Staying safe while travelling

Safety precautions

Alcohol awareness: Traveling is an incredible way to experience new cultures and meet amazing people, but staying safe while having fun is key. One thing to be aware of is the risk of tampering with alcoholic beverages, like drinks laced with other substances (drugs like GHB) or methanol poisoning. Methanol is a toxic type of alcohol that can sometimes end up in counterfeit or improperly produced beverages. It’s rare, but it’s something you should know about.

Here’s how you can reduce your risk:

• Stick to reputable places: Buy drinks from trusted bars, restaurants, or shops rather than street vendors or unknown sources.
• Don’t accept drinks from strangers or leave your drink unattended.
• If a drink is suspiciously cheap, it might be worth skipping.
• Avoid homemade or unlabelled alcohol: Locally made spirits can be a fun experience, but they sometimes carry risks. If in doubt, it’s best to choose sealed, branded options.
• Watch your drinks: Make sure you see your drink being poured or opened and if you're unsure, ask what's going into your glass. This can help you avoid more than just methanol risks.
• Be mindful about using substances around people you don’t know, and avoid walking home alone at night. Get someone to go with you, and never accept a ride from a stranger.
• Know the symptoms: Methanol poisoning can cause nausea, headaches, dizziness, or blurred vision, often a few hours after consumption. If you suspect something’s wrong, get medical help immediately.
• Ask for help if needed: If you’re not sure about something, don’t hesitate to ask locals, fellow travelers, or your accommodation for advice—they often know what’s safe.

Never Go Alone:
If you’re heading somewhere by yourself or with someone you don’t know, make sure to let someone else know your plans. For example, if you’re going on a solo hike, always tell someone at your hostel, a travel buddy, or someone else you trust where you’re going and when you expect to return.

Respect Local Cultures:
The customs and norms in other countries can be very different from what we’re used to in Europe. Make sure you’re informed about the culture of the country you’re visiting and any specific things to watch out for. Show respect for local traditions and behave considerately to avoid misunderstandings.

Do’s:

• Take care of yourself and trust your instincts.
• It’s totally fine to leave a place if you feel uncomfortable.
• Know your limits and speak up when needed.

Don’ts:

• Don’t put yourself in risky situations.
• Avoid physically demanding activities that are beyond your ability—it can put you and others in danger.
• Be well-rested before taking on challenging activities, like a tough hike, especially after a big night out.
• Don’t swim at night or go to the beach if you’ve been drinking.
• Steer clear of areas you know to be unsafe.

Tips to Stay Safe While Traveling

Travel Insurance: First and foremost, we always recommend getting travel insurance. It’s your best safety net if something goes wrong on your trip! Your insurance can also provide crisis support if needed while you’re traveling.

Illness and Accidents: Look up the emergency numbers for the countries you’re visiting. In urgent cases, you can contact your insurance provider for advice. Bring a first aid kit and keep it easily accessible, like at the top of your backpack.

Emergency Dental Issues: If you urgently need a dentist, call your insurance provider. They can usually direct you to a nearby clinic.

Lost Passport: If your passport is lost, report it to the police or local authorities. Then contact the nearest Danish embassy, which can issue a temporary passport. If there’s no Danish embassy, reach out to the Foreign Service for guidance. Citizens of EU countries can also contact another EU country’s embassy. Temporary passports are valid for returning home, but not for continuing your travels.

Death: In the unlikely event of a death during your trip (whether it’s a family member or travel companion), report it immediately to your travel insurance provider and the Danish embassy.

Lost Credit Card or Phone: If your credit card or phone is stolen, block them immediately. Most banks and mobile providers offer 24/7 hotlines for emergencies.

Money Problems: If you lose all your money, contact your travel insurance provider. Friends or family can transfer funds through services like Western Union. It’s also smart to keep a small stash of extra cash in your luggage for emergencies.

Travel Documents: If you lose your travel documents, don’t stress. Most are stored electronically, and we can often help you get replacements. Pro tip: save your travel documents digitally for easy access.

Assault: If you’ve been assaulted, report it to the police or local authorities immediately. Seek medical care if necessary, and contact your travel insurance provider for further guidance.

Arrest or Detention: If you’re detained or arrested abroad, contact the Foreign Service through the embassy. Most countries allow you to reach out to your embassy and a lawyer, but your best bet is to steer clear of trouble while traveling.

Extreme Weather and Natural Disasters: If your trip is disrupted by floods, tropical storms, earthquakes, tsunamis, or other disasters, follow the instructions of local authorities.

Check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Travel Advisories: Stay updated on travel advisories for different countries. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs regularly updates their guidelines, so you can stay informed about what’s happening in the places you’re traveling to.