Travel experts from Panache Cruises shared their top 10 tips on how holidaymakers can stay safe this summer. Some of their most crucial recommendations for senior travellers include using safety mobile apps, sharing the location with family, knowing where the local hospital and police stations are and having the emergency phone numbers for each country.

1. Inform people of the location

Before going on holiday, travellers should always let friends and family know they are going away and keep them updated with any changes.

Keeping in regular contact and having the mobile’s live location app turned on is essential so people at home know where they are at all times.

2. Create an emergency plan

Being prepared for an emergency is key but this doesn’t have to be complicated. Travellers could simply familiarise themselves with the local hospital, police station and other useful spots in the town or city.

It could also be useful to “learn key phrases such as ‘I need help’ or ‘ring for an ambulance’ in the local language as well as the emergency phone numbers,” the experts explained.

3. Protect valuables

Thieves often target holidaymakers so it is advised not to pack anything expensive or of sentimental value unless is really necessary.

Travellers should also keep items like credit cards, local currency, passports and mobile phones hidden “in a secure bag out of sight at all times”.

Secure bags are great for senior travellers and these can be purchased on Amazon for less than £10.

4. Protect themselves against crime

Holidaymakers can be safe from local crime and tourist scams by researching the destination beforehand. Read up on travel guides and news sites, and talk to friends and family who have visited the area to learn about any potential risks.

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5. Book solo accommodation

When travelling alone, it is recommended tourists always book solo rooms. Although shared accommodation such as hostels is more common among young travellers, seniors may be tempted to stay there to save money, however, the travel experts warned against this practice.

6. Choose accommodation with caution

Similarly, checking that the hotel is in a safe location and close to public transport and restaurants is key, even when travelling with family and friends.

“Travellers should also check the accommodation’s check-in timings to not spend time waiting around in an unknown environment,” they added.

7. Travel insurance

Travel insurance is essential to protect tourists from unforeseen events and interruption insurance “can help recover damages from issues such as weather and natural disasters”.

“Medical insurance can cover unexpected costs, while luggage insurance can help recover losses from theft or delays,” the experts added.

8. Study the local language

Learning a few words in the local language can be handy, especially if travellers need to ask for help.

9. Be respectful of local culture

“To reduce vulnerability and avoid drawing attention” it is advised travellers dress “appropriately” to respect the local culture. “Some countries may require hair to be covered up and not too much skin to be on the show,” for instance.

10. Never tell strangers if they are travelling alone

Finally, solo travellers “should never share too much with strangers” or they risk “becoming a target”. Instead, they should say that friends are “waiting up ahead or back in the hotel room”.

Travel expert and founder of Panache Cruises, James Cole, commented that travelling to an unknown place “can be unsettling if you don’t put safety measures in place”.

He urged tourists to plan this in advance as their own safety is “the most important thing” when going on holiday.

The travel guru added: “Protect yourself against tourist crime by researching the local scams in each area and keep your valuables close by and completely out of sight.

“Never tell a stranger you are travelling alone as this can put you in a really vulnerable position and before leaving make sure you have all the correct travel insurance documents to hand in case of an emergency. The experiences and memories from a solo trip are truly priceless but it’s crucial to not forget your safety always comes first.”

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