Follow a reputable and current guide-book. 
Some of the books on the market do not keep their readers up-to-date and sometimes recommend cheaper accommodation that no longer exists. 

Take travellers cheques and a couple of major credit cards with you (keep one of the credit cards separate from your other valuables); do not carry large amounts of cash. 

Keep your passport and valuables in something that can be worn around the neck, under your clothes and out of sight. Bum bags are highly visible and are a signal to robbers that you have something to steal. 

Take a photocopy of your itinerary, passport, credit cards, travel insurance documents, important phone numbers and keep them separate from the originals, in case of loss or theft. If you intend to leave the country through the same port you arrived, you normally can leave return tickets, photocopies and other items with your embassy or consulate in that city. 

Wherever possible, leave passports, travellers cheques and other valuables in a safety deposit box or safe at your hotel. If you use a credit card your family can check on your approximate whereabouts through your bank (if you have given them approval to access details of your credit card). 

Keep in touch with your family and let them know where you are going. Lack of communication causes great distress and worry to families. You could be the subject of a major police search instigated by your worried relatives. Ring your family regularly but not necessarily at prearranged times.If you don’t ring for some reason, they might immediately fear the worst. If you are detained by the police for any reason, contact your nearest Consul and report your detention. The Consul will provide assistance. 

Take out travel insurance before leaving on your trip. Remember: ’If you can’t afford ’ravel insurance, you can’t afford to travel. Be clear about what your insurance policy covers.
Have a health and dental checkup before departure. Ensure you have the necessary vaccination shots before leaving on your trip. Ask your doctor before leaving for a letter detailing the contents of tablets or other medicine and take a supply to use en route to your destination. Also take a copy of the doctor’s prescription with you. 

If you are in an area experiencing a natural disaster, or if you are planning travel to a remote area, it is advisable to register at the Consular Section of the nearest Embassy or Consulate. 
Obtain an international driving permit prior to departure. Take your normal driver’s licence as well.  

If you run out of money, the Consular Section of the nearest Embassy/High Commission/Consulate can assist you to contact your family or friends to send funds to you. Funds can be placed on credit cards or transferred via Amex, Thomas Cook or Western Union, depending on whether there is a representative agency in the recipient country. 

If you lose your passport and valuables or are robbed, go to the nearest police station and obtain a police report. This will be required for a new passport and most insurance companies require a police report before processing insurance claims. 

Never carry packages or luggage for another person through Customs at airports, bus depots or across land borders. This ploy is used by drug traffickers to transport prohibited substances at no risk to themselves but great risk to the person carrying the package. If travelling by train, especially overnight, secure you  possessions and do not take sleeping pills. Be cautious about accepting food or drinks from strangers. 

Never hitch-hike; there are very few, if any, places left in the world where it is considered a safe way of travelling. Keep your hotel door locked and meet visitors in the lobby. 

Be conscious of local customs and mindful of how your actions can be misinterpreted. The apparent "friendliness" of the local men can be misinterpreted, and can lead to sexual assault.