June 26, 2025
Are you heading out on an adventure this summer? Travel in 2025 requires a little extra awareness.
A lot is going on in the world right now. From cybercrime and petty theft to political instability, unexpected things can still throw off a trip. The good news? A little planning and a dose of common sense can go a long way in keeping you and your family safe.
Before You Go: Do Some Quick Homework
If your trip includes an international stop, take a moment to check the U.S. State Department's Travel Advisory List. It's easy to overlook but packed with real-time updates on regional risks, security alerts, and any health or weather concerns that might impact your travel. You can find it at: travel.state.gov.
Signing up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is also worth it. This free service lets the local U.S. embassy know where you are and how to reach you in an emergency. You'll also get direct updates if anything serious happens near your location. You can find it at: step.state.gov.
Check on the legal status of your medications abroad. Believe it or not, some common prescriptions are banned or restricted in other countries. You don’t want to get caught off guard at customs.
Look Less Like a Tourist
Blending in is one of the easiest ways to avoid unwanted attention when traveling. While it’s fun to dress for vacation, flashy clothes and high-end bags make you a bigger target for pickpockets or scammers.
Stick to local norms, dress modestly, and skip the obvious "tourist" look when possible. Also, don't wander around glued to your phone or looking lost. Scammers and petty criminals often look for people who seem distracted.
Before heading out, ask your hotel for safety tips. They often know which neighborhoods are fine during the day but should be avoided at night. Always let someone back home know your travel plans. Even a simple shared itinerary or quick email update is better than nothing.
Don’t Overshare Online
We all love to post our trips on Instagram, but real-time updates can be risky. Posting while you're away tells people your house is empty, and that's not just limited to friends and family.
If you want to share your trip, go for it, but wait until you're back home. Upload the beach photos later. Your future self will thank you.
Stay Cyber-Safe
Digital safety is a big deal now. Tourists using public Wi-Fi are especially vulnerable to hacking, and those sleek airport USB charging stations? It's not always safe anymore.
Here’s how to protect your tech:
With the rise of identity theft and account breaches, these small steps can save you a massive headache.
Keep Things Secure at Home
You'll enjoy your trip more without worrying about your house. Luckily, a few simple steps can keep things safe while you're away.
Put a few lights on timers to make it look like someone’s home. You don’t need a smart system; basic plug-in timers work fine. Pause your mail using the USPS hold service or ask a neighbor to grab it. If you have cameras or a smart doorbell, double-check that everything’s working before you leave. Also, don’t forget to update your Wi-Fi password if it’s been a while. Strong home security starts with a strong network.
Street Smarts Still Apply
Once you're on the ground, the same old rules still apply: Stay aware, pay attention to your surroundings, and trust your gut.
A few tried-and-true tips:
Alcohol-related theft and scams are still common in tourist hotspots, especially in nightlife areas. These scams often take advantage of travelers' excitement and disorientation. The tactics vary widely, from overly helpful strangers to fake taxi services and staged distractions.
A good rule of thumb is to stay polite but cautious and never let your guard down completely, especially if alcohol is involved. Many of the incidents involving tourists being drugged or robbed start with a casual drink in an unfamiliar setting. Celebrate and relax, but make sure you do it safely.
Enjoy the Journey (Safely)
This might sound like a lot, but none of it is difficult. And you don’t need to be paranoid. Just stay sharp and think ahead.
Most of these habits are simple, common-sense shifts that can make your trip smoother, safer, and way more enjoyable. After all, the goal is to make memories, not mistakes.
Wherever you’re headed this summer, have a blast, stay alert, and come home with stories you want to tell.
Bon voyage!