Safety

Traveler Safety Tips

Ensuring a safe and positive experience for travelers is our top priority. Please review the following guidelines to help create a safe and enriching environment:

Stays

Before a Stay
  1. Review Profiles and References Thoroughly

    When searching for potential hosts or booking accommodations, take the time to read profiles in detail. Pay close attention to reviews and star ratings to gauge the experiences of other members.

    Choose "ID Verified Accounts" for added security, and don’t hesitate to continue searching until you find the right host.

  2. Communicate via Abroadly’s Messaging System

    Use Abroadly’s messaging system to communicate with hosts. This ensures that our Help and Support team can track and resolve any issues or disputes.

    Avoid sharing personal contact details like phone numbers or email addresses until you feel comfortable or have met the host in person.

  3. Allocate Time to Know Your Potential Host

    Take time to build rapport with your upcoming host by communicating using Abroadly’s messaging system. You may also ask the host to provide his/her other social media profiles like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.

    Initiate friendly conversation and discuss the upcoming stay.

  4. Clarify the Stay Arrangement

    Clearly discuss the terms of your stay, including the duration, accommodation type, and any work or payment expectations.

    Ask essential questions like:

    • What type of accommodation is offered?

    • How many people live in the home?

    • Is it a work exchange or rental arrangement?

    • What are the expected working hours or rental costs?

    • Are meals or bills included?

    • Is public transportation accessible?

Booking a Stay
  1. Request a Stay

    Use our stay request system on the accommodation listings to book your stay. This allows you to track upcoming stays and helps our support team assist you if needed.

  2. Inform Family and Friends of Your Plans

    Always share your travel and accommodation details with trusted family or friends.

    Remember these three keywords:

    WHO - Who you’re staying with

    WHERE - The address or location of where you’re staying

    WHEN - How long are you staying with a host

  3. Have a Backup Plan

    Be prepared for the unexpected. Make sure you have a budget for alternative accommodations if your stay doesn’t go as planned. Check out nearby hostels or hotels and familiarize yourself with local transportation options.

During the Stay
  1. Save Emergency Numbers

    Put local emergency numbers on speed dials into your phone, including police, emergency services, and contacts for family or friends.

    Fill out your emergency contact details on your Abroadly profile for additional safety support.

  2. Research Cultural and Religious Practices

    Respect local customs and practices, and use your stay as an opportunity to learn and appreciate different cultures.

  3. Get to Know Your Host

    Spend time with your host to build a rapport, initiate good conversation, and ask questions. Discuss any house rules and clarify the terms of the stay to avoid misunderstandings.

  4. Review Terms and Conditions

    Before settling in, go over the terms of your stay or work exchange once more with your host. Address any questions or concerns to ensure everything is understood.

  5. Canceling Your Stay

    If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, address the issue with your host. If a resolution isn’t possible, don’t hesitate to end the stay. Your safety comes first.

  6. Trust Your Instincts

    If you ever feel unsafe or threatened, remove yourself from the situation immediately and contact local authorities or trusted individuals as soon as it’s safe.

After a Stay Has Been Concluded
  1. Leave a Review and Rating

    Use the “Review & Star Rating” system to share your experience with other members. Be honest and specific in your review to help others make informed decisions.

    Your feedback is crucial in maintaining the trust and safety of the Abroadly community. Positive reviews highlight great hosts, while constructive feedback helps others avoid potential issues.

  2. Report Negative Experiences

    If you encountered any issues or felt unsafe during your stay, report it to our safety team immediately. Whether it’s a breach of trust, misconduct, or any form of discomfort, we take all reports seriously and handle them confidentially.

    You can report an incident through the app or website by clicking the "Report" button on the host's profile. Our team will investigate and take appropriate action to ensure the safety of our members.

  3. Reflect on Your Stay

    Take some time to reflect on your overall experience. Did the stay meet your expectations? Were the host’s terms and conditions respected? This reflection can help you refine your approach for future stays.

    Consider sharing any insights or tips with the community that might help future travelers.

  4. Update Your Preferences

    Based on your experience, you might want to update your accommodation preferences or criteria for future stays. Whether it's adjusting your preferred location, type of accommodation, or type of host, make sure your profile reflects your current needs.

  5. Stay Connected with Positive Hosts

    If you had a positive experience, consider staying in touch with your host. Building connections can enrich your future travels and provide you with a network of trusted contacts in different locations.

  6. Plan Your Next Adventure

    Use your recent experience to plan your next trip. Take note of what worked well and what you’d like to improve. Abroadly’s platform is here to support your journey every step of the way.

Ridesharing

Before Requesting a Ride
  1. Review Driver Profiles and Ratings

    Before booking a ride, carefully read the driver's profile details. Look at their star ratings and read through reviews from other members to get a sense of who you will be traveling with.

    Choose drivers with "ID Verified" profiles for an added layer of security, and don’t rush—your ideal driver and travel buddy is out there.

  2. Communicate via Abroadly’s Messaging System

    Always use the app’s messaging system to communicate with your driver/travel buddy. This ensures all interactions are documented and can be reviewed if necessary by our Help and Support team.

    Avoid sharing personal contact information like phone numbers or email addresses until you’re confident about your driver.

  3. Allocate Time to Know the Driver/Travel Buddy

    Take time to build rapport with your upcoming driver/travel buddy. You may also ask the driver to provide his/her other social media profiles like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.

    Initiate a friendly conversation and discuss the upcoming trip.

  4. Verify Ride Details

    Double-check the details of your rideshare. Chat with the driver/travel buddy about the trip and discuss the route, planned stops, luggage space, food/sleeping arrangements for longer trips, etc.

Booking a Ride
  1. Request a Ride Through the App

    Use the “Request Ride” feature to book your ride. The app keeps a record of all your trips, making it easier to track your upcoming rideshares and resolve any issues with our support team if needed.

  2. Share Your Ride Details with Trusted Contacts

    Before you start your ride, share your trip details with a trusted friend or family member.

    Remember these three keywords:

    WHO - Who you’re traveling with

    WHERE - The route of your trip

    WHEN - How long are you traveling for

  3. Have a Backup Transportation Plan

    If your ride is canceled for some reason, have an alternative transportation option in mind. This could be public transportation like buses, trains, or a different rideshare provider.

During the Ride
  1. Always Wear Seatbelt

    At all times, always wear your seatbelt for your safety.

  2. Follow the Route on Your App

    Keep an eye on the route being taken and compare it with the suggested route on the app. If the driver deviates significantly from the planned route, politely ask why and if necessary, request to stop and exit the vehicle.

  3. Keep Personal Items Secure

    Keep your belongings close to you during the ride. Ensure that your valuables, such as phones, wallets, and bags are secure and always double-checked after the rideshare trip has been concluded.

  4. Trust Your Instincts

    If at any point during the ride, you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, ask the driver to stop in a safe, public place and exit the vehicle. Trust your gut—your safety is paramount.

  5. Save Emergency Contacts

    Make sure your phone is charged and emergency contacts are saved and easily accessible. Know how to quickly contact local emergency services if necessary.

After the Ride
  1. Leave a Review and Rating

    After your ride, leave an honest review and rating of your driver. Your feedback helps other riders make informed decisions and contributes to maintaining a safe ridesharing community.

  2. Report Any Issues Immediately

    If you experience any issues during your ride, report them immediately through the app. This could include unsafe driving, inappropriate behavior, or any other concerns. Our safety team is here to assist and address your concerns.

  3. Reflect on Your Experience

    Take a moment to reflect on your ridesharing experience. Were you comfortable with the driver? Did everything go smoothly? Your insights can help improve future rides for both you and the community.

At Abroadly, we are committed to fostering a safe and productive environment for travelers, hosts, and drivers. By following these guidelines, you help create a positive experience for everyone involved. Thank you for being a valuable part of our community!

For further assistance, please contact our support team at support@abroadly.net.

Host Safety Tips

Ensuring a safe and positive experience for both hosts and guests is our top priority. Please review the following guidelines to help create a safe and enriching environment:

Before Hosting a Stay

  1. Check Profiles and Review References Carefully

    When looking for a backpacker, traveler, or international student to host, take the time to carefully review their profiles. Thoroughly read all the available information, including their work history and references.

    Browse through reviews and star ratings to see what other hosts have said about them. We encourage all members to prioritize “ID Verified Accounts” for added security.

  2. Communicate Through the Abroadly Messaging System

    Use Abroadly’s messaging system to communicate with potential guests. This allows our Help and Support team to track interactions and resolve any disputes.

    Avoid sharing personal contact details, such as phone numbers or email addresses, until you are comfortable or have met the guest in person.

  3. Allocate Time to Get to Know a Potential Guest

    Ask thoughtful questions to understand more about your potential guest, such as:

    • Where are you originally from?

    • Are you traveling alone or with someone?

    • How long have you been traveling?

    • How long are you planning to stay?

    • Have you been hosted before, and can you provide references?

    • Do you have any specific needs or preferences for the stay?

  4. Clearly Discuss the Terms of the Stay

    Always clarify the terms and conditions of the stay with your potential guest.

    Miscommunication can often lead to unmet expectations, so it’s important to ensure both parties fully understand the arrangement. Discuss specifics like:

    • Duration of the stay.

    • Accommodation arrangements.

    • Number of hours expected in a work-exchange setup (if applicable).

    • Whether the stay is paid or unpaid.

    • Any special working conditions or house rules.

Accepting Stay Request

  1. Book the Stay Through Abroadly’s System

    Use Abroadly’s booking system to arrange your guest’s stay. This feature helps you keep track of upcoming stays and ensures that everything is recorded within your “My Stays” menu.

    Having this record makes it easier for our Help and Support team to assist you in case of emergencies or to resolve any issues that may arise.

  2. Inform Family and Friends About Your Guest

    Hosting a guest can be rewarding but also involves trust. Keep your family or trusted friends informed about the details of your guest—who they are, where they’re from, and how long they will be staying with you.

    For added security, consider requesting a copy of your guest’s ID, such as a driver’s license, passport, or government-issued identification. You may also want to request the guest to provide you his/her other social media profiles in Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, ect.

  3. Solo Female Hosts: Consider Hosting Female Travelers

    As a general recommendation, solo female hosts might prefer to host female travelers for added peace of mind. However, this is a matter of personal preference.

During the Stay

  1. Save Emergency Numbers

    Ensure you have important emergency contact numbers saved on your phone, including police, medical services, and local authorities. Keep them updated according to your country’s area codes.

    Make sure your Abroadly profile includes your emergency contact information so that we can assist you in case of an emergency.

  2. Get to Know Your Guest

    Once your guest arrives, spend time getting to know them. Engage in conversation to confirm that everything aligns with their profile and your expectations.

    Clarify any relevant information to avoid misunderstandings and foster a positive relationship.

  3. Review and Discuss the Stay Terms

    After becoming acquainted, review and confirm the agreed-upon terms of the stay or work exchange. Miscommunication is a common issue between hosts and guests, so be sure to ask questions if anything seems unclear.

  4. Be Kind, Polite, and Respectful

    Make your guest feel welcome in your home. Offer them refreshments and take a moment to show them around. Explain any house rules and provide tips about your neighborhood or local attractions to help them settle in.

    A friendly and respectful environment sets the tone for a positive stay.

  5. Address Concerns Immediately

    If you ever feel uncomfortable or unsafe, address the issue with your guest right away. If a resolution isn’t possible, you always have the right to end the stay. Communicate your boundaries clearly and give your guest notice to make other arrangements if needed.

  6. Trust Your Instincts

    If you feel unsafe, threatened, or in immediate danger, remove yourself from the situation and contact local authorities and emergency services as soon as it’s safe to do so.

After the Stay Has Concluded

  1. Leave a Review and Rating

    Use the “Review & Star Rating” system to share your experience with the Abroadly community. Be honest and specific in your feedback to ensure future hosts have accurate information.

    Abroadly relies on member feedback to build trust and safety across the platform.

  2. Report Negative Experiences

    If you encountered any negative experiences or safety concerns during the stay, report them to our safety team. Whether it’s a breach of trust or misconduct, we encourage you to file a report immediately through the platform’s reporting system.

    All reports are treated confidentially, and our team will investigate the situation to ensure appropriate action is taken.

  3. Reflect on the Experience

    Reflect on your hosting experience and whether it met your expectations. Take any lessons learned into consideration for future stays and adjust your hosting preferences or criteria as needed.

At Abroadly, we are dedicated to fostering a safe and enriching environment for both hosts and guests. By following these guidelines, you contribute to a positive experience for everyone in our community. Thank you for being part of Abroadly!

For further assistance, please contact our support team at support@abroadly.net.

Business/Employer Safety Tips

Ensuring a safe and positive experience for both employers and job seekers is our top priority. Please review the following guidelines to help create a secure environment:

Verify Business

Verification is essential for maintaining the integrity and safety of our platform. It ensures that job postings are legitimate and protects job seekers by confirming that only trustworthy companies are listed.

Abroadly offers free verification for businesses and WHV/88 Days employers. To get verified, simply submit basic business information and necessary documents. Our team will review your details and confirm your status within a few business days.

Creating a Job Posting

  1. Use the job board
    • Utilize Abroadly’s secure system to post job listings and manage applications.

    • Keep records of all job postings and communications for future reference.

Before Reviewing Applications

  1. Review profiles and references
    • Carefully review job seekers’ profiles, including their work history, skills, and any references.

  2. Ensure job applicant is ID Verified
    • We kindly encourage interacting with job seekers who have completed ID verification through Abroadly. For your safety and the integrity of our platform, we discourage interactions outside of Abroadly's messaging system.

    • Verified users undergo additional verification steps for enhanced trust and safety.

  3. Use the messaging system
    • Communicate through Abroadly's messaging system to maintain a record of conversations.

    • Refrain from sharing personal contact information until you are comfortable or have met the job seeker in person.

During Review of Applications

  1. Review submitted documents
    • Job applicants may submit optional documents such as Resumes and Cover Letters.

    • These documents can provide additional insights into the applicant’s qualifications and motivations.

  2. Use the application message
    • Applicants may include an optional Application Message to introduce themselves and express interest in the position.

    • Review this message to understand the applicant’s goals and expectations.

  3. Interact with qualified candidates
    • Engage with candidates who meet your job requirements and show potential for the role.

    • Consider requesting additional information or scheduling interviews to further assess their suitability.

During Employment

  1. Emergency preparedness
    • Maintain emergency contact numbers, including local authorities and emergency services.

    • Ensure your Abroadly profile includes updated emergency contact information.

  2. Get acquainted
    • Introduce job seekers to the workplace environment and clarify job responsibilities.

    • Foster open communication to address any concerns promptly.

  3. Review terms of employment
    • Discuss and confirm agreed-upon employment terms to prevent misunderstandings.

    • Encourage job seekers to ask questions for clarity.

  4. Maintain professionalism
    • Create a welcoming and respectful workplace environment.

    • Provide necessary guidance and resources to help job seekers succeed in their roles.

If You Encounter Issues

  1. Address concerns immediately
    • If issues arise or if you feel unsafe, address them promptly with the job seeker.

    • If necessary, terminate the employment arrangement while adhering to legal and ethical guidelines.

  2. Report negative experiences
    • Use Abroadly’s reporting system to report any negative experiences or safety concerns.

    • All reports are handled confidentially and investigated promptly for appropriate action.

After Employment

  1. Provide feedback
    • Use Abroadly’s review system to share your experience with the job seeker.

    • Your feedback helps maintain a trusted community and improves future interactions.

  2. Report suspicious activity
    • Report any suspicious activity or misuse of the platform to Abroadly’s safety team immediately.

    • All reports are treated with confidentiality and acted upon promptly.

At Abroadly, we are committed to fostering a safe and productive environment for employers and job seekers. By following these guidelines, you contribute to a positive experience for everyone involved. Thank you for being a part of our community!

For further assistance, please contact our support team at support@abroadly.net.