enjoy your time away, it is also crucial to remember some basic safety tips.

By following these 10 simple ways of staying safe on holiday, you can relax and have peace of mind knowing that you are taking the necessary precautions. Have a great trip!