NEWSLETTER #010

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Hey Fellow Wanderers - We've got some Travel Safety Tips coming your way!

Pickpockets, Passports & Pancakes (Not in That Order)

Travel is about the joy of discovery—not lugging a suitcase full of stress. We’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) that a few smart moves can save you a lot of drama. Here’s our quick-hit list of Travel Safety Tips that’ll keep your trip smooth and your stories worth telling.

Before You Go:

• Check travel advisories (so you don’t land in the middle of a taxi strike like us).
• Make copies of your passport. Digital + paper and Back up travel docs in a secure cloud (Google Drive or iCloud).
• Book legit places to stay—cheap is fun until your bed feels like plywood. (We cover this in How to Find the Right Accommodations).
• Learn five local phrases—“hello,” “thank you,” and “help” go a long way.
• Register your trip with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) if you’re a U.S. citizen. (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals to enroll their trip abroad so the Department of State can accurately and quickly contact them in case of emergency.)
• Read our Travel Planning 101 guide for flight, lodging, and itinerary apps we swear by.

Money Moves:

• Tell your bank you’re leaving the country, especially if using a debit card
  > Most credit card companies don’t need notice, but do make sure they can reach you if they suspect fraud.
• Split up your cards + cash (Those hidden-pocket vests Steve wore almost EVERY day were genius - see our Favorite Travel Gear.)
• Safe ATMs only. Inside a bank, during daylight.
• Download an offline currency converter app (like XE.com).
• Stash emergency cash in unexpected places—a sock, a book spine, or even your toiletry bag.
• Learn more in our post on How We Budgeted for Our 12-Month World Trip

Stay Healthy:

• Pack a tiny pharmacy (mystery street food is not kind to everyone).
• Bottled water is usually the best. Skip the ice and anything that is washed in water – salads can be unhealthy sometimes!
• Street food rule: if locals are lined up, it’s safe. (We learned this one firsthand on our Thailand adventures).
• For official vaccine and health updates, check the CDC Travelers’ Health page before you go.

On the Road:

• Wallet in your front pocket. Phone off the table.
• Crowded tourist areas? Pickpockets’ playground..
• Don’t wear the family jewels (save the sparkle for Vegas).
• Hotel hack: Leave one shoe in the safe so you don’t forget your stuff.
• Use Google Maps Offline so you’re never lost without Wi-Fi.
• Clip your bag to chairs or train racks with anchor straps.
• Lock your zippers when in crowded places.
• Check out our tale of survival on the Slow Boat down the Mekong River.

If you're taking local transportation, peek at how we enjoyed our Slow Boat Down the Mekong River.

Food & Drinks:

• Guard your glass.
• Eat where locals eat—high turnover = fresh food.
• Avoid raw greens or fruit you didn’t peel yourself.
• Banana pancakes in Greece? Amazing. Lukewarm buffet in Egypt? Regret.
• Always pack Imodium and electrolyte packs—trust us.

Gear We Love:

• Anti-theft bags + money belts + hidden pocket vests.
• ​Cable Luggage Lock to secure bags to chairs.
• ​Doorstop alarms (tiny but mighty).
• Apple Air Tags/Android Tiles - track your bag like a pro.
• Portable power bank + universal adapter = lifesavers.
• Explore our Packing Tips & Gear recommendations for mid-life travelers who pack smart, not heavy.
• Need packing help? Don't miss our Travel Packing List!

Our Motto:​
Most people are good. We’ve had phones returned, meals bought, and strangers guide us when lost. A little prep goes a long way—then you can laugh at the mishaps and enjoy the ride.

Want more stories & tips? Read the full blog here!​
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