Travel can be exhilarating but also scary at times. When you're venturing into the great unknown, Unwary tourists can make easy targets for thieves because they stand out in a crowd, are unused to their surroundings, and are generally carrying money, credit cards and valuables like cameras. You can reduce your risk of being mugged or robbed by taking a few simple precautions.
Here is a list of some top Safty precautions you should keep in mind while travelling:
1. Keep the address to your accommodation.
In both English and the native tongue written in both your phone’s notes (or snap a photo) and in a little notebook (phone batteries die). Everyone in your group should do this as reality is, you might lose your friends.
2. Get travel insurance and register with S.T.E.P.
If your insurance doesn’t already cover you overseas. I know heaps of people (usually British for some reason) who get injured overseas and have to head home or pay medical costs up front. Register with S.T.E.P. (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program)
3. If you’re walking alone at night.
Walk slightly behind a couple. It sounds a little creepy, but you don’t want to stand out as walking alone. Especially as a girl, the couple you could be following will usually get the vibe with a smile. Obviously, don’t follow them home, but stay on the same side of the street as them.
4. Avoid dark or non-tourist areas at night.
If you do feel uncomfortable, switch train cars or walk into very busy areas such as a restaurant.
5. If you do think you are being followed.
Stop to ask security or a public place for help. You can walk into a hotel that’s not yours to ask for help. Whatever you do, don’t walk to where you’re staying.
6. Get a sturdy bag. Wear your backpack facing front.
Not something with a thin strap that can be broken, nor a clutch that can be grabbed, nor a wallet in a front or back pocket.
7. Just don’t get too drunk.
It seems obvious, but you’re in a foreign country, so you’re a target for all types of crimes just by being a tourist; being drunk just multiplies that risk by like a 1,000 (not actual statistic).
8. Lock Up!
Lock your windows and doors, hide everything inside, and keep a lock on your belongings.
9. Don’t wear jewelry.
Unless you’re staying in a luxury hotel and have their private cabs driving you and picking you up.
10. Have a steal-me wallet/phone
This wallet has an expired credit card, some “filler” cards, and about $10 cash. The reason I have this is as a decoy in my pocket in case someone was to ever aggressively demand my wallet.
Of course, if you are ever at gun or knife-point and don't have a decoy or the thief wants more, just give away your normal wallet no matter what is in it. Nothing inside could possibly be worth risking your life over. However, you can save yourself some trouble by having that decoy.
10. Scan your travel documents as well as photocopying them
11. Be sceptical of any strangers who are being a little too nice, within reason
12. Do some research and ask locals where's safe
