Travel blogging is a very popular niche, and it can be a wonderful way to explore more of the world.
However, any travel always comes with some risks, and travel blogging has a few more unique risks that you should always be aware of. Stay safe while you’re traveling with these tips.
Always Get Travel Insurance
Any vacationer needs to have travel insurance to cover you in case your trip has to be canceled or cut short for any reason, or in case you become unwell or injured while you’re away. You may also need extra insurance for things like your car if you’re planning a road trip and the details for a personal injury law firm.
For bloggers, you also need to make sure that any equipment or electronics you need, like your laptop or camera, are fully insured too, in case they are lost, damaged, or stolen.
Be Careful With Electronics
Travel blogging can mean traveling with some very expensive electronics, like a camera and a laptop. Make sure you are sensible with these items. Get them insured, and think about how you’re going to pack them. They need to be secure, both against theft and damage, while they’re in transit.
When you arrive at your destination, store any gear that you aren’t currently using in the safe in your room. If you have items that are too large for the room safe, ask at reception if they have a safety deposit box in the manager’s office that can be used instead.
When you’re out and about, stay alert to your surroundings, and don’t whip out a huge camera if you don’t feel safe. Make sure your bag is secure, and that you never leave your equipment unattended.
Think About What You Share
The point of travel blogging is to share your travels, but this can open you up to other risks. It’s a good idea not to share your trip in real-time. If people can see from your social media that you’re currently on vacation, then they know your home is empty, which could make it a target for burglars.
Sharing exactly where you are can also be a risk online, as it means people will be able to find you. Wait until you’ve left an area to share content from there, and never share the details of where you are staying until after you have got home, just in case.
The exception to this rule is sharing your whereabouts for safety reasons. Make sure someone at home knows where you are and what your itinerary is, especially if you’re traveling a little off the beaten track, or traveling alone. If you’re going to be moving around a bit, arrange regular check-ins with a friend or family member, so if they don’t hear from you, they know something has gone wrong and to alert the relevant authorities.
Travel blogging can be an incredible experience, but you should always use your common sense in order to stay safe.
