Staying Safe on Your Travels

At Adventures Afar, we believe travel should be an immersive experience that prioritises responsible, respectful, and ethical practices. While we bring diverse knowledge to our guides, our approach to safety has been refined through nearly twenty years of industry experience and global exploration by our founder, Julie Wood.  

Having travelled in depth to over 100 countries, Julie relies on a core set of personal safety habits to navigate the world with confidence, many of which are useful for any traveller to consider and are shared below.  

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  • ✔ Consult your government:

    Always follow official travel advisories for your destination. Note that most travel insurance policies are void if you travel to a region with a "Do Not Travel" warning.

    Registering your itinerary with your government's travel portal is highly recommended.

    Security situations can evolve rapidly, so check these portals frequently for the latest safety updates and local alerts:

  • ✔ Protect your trip:

    Unforeseen trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or theft can affect any traveller. Adventures Afar has partnered with World Nomads, a brand designed by travellers for travellers that has been protecting independent explorers since 2002.

    Key considerations include:

    • 24/7 Assistance: A multi-lingual team is available for emergency medical support or evacuation.  

    • On-the-road Cover: Policies are flexible, allowing travellers to buy or extend cover even after leaving home.  

    • Adventure Activities: Coverage is available for more than 150 different sports and activities.  

    Get a quote today and check whether World Nomads offer the right coverage for your trip.

    Disclaimer: We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

  • ✔ Trust your gut:
    This innate animal instinct rarely lets you down. If a situation feels off, remove yourself from it immediately.


    ✔ Dress for the destination:
    Respecting local cultural and religious values remains a key safety strategy. In many regions, covering your shoulders, chest, and knees is essential to minimise unwanted attention while showing basic respect to your hosts and the country you have chosen to visit. Wearing T-shirts and trousers is an easy way to achieve this anywhere in the world.  


    ✔ Avoid drinking in excess:
    Staying aware of your surroundings remains essential. Your level of vulnerability to mishaps and opportunists increases significantly when intoxicated.


    ✔ Implement a self-imposed curfew:
    Experiencing a destination’s nightlife can be fun, but your risk of becoming a victim to crime increases after dark as crowds thin out. Treating evening outings as a calculated risk and opting to return to your accommodation shortly after dinner often proves a wise move.


    ✔ Wear a money belt correctly:
    In areas known for pickpockets or bag snatching, a money belt is invaluable but only when worn under your clothes. Looking a bit tubby is a small price to pay to avoid the rigmarole of losing your passport and cards.


    ✔ Maintain an emergency fund:
    Sometimes, your safest way out of a tricky situation is to simply pay what is needed. Money comes and goes; recovering from a traumatic incident is much harder.  

  • ✔ Check the water quality:
    Read up on your specific destination to see if tap water is safe. Our guides provide this information for most locations. If tap water isn't drinkable, stick to boiling it, buying bottles, or using a reusable bottle with a built-in filter.


    ✔ Be cautious with ice and salads:
    In places where tap water is unsafe, you should also avoid ice and un-peelable fruit or salads. Knowing exactly how items were washed in the kitchen is impossible.


    ✔ Choose street food wisely:
    Eating street food will likely be a highlight of your trip. Stick to popular stalls with high turnover or vegetarian options, and ensure your meal is cooked fresh in front of you.  

  • ✔ Visit a travel doctor:
    Before any major trip, consult a GP or travel clinic to ensure you are up to date with all necessary and recommended vaccinations.  


    ✔ Carry a comprehensive first aid kit:
    Pack a small kit containing bandages, plasters, disinfectant cream, and pain medication. Include Imodium, rehydration salts, water purification tablets, and a course of antibiotics if recommended by your doctor.

  • ✔ For more in-depth stories and learnings from Julie's world-wide adventures, take the opportunity to read her debut novel: Dream, Travel, Inspire – The journey from wild child to global wanderer, which is available on Amazon.