That much-cherished trip abroad is just around the corner, and the icing on the cake is that it’s a hot and happening party destination. You’ve made elaborate plans to let your hair down, and you’re looking forward to letting loose.
However, you need to take safety into account while partying – especially when you are abroad.
Accidents, and even deaths can occur when partygoers take things too far in an unfamiliar location. It can be easy to get caught up in the moment and make poor decisions that can negatively impact your health and well-being. To avoid this happening to you, follow these tips to ensure you have a great – and safe – time.
Drinking and Driving Don’t Mix
Driving while under the influence of alcohol is illegal, and extremely dangerous. This danger only increases when you’re in a foreign country where you do not know the roads or local laws. If you’re planning to imbibe in alcohol, never get behind the wheel.
Most every vacation destination will have taxis and car services you can utilize to travel to and from your party spot. Your hotel might even offer shuttles to certain destinations. If you’re traveling with a group, you can nominate one person to be the designated driver. This person will abstain from drinking, and drive the rest of the group safely home. Public transportation is another option, but make sure you know the schedule before you go. Some trains and buses may stop running before you decide to leave the party.
Drink Responsibly
It’s important to keep your wits about you and be responsible with your alcohol consumption. The average serving of alcohol in a drink may be larger than what you’re used to in your country, so be careful of your intake. Excessive alcohol consumption will impair your judgement, and put you at greater risk of injury and medical issues.
Avoid indulging in activities like swimming or climbing while under the influence of alcohol. You’re much more likely to get injured while participating in risky activities after drinking. Be sure to invest in travel insurance or travel medical insurance in case something does happen, but be sure you understand the policy’s limits and exclusions when it comes to mishaps that occur when you’re under the influence.
Guard Your Drink
Unfortunately, spiking an unguarded drink with an illicit substance is a common technique used by miscreants in bars and clubs. Consuming one of these substances could leave you vulnerable to robbery or assault. To avoid this, keep your drink in sight at all times, and never accept drinks from strangers. If someone offers to buy you a drink, be sure you see the bartender pour it, and have them hand it directly to you.
Say No to Drugs
Regardless of the local laws or customs, it’s best to avoid any sort of drugs. Mixing drugs with alcohol can have dangerous effects, and you have no way of knowing the safety or legitimacy of even supposedly legal substances from strangers. Avoid drugs at all costs.
Don’t Wander Alone After Parties
Even in safe locations, the late hours after bars and clubs close are when many crimes occur. Avoid walking alone late at night, and stick with your group. If you’re traveling solo, stay away from desolate areas, and try to go where groups of people are. If you have to walk a long distance, try to go with a friend or two. Don’t hesitate to call local law enforcement if you feel unsafe.
Keep Your Group in the Loop
If you are visiting with friends or as part of a group, stay in regular touch with them – even if you choose to party alone. Be aware of where they are and also inform them of your whereabouts. Keep some local emergency numbers handy, like police, ambulance, and travelers’ assistance (if available). Keep a contact card for the hotel where you are staying with you at all times.
Have Proper Knowledge of the Venue
In a foreign country, you’ll likely be unfamiliar with the party venue. The safety standards and crowd control mechanisms might not what you’re used to. Hence, it’s very important that you have full knowledge of the place, especially the emergency exits. Avoid excessively crowded venues. Any untoward incident might cause a dangerous situation. If the dance floor or the building itself doesn’t look sturdy, it’s better to stay away.
Mind Your Valuables
Crowded party venues are the best hunting grounds for pickpockets, purse-snatchers, etc. It’s a good idea to only take what you need with you. Carry limited cash and valuables, and leave your passport and travel documents at the hotel. A money belt can be a good idea to prevent pickpocketing.
Be Wary of Strangers
While it’s natural to want to meet new people and strike up conversations, be careful of strangers who are overly friendly, or ask you to buy them a drink. Later that night, you might discover that your new “friend” – who has now vanished – has stuck you with their entire drink bill for the evening. To avoid this, don’t buy drinks for strangers, and limit your interactions to casual small-talk.
Restrict Your Gastronomic Experiments
Few things can put the brakes on a night of revelry quicker than a sudden stomach illness. While the party you’re attending may have exotic hors d’oeuvres and foods you want to try, you never know how your body might react to something unfamiliar. Only eat foods if you understand their ingredients and how they’re cooked first.
Final Words
A vacation is a time to have new experiences, and make lasting memories. If this involves partying and letting loose for you, have a great time. However, remember that you still want to return home with your health and bank account intact. So, use good judgement, drink responsibly, and remember these tips to party safely.
