Reducing the risk of injuries abroad

Travelling as a young adult is an exciting milestone. A chance to explore new cultures, grow in confidence, and build unforgettable memories. But alongside the freedom of independent travel comes responsibility. Each year, many young travellers are involved in avoidable accidents ranging from road collisions and water sport injuries to falls, food poisoning, and injuries sustained from unsafe accommodation.

In this guide, Scott Rigby and Tobias Coster from our International Injury team outline key advice to help young and solo travellers stay safe overseas. This checklist reflects Stewarts’ experience acting for clients who have suffered serious injury abroad and is designed to help prevent avoidable harm.

Solo travel safety tips for young travellers

Research your destination

Understanding your destination reduces the risk of unexpected hazards. Before travelling:

• Check local laws, customs, and cultural norms
• Review official travel advisories for crime, unrest, or weather risks
• Understand climate patterns such as monsoon seasons or extreme temperatures

Good planning allows you to avoid high risk areas and situations from the moment you arrive.

Comprehensive and country-specific advice about travelling abroad, including the latest information on safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings can be found online and on social media, for example the Foreign Office website:

https://travelaware.campaign.gov.uk/
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice 

Make sure you are familiar with this advice before you travel and regularly check for updates while you are travelling.

Choose safe accommodation

Not all budget accommodation meets international safety standards. Prioritise:

• Verified reviews mentioning security, lighting, and cleanliness
• Accommodation with 24 hour reception, secure entry, and CCTV
• Safe balconies, railings, staircases, and fire exits

Choosing safe accommodation is one of the easiest ways to prevent accidents abroad.

Road safety abroad: reducing travel risks

Road incidents are one of the biggest dangers for young travellers.

Local transport

• Use licensed taxis or reputable ride share apps
• Avoid overcrowded, speeding, or poorly maintained buses
• Confirm that seatbelts are available and functional

Driving or renting vehicles

Motorbikes and scooters are popular but risky.

• Always wear a helmet
• Inspect brakes, lights, and tyres before renting
• Avoid driving after drinking alcohol
• Learn local traffic rules — road systems may differ dramatically

Pedestrian safety

• Look both ways: traffic direction differs around the world
• Use designated crossings
• Stay alert and avoid walking while distracted by your phone

Accommodation safety: spotting hidden hazards

Injuries abroad often occur inside accommodation.

Preventing slips, falls, and trips

• Assess staircases, walkways, and slippery tiles
• Avoid climbing or sitting on balcony edges
• Ensure corridors and entrances are well lit

Fire safety awareness

• Locate emergency exits immediately
• Avoid overloading sockets or using dodgy extension cables
• Check for smoke detectors — if absent, consider changing accommodation

Water safety tips for travellers

Beaches and water activities are a highlight of many trips, but they come with risks.

At the beach

• Observe warning flags and local signage
• Avoid swimming alone or at night
• Stay aware of rip currents, even in calm water

At pools and water parks

• Check water depth before diving
• Walk – don’t run – on wet surfaces

Water sports

• Use reputable, insured providers
• Insist on life jackets for boating, kayaking, or jet skiing
• Avoid activities that look unsafe or poorly supervised

Food, drink, and general awareness

Food and drink safety

• Choose food from clean, reputable vendors
• Drink bottled or purified water where necessary
• Wash hands often to avoid foodborne illness

Alcohol safety

Consider Foreign Office guidance when travelling to countries with active methanol poisoning warnings in place. Visit the link here: (https://travelaware.campaign.gov.uk/spiking-and-methanol-poisoning/)

• Stick to licenced establishments and avoid streetside or homemade alcohol, particularly in the form of pre-mixed, spirit-based drinks or shots. Be aware of the symptoms of methanol poisoning and seek urgent medical attention if symptoms present
• Drink in moderation alongside water, especially in hot climates
• Never leave drinks unattended
• Avoid swimming, climbing, or driving after drinking

General personal safety

• Keep valuables concealed
• Walk in well lit, busy areas
• Trust your instincts. If something feels off, walk away

Health preparation and document security

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is essential. It provides protection and coverage for unexpected events that can happen on holiday and can cover a range of scenarios, such as:

• Medical emergencies and repatriation
• Lost or stolen baggage
• Trip cancellations or interruptions
• Natural disasters
• Adventure activities
• Vehicle or scooter rentals

You must purchase cover that is appropriate for your travel plans. Travelling without the right cover can be very expensive if things do go wrong while you are abroad.

UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)

The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which has replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), lets you get necessary state healthcare in the European Economic Area (EEA), and some other countries, on the same basis as a resident of that country. This may be free or it may require a payment equivalent to that which a local resident would pay.

The GHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance. Separate private travel and medical insurance for the duration of your trip is highly recommended.

Medical preparation

• Bring essential medication in original packaging (but check before travelling whether there are any restrictions about bringing medication into that country)
• Learn emergency phrases in the local language
• Identify local hospitals or clinics in advance

Document backups

• Keep scanned copies of passports, visas, and insurance
• Store originals securely and carry only what you need

Solo travel safety tips for solo travellers

Solo travel offers a unique sense of freedom, independence and adventure, but it also calls for a heightened level of awareness. Whether you are exploring a new city, navigating unfamiliar transport or meeting people on the road, taking a few simple precautions can make your journey safer and more enjoyable. These solo travel safety tips are designed to help you stay confident, prepared and protected wherever your travels take you.

Stay situationally aware

• Be mindful in busy areas, transport hubs, and nightlife districts
• Avoid blocking out noise with headphones
• Keep your phone in hand for navigation, but don’t walk while texting

Share your plans

• Give a family member or friend your itinerary
• Set daily check‑ins
• Share your live location when travelling at night or in remote areas

Solo‑friendly accommodation

• Opt for accommodation with strong safety reviews
• Choose floors above ground level
• Consider female‑only dorms if staying in hostels

Safer social interactions

• Meet new contacts in public places
• Don’t overshare accommodation details
• Never leave drinks unattended

Transport safety for solo travellers

• Pre‑book taxis or use verified apps
• Sit near other passengers on public transport
• Avoid overnight bus routes in unsafe regions

Tech tools

• Use offline maps
• Enable SOS features on your phone
• Carry a portable charger

Trust your instincts

Your instincts are a valuable safety tool, act on them immediately.

Carry a small solo safety kit

• A whistle or personal alarm
• A small torch
• Basic first‑aid supplies
• A travel door‑stop alarm

Cultural awareness: key to safe and respectful travel

Understanding cultural expectations helps prevent misunderstandings and unsafe situations.

Respect local laws

Some behaviours (eg drinking in public, photography, clothing choices) may be restricted or illegal.

Dress appropriately

Modest dress can prevent unwanted attention, especially in conservative areas.

Learn local etiquette

• Greetings
• Tipping customs
• When to remove shoes
• Gestures to avoid

Avoid sensitive topics

Avoid political, religious, and historical debates unless invited by locals.

Observe before participating

Watch how locals behave in public spaces and mirror their conduct.

Learn key phrases

Basic greetings and emergency phrases can prevent misunderstandings and help in urgent situations.

Be careful with photography

Always ask before photographing people; avoid sensitive sites.

Scott Rigby, Partner

“Every year Stewarts’ International Injury team assist clients whose lives have been changed by preventable accidents abroad. Simple steps, such as choosing safe accommodation, understanding local laws, and exercising caution on roads and around water, can significantly reduce risk. Cultural awareness is equally important, helping travellers stay safe while respecting the places they visit.”

Tobias Coster, Paralegal

“I had the privilege of backpacking around Southeast Asia and Australia in 2019 just before the world grinded to a halt with Covid-19. Travelling solo is one of the most exciting and fulfilling experiences you can do. That said, it is all too easy to let your guard down when you’re overseas and every day feels like a holiday. My key advice is to read up on the countries you plan to visit ahead of time, learn about local customs and potential hazards to watch out for. Take extra-caution at night-time and avoid travelling alone when off the beaten track. Hostels are a great way to meet people, however, always book through a reputable site and ensure the accommodation is well-reviewed and maintained to a high standard. The same is true for excursions, these can be booked online through verified companies rather than streetside vendors where safety standards may be lax. Overall, the biggest thing you can do to stay safe is to trust your gut, if something doesn’t feel right it probably isn’t and you should remove yourself from the situation.”

By taking simple precautions and staying aware of potential risks, young and solo travellers can enjoy the rewards of exploring the world with greater confidence. While no journey is entirely without danger, informed preparation goes a long way in reducing the likelihood of serious injury abroad. Stewarts’ International Injury team remains committed to supporting those affected by incidents overseas and to raising awareness that helps prevent avoidable harm in the future.

You can find further information regarding our expertise, experience and team on our International Injury page.

If you require assistance from our team, please contact us.