Modern Australian
Men's Weekly

.

How to Prepare for Unexpected Events While Traveling

  • Written by Emily Lamp

Travelling is a great way to get out of your comfort zone and try something new. However, it's important to prepare before you leave on any trip. One major risk that many people don't think about when they go on vacation is the possibility of having an unexpected event occur during their trip. Fortunately, there are several things you can do before you leave your home that will help prevent this from happening!

Learn about your travel destination

The first thing you should do before travelling is to learn as much as you can about your destination. Not just the name of the city, but what kind of weather it typically has and what kind of climate you should expect while you’re there. If there’s a chance the weather will be bad, does this mean it might snow? Are there hurricanes in this area? Are there earthquakes? etc.

Know how to get around when travelling too as well as any other necessary information like how much things cost or whether public transportation exists in your destination city or country. Also be aware of potential hazards such as bees (especially if you're allergic), snakes (again: watch out for those allergies!), earthquakes... anything that could put yourself or someone else at risk while on vacation! And while we're talking about safety concerns: know where emergency services are located so that if something goes wrong during your trip, help will be nearby instead of miles away from where it's needed most!

Learn about emergencies and evacuations in your travel destination

When travelling, it's important to be prepared for any unexpected events. Before you go, make sure you have a plan in place for what to do if there is an emergency or evacuation. Learn about the local weather and how it could impact your travel plans. Make sure you understand what type of natural disasters may be common in your destination and how to protect yourself against them.

Learn about local emergencies, such as earthquakes or tsunamis. Research what kind of first aid kits are recommended by locals so that you can pack accordingly (and know where yours should be stored). Also, learn about how to get help—this includes knowing which numbers locals would call when something happens (e.g., police, fire department).

In addition to planning ahead for potential bad weather or natural disasters, it's also important that travellers have a plan in place for personal safety issues like theft or assault on vacation; stay safe by learning about these risks before leaving home so that they don't catch anyone off guard during their trip!

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is a good idea. If you're travelling abroad and have an unexpected event, travel insurance will cover you for expenses such as getting home early or replacing your lost luggage. You can buy travel insurance before or after you leave. You can purchase travel and digital nomad insurance online or at the airport or even while in another country!

Prepare to communicate when you're travelling

  • Have an international data plan. If you're travelling for a week or so, it's likely that you'll be able to use your phone's data in your destination country. When choosing an international plan, consider how much data you'll need and if there are any fees for using overseas networks (some plans don't allow this).

  • Have a phone with international calling. Even if you have a SIM card on your phone, it could still be difficult to make calls when travelling abroad if the number isn't compatible with landlines in other countries (or if there are no landlines).

  • Bring an unlocked phone or tablet device so that it can work on different carriers' towers (if applicable). For example, you might want one device that works both on AT&T towers and T-Mobile towers while travelling cross-country; or perhaps another option would be two devices—one unlocked GSM phone and one unlocked 4G hotspot/tablet—that enable you to connect multiple devices at once via Wi-Fi instead of relying solely upon cellular data plans alone? Or maybe three options...

Know where the nearest embassy is located in the area where you'll be travelling

In the event that you need to contact an embassy, it's important to know where the nearest one is located. You can find this information by searching for your country's embassy in the city or country where you'll be travelling. If there isn't a consulate in the area, consider contacting a nearby consulate. In many cases, consulates are located in major cities within their host nation and smaller towns as well. You should also get their contact information so that you can call them if you become lost or confused while travelling abroad.

You should also know how to get to an embassy before leaving on your trip; this will help make sure nothing goes wrong during an emergency situation abroad when time is of the essence! If possible obtain directions from someone who has been there before (e.g., ask friends who visited recently) as well as any other information that would help with navigation around town including road closures due to construction projects etc.)

Get vaccinated before travelling abroad

Before you head off on your next trip, make sure you're up to date on all the vaccines you need. The CDC recommends that travellers get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, typhoid fever, yellow fever, and polio. These diseases are most common in developing countries (and some of them can be fatal), but it's also possible for people in developed nations to contract them when travelling abroad or vacationing in places where these illnesses occur. The good news? Vaccines like these last for years—so even if they were given years ago before your first international journey, they'll still be effective.

Never consume local food or water unless it's boiled first

If you are unsure of the source of your food or water, do not consume it! This is one of the most important rules to follow when travelling. If you are not sure whether or not something is safe to eat or drink, don't take a chance of potentially getting sick. Remember that this goes for any type of local product—from produce sold at roadside stands to packaged drinks in grocery stores and restaurants. Always boil water before drinking it and look closely at all your food before eating it.

Bring bottled water with you when you travel

When you are travelling for an extended amount of time, it is essential to have water with you. When preparing your travel bag, make sure that you have a water bottle with a filter and/or purifier. You don't want to drink tap water or bottled water while abroad; these sources could be contaminated or contain bacteria. Also, avoid drinking any water from streams or ponds as these sources may also be contaminated.

When buying bottled waters in foreign countries, check the expiration date on the bottles before purchasing them. The best way to ensure your safety is by using only those bottles which have been properly refrigerated and have not expired yet.

Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your eyes or mouth while travelling

Hand washing is a must, especially when you're in close contact with strangers.

  • Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your eyes or mouth while travelling.

  • Use a hand sanitiser as often as possible to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others.

  • If possible, bring a face mask along with you on long flights to help protect yourself from the bacteria that can be found on airplanes and in airports.

  • Always carry tissues or handkerchiefs around at all times so that if you see someone sneeze or cough nearby, it is easy to cover their mouth with something until they are done coughing/sneezing then dispose of the tissues immediately after use.

  • Visit one of the many hand washing stations located throughout airports, train stations and bus terminals around the world for convenience's sake and because cleanliness matters!

Only use ice made with safe water

Use only ice made with safe water. If you're staying at a hotel, ask if the ice is from a filtered source or if it's from the tap. Don't use ice from local restaurants or bars; sometimes they use tap water but don't tell you that it’s not filtered. Ice from grocery stores and other food vendors is also generally not safe for drinking unless you know for sure that it's been filtered (or have tested it yourself).

Conclusion

While it is important to be prepared for every situation while travelling, it is also important not to overdo it. While some people may feel safer with a weapon, others may prefer not to carry one at all. Some people may be comfortable riding without a helmet if they were in a country where the law requires them, but others prefer wearing one no matter what. The best way to prepare for an unexpected event while travelling is by finding out what works best for you personally so that you can feel confident and safe while away from home.


Emily Lamp is a freelance writer, working closely with many aspiring thinkers and entrepreneurs from various companies. She is also interested in self-improvement, entrepreneurship and technology. Say hi to Emily on Twitter @EmilyLamp2.

Holidays & Travel

Preparing for Your First Trip to San Francisco in 2026

San Francisco has long occupied a particular place in the Australian imagination. It is compact yet complex, progressive but historic, and visually striking without feeling overwhelming. For first-time visitors, the...

Top Safety and Comfort Features to Consider in Family Off Road Caravans

Exploring Australia’s coastline, bush tracks or outback locations is far more enjoyable when travelling in a caravan designed for both comfort and durability. Many families browsing caravans for sale do...

Barbecue Boats – The New Must-Have for Retirees!

When your working years are behind you, it’s time to kick back and relax. You’ve earned it! And there’s no better way to do that than by purchasing your very...

7 Ways a Luxury Australian Cruise Transforms Your Travel Expectations

Dreaming of your next holiday? Forget the crowded tourist traps and consider something truly special: a luxury australian cruise. More than just a holiday, it's a transformative experience that will redefine...

Affordable Invisalign in Bangkok Why Australians Are Choosing Thailand

More Australians are investing in Invisalign to straighten their teeth, but the treatment in Australia can cost thousands of dollars and often takes months just to begin. As a result...

The Power of Giving Back: How Volunteering Shapes Your Mindset

To say the least, volunteering can maximally change the way you see the world. Period. When you step into someone else’s shoes, even for a few hours, you start noticing...

7 Best Things to Do in Beaufort, Victoria

Beaufort is a charming small town in Victoria’s Goldfields, full of history, natural beauty, and warm, welcoming locals. Whether you’re passing through or planning a weekend escape, Beaufort offers experiences...

Perth Airport Transfers: Choosing the Right Service

Touching down in a new city can be exciting, but let's be honest, it can also be a bit stressful. After a long flight, the last thing you want to...

How to Save Smart: Cheapest Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa without Cutting Corners

Picture this: you’ve found a last-minute flight to Milan, your hotel booking comes with breakfast and a rooftop view, and your itinerary is ready for a whirlwind of museums, mountains...

The Importance and Varieties of Ride-On Mower Tyres

Ride-on mowers are built to manage larger lawns with consistency and control. The quality and design of ride on mower tyres play a critical role in ...

Gain Peace Of Mind: The Undeniable Benefits Of A Ready First Aid Kit

Life in our vibrant communities, whether it's the bustling city or the quiet country town, is full of unexpected moments. From a scraped knee on the...

The Most Common Conveyor System Issues in Manufacturing

In modern manufacturing, conveyor systems play a central role in keeping production lines efficient, consistent, and cost-effective. When they operate...

How to Secure a Long-Term Rental in a Competitive Market

The rental market can be unpredictable and may present challenges if you’re not prepared. Initially, you might submit numerous applications and stil...

What Smart Investors Know About Real Estate

Many people think investing in property is just about buying a house and waiting for it to get expensive. While that can happen, the people who actual...

The Benefits of Seeking Help for Anxiety and Stress

Anxiety and stress have become common experiences in today’s fast-paced world, affecting people across all ages and lifestyles. From work pressures ...

How to Make the Most of Fashion Wholesale Options for Your Brand

If you want to grow a fashion brand without constantly reinventing the wheel, wholesale can be one of the smartest ways to scale. The key is knowing h...

How to Add Value to Your Home Before Selling

Selling a home is not just about putting up a sign and waiting for offers. It is about presenting a property that buyers instantly connect with and ar...

How Outdoor Play Enhances Learning and Wellbeing

You don’t need to be an expert to conclude that play is an essential part of growing up. When children aren’t restricted and kept indoors, they de...

How to Build Passive Income Through Real Estate

Building passive income is one of the most effective ways to create long-term financial security. While there are many investment opportunities availa...

DIY Guide to Replacing Small Parts in Your Laundry Machine

Finding a puddle or a broken washer is frustrating, but you don’t always need a professional. Many common issues are caused by tiny parts that are c...

Best Practices for Managing Your Warehouse Partner Relationships

Your warehouse partner is an important part of your business. They sit in the middle of your promises to customers. Yet, when they deliver what’s pr...

Benefits of Solar-Based Water Circulation Systems

Imagine your water system running all day without touching your electricity bill. No noise, no heavy cables, no stress when prices go up. Fantastic, r...

Benefits of Using an Outrigger Crane for Complex Lifts

Complex lifts aren’t the kind of jobs you improvise. You’re dealing with awkward shapes, serious weight, and sites that never seem designed for wh...

A Beginner's Guide to Website Ranking

If you have a website, you probably want people to find it. But building a website alone does not guarantee visitors. Millions of websites compete for...

How to Prepare Your Home for Holiday Guests

Welcoming holiday guests into your home is one of life’s great pleasures. Whether it’s Christmas lunch, a long weekend reunion, or interstate re...

Colour Palettes That Work Beautifully for Christmas

Christmas styling has evolved well beyond the traditional red-and-green formula. While classic tones will always have their place, today’s festive...

Interior Decorating Mistakes to Avoid

Interior decorating has the power to completely transform how a home feels, functions and flows. Done well, it elevates everyday living and creates ...