10 Online safety apps and tips.
When traveling through new countries safety is probably top of the list for everyone, even more so now in 2017 nearly everyone will be traveling with a device, whether it be a smartphone, tablet or laptop.
In a country that may have a bad reputation for crime whether it be street crime of internet crime you may be more on your guard and more likely to take safety serious.
It is the safer countries that you may be less cautious and probably feel more comfortable but there are bad people everywhere looking to take advantage.
For example here in Nicaragua it is known for being one of the safest countries in Central America but it is also one of the poorest and an emergency can happen at any time.
Many of the Central Parks you will see throughout Nicaragua have free WIFI as do many of the hotels, these apps will help in these situations.
Below is a list with some apps for Android or Apple you may want to check out before you leave or for those that are already on the road.
CLOAK- Mac/IOS/Android.
This is a VPN product- Virtual Private Network. You can pay for this once and works on all devices. It works like a network of private tunnels meaning you can use insecure public WIFI. $10 a month.
Find my Iphone
It comes automatic with Apple and built in but is best to make sure it is enabled before you go on your trip.
(Settings-iCloud- Find My iPhone)
You can also add other close friends and family members.
TripMode -(Mac)
Changes your computer’s settings based on your location. For each location you can sort through your apps and amount of data they use then choose which to turn on or off.
1 Password Travel Mode
This password manager works by deleting your passwords from your device when you cross borders then reloading them once you are safely in.
This is for anyone who has 1Password membership subscription.
Ghostery- (Mac)
Blocks trackers in your browser and can block tracking code being downloaded and helps reduce bandwidth.
Tripit- (Android,iPhone,Windows Phone 7
Trip planner and all details for flights, hotels,maos and directions etc.
You can sync with your calendar and post travel plans on social media. Free
ICE-(Android)
For emergencies this app keeps details about your medical conditions and your Dr’s contact even if your phone is locked.- $3.99
SaferVPN- (IOS, Windows, Android)
Thefts can occur online and this app connects to a remote server, directing traffic through a secure network allowing you to surf the web with a high level encrypted connection. $5.99-$8.99/month
Sitata-(IOS,Android)
A warning app, tells you what other travelers are saying about the local area and how to avoid scams.
Gives you information about local hospitals and currently working in 200 countries.
bSafe-(IOS,Android)
Allows you to set up a network of friends and family to share your location and with the ‘Follow me’ feature they can trace the person walking in real time.
‘Guardian Alert’ button informs them if you are in trouble. Free
8 Offline tips for travelling.
This is just a few of the many apps out there and whilst many travelers go on vacation and arrive back home without any hiccups these apps can help you become more aware and to reduce the chances of anything happening.These tips below are for any country you may be travelling in, for the season pro they are normal but for some of you it may be your first time travelling.
1 Apart from apps remember good advice from locals first hand is free and probably as good if not better than want you can find on the online world.
Here at Hostal El Momento we give out free maps of Granada at reception letting our guests know where to go and not to go and what to do if coming back late at night and how much a taxi should cost.
2 Like all cities around the world it is best not to be walking with your head down looking at your phone, not just because someone could take it out of your hand but because many cities have a lot of traffic or side walks with holes in them which could cause an accident.
3 When taking local buses keep your day bag preferably on your lap and not on the floor between your legs.
4 I like to have money in different pockets so I am not pulling out a lot of large bills at the same time, you may need some small bills for a bus, bottle of water or some fruit whilst on the road.
5 I also prefer to travel with cards and money and just draw out enough money to last me a few days.
6 At our hostel we do have safes and lockers and we do not allow non guests into the hostel after a certain time, always ask at your hotel before you make a booking if they have a secure safe or lockers with padlocks.
Some hostels will advertise as ‘The best hostel in Granada’ or ‘The cheapest hostel in Nicaragua’, they may have many good options but safety has to be at the top of the list for many.
7 Once of the reasons many travel is to meet other like minded individuals especially if traveling alone but do not put all your trust in someone you may have just met 2 days before whilst dancing on a beach somewhere. You can still make friends and keep safe at the same time.
8 One last bit of advice is to look for some travel insurance before your trip, many insurance companies will cover you for lost or late luggage , accidents, hospital or Doctor visits and even if your need to be sent home for an emergency.
And remember to ask, receptionist at most hotels around the world will be more than happy to help you, like us we want your stay to be enjoyable and we want you or your friends to come to Nicaragua more than once.