There’s no reason why you can’t have an amazing trip, and have a safe travel experience, all at the same time.
It’s 2023, and we’re changing some of the ways we travel. Whether we are considering staying at a hostel for the first time, or tacking a few countries together in one trip, there’s a good chance your travels this year will involve a new experience (or 10).
And for many folks, taking on new challenges like that comes with a slight worry that safety might be compromised for the sake of adventure. But it doesn’t have to be, especially when you stay connected with eSIM data.
This technology is a game changer, and it can help you have a safe travel experience (especially for first-time or solo travellers). When you stay connected, you’re able to tap into many tools and resources that can be used to stay safe.
Many of these require the internet to function, so when you aren’t able to find a steady (or safe) Wi-Fi connection, consider using prepaid eSIM data to power these tools with a steady connection (we recommend using aloSIM).
4 TIPS ON HOW TO HAVE A SAFE TRAVEL EXPERIENCE
Let’s dive right in and start unpacking our top tips on how to have a safe travel experience.
Tip #1: Use Safe Travel Apps
Remember that phrase there’s an app for that? It also applies to safe travel apps, which are designed to connect you with the info you need for a successful trip. Here are some that we recommend.
bSafe: Best for Emergencies
This app requires a data connection to function. It allows you to designate contacts who will be alerted in emergencies, and who will receive live footage from the app via your phone’s camera, once your selected SOS activating phrase is spoken.
Once you’ve spoken that SOS phrase, bSafe will tell your phone to sound alarms and to record and send up to 5 minutes of live video and audio to your selected contacts so they can get you help. To ensure this app is set up to operate when you need it, we recommend using prepaid eSIM data from aloSIM to keep it connected.
GeoSure: Best for Finding Local Information
Checking in with GeoSure even before you head to a destination is a great idea, as the app is a powerful tool that connects you with local information and safety statistics. This app also requires an internet connection for full functionality.
After you have arrived, you can once again use GeoSure to either read those key pieces of destination info again, or to look at current and newly released reports and alerts relating to travel in your destination.
Sitata: Best for Staying Updated on Emerging Events
This app works differently from GeoSure, and is more targeted towards informing its users on breaking local news and emergencies. It also uses data to operate, as it gathers and shares new developments and updates on topics you’re following.
Sitata is available in over 200 countries, and it also features a community section, where users can chat about their personal experiences, share travel tips and offer advice to other travellers.
Tip #2: Navigate with Google Maps (Even When Offline)
While Google Maps may strike you as just a map system, or source for directions, it has many more features that make it one of the best apps to use while travelling.
As we all know, Google Maps can help you find your way around your new destination, whether you’re walking, biking, driving, flying, or using public transit. And for those using public transit, it’s often their not-so-secret weapon. Google Maps shares live transit updates, with info on which transit routes are impacted by traffic, and when the route you’ve selected is running late.
Google Maps also has some lesser-known ones as well. Some include measuring distance between several points, or even helping you recall where you parked your car. And, for those who do opt to use a data source (like prepaid eSIM data from aloSIM), you can conserve your data by downloading maps to browse offline.
Tip #3: Consider Using Ride-Share
When we travel, we sometimes want a quicker alternative than public transit to get where we need to go. This is why ride-share apps like Uber and Lyft can be so handy, as they offer you a direct (and fast) way to find a ride. But it’s important to power them with a steady data connection to ensure your connection (and ride) aren’t lost.
Ride-sharing apps also share driver stats and reviews from other passengers that rank each driver (from 1 to 5 stars, 5 being the highest rating). They also allow you to select your pick up spot, and to tell your driver where you are waiting for the ride.
Whether you simply need a ride, or need to leave an uncomfortable situation, ride-share apps are a great option (or a great Plan B if your main transportation method falls through). And with fares and transactions all processed within the app, you’ll know exactly what fare you’re agreeing to, and how it will be processed.
Tip #4: Share your Travel Plans with Friends and/or Family
Even while using safe travel apps, it’s always a good idea to inform family and/or friends on where you’re headed next on your trip. Reach out directly instead of posting about it on social media (which is generally not the safest idea, anyway).
Start touching base with loved ones about where you are, where you’re headed, and when you’ll head to and arrive at your next destination. For less frequent updates, consider making a shared travel itinerary that they can refer to.
Final Thoughts and Tips to Have a Safe Travel Experience
Whether you are excited to prioritize safety during your travels, or feel like these tips sound like a chore, we encourage you to consider them, and see which might work best on your trip.
You have invested time and money on this trip of a lifetime, and you deserve to enjoy it to its fullest! And a great way to do that is by reducing your stress levels, and using these tips to stay safe.
Whatever tips you take us up on, remember that staying connected via a data source like prepaid eSIM data (to tide you over when Wi-Fi is not available) is a great way to stay connected, and stay safe. We recommend aloSIM, which is affordable, easy to use and fast to top up.
Safe travels, and enjoy that vacation!
