Safety Tips for Thrill-Seekers Looking to Expand Their Horizons Next Year

For the average thrill-seeker, they feel like nothing bad will ever happen. In pursuit of the latest pulse-raising adventure, safety isn’t always on their mind as much as perhaps it should be. And occasionally, this comes back to bite them. 

Some precautions can be taken ahead of time to account for safety issues. Others are ones to be aware of shortly before hooking into that zip-line harness. Here are 4 safety tips for the interminable thrill-seeker. 

1. Travelling without Travel Insurance (Or One with Sufficient Cover)

Travel insurance should always be considered a necessity by anyone who’s heading off with a backpack or a suitcase. Believing that nothing bad will ever happen regularly catches people out! But for thrill-seekers, the risks are higher and the severity is sometimes greater too. It is even more important if you want to try some risky activities, such as bungie jumping or scuba diving. 

Insurance can protect you from cancellations or delays that could cause you to lose a booking. With some comprehensive cover, like a policy from Staysure travel insurance, winter sports are provided for up to 21 days spread over two trips. So, if you have an accident while on the piste, you’re in good hands. 

Also, knowing you’re covered should anything unexpected happen means you can enjoy your adventure far more. 

2. Leave Valuables in the Hotel or Room Safe

It’s a good idea to not take anything out of the hotel or hostel that you don’t need. This avoids losing it, having it stolen, or it being damaged expectedly. Take only what money you need for that day (and a little bit more). Have a second wallet or purse that’s just for ‘day money.’ Leave your bank cards in the room or hotel safe. This way, you’re less at risk of attracting attention for the wrong reasons. 

Also, only carry your passport if it’s a legal requirement (some countries do require it whereas a photocopy or small laminated version is sufficient for other countries). If going on a trekking trip where you’ll be wading through knee-deep water, see if the trekking guide will hold all the passports.

3. Be Careful What You Consume

Be careful about what you eat and drink. An upset stomach or serious food poisoning can ruin a pre-booked adventure or excursion. If you purchase food from street stalls, use one that local people regularly eat at and that has a high turnover of customers. This way, the ingredients will be the freshest. With drinks, avoid ice and opt for bottled drinks that are opened in front of you or you open yourself. 

4. Be Aware of Local Customs

Be cognisant of acceptable behaviour and dress sensibly abroad. Some countries expect people to be more presentable or show less bare skin. Religious places like temples and the like require men and women to have long-sleeved attire and have their legs mostly covered too. Also, women may be required to wear a headscarf. 

Checking and adjusting your behaviour and dress style to suit the locals is a good way to blend in. It also avoids upsetting someone unduly because of an oversight that could become contentious very quickly. Avoiding conflict is something that every traveller should aim for.

When thinking of safety tips, double-checking the straps on the ziplining harness may be what comes to mind. But in reality, the safety team at the zipline facility should do that. Therefore, focus on your preparation and your actions while on holiday to reduce surprises and avoid any undue risks.

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