6 Steps To Stay Safe Traveling The World
Stay Safe Traveling The World
Being a victim of a crime can happen at anytime, anywhere and to anyone not just when you’re traveling the world.
As an outsider when you’re traveling you can easily be a target for theft, you can do many things to minimise the chances of this.
By being cautious you can avoid a large percentage of unpleasant things happening to you. When I say “cautious”, I mean just be aware but not paranoid.
Have in mind that you are leaving your country and stepping on foreign soil that probably won’t resemble anything like the country you are used to.
It may sound quite obvious but there are people that are a little naive and tend to behave exactly like they would do at home, especially when it comes to trusting people.
Here are my 6 steps for keeping safe whilst traveling the world.
- Make The Money Belt Your Best Friend
A fair amount of travelers have smartly surrendered to use money belts. It may not be the prettiest thing to wear but it is very handy and keeps your hard earned cash away from any opportunist pick pocketers.
- Don’t Carry A Large Amount Of Cash
Money belts play an important role on keeping your money safe but whenever possible don’t carry a lot of cash either. If you are in particularlly sketchy cities carry plenty of notes but low value ones. This is done so that in the the worst case senerio of a mugging you can hand over what looks like a large wad of notes. In this situation do not refuse, hand over the cash immediately.
If you do have to carry a lot of cash, at least be discreet when handling your money and try not to show the world how much you’ve got on you.
- Travel In Groups
If you are in a different environment and still don’t know how safe the place is, always make friends with someone from your hostel and visit places together until you feel secure enough to wander around on your own.
- Travel With A Local
A local always takes you to the best spots you may not find out without their help. As well as this they can inform you of where the dangerous areas are or if there are any well known local scams plus how to avoid them.
- Do Not Flash Your Valuables
Don’t go out looking like you have valuables worth stealing. Don’t take your camera around your neck, your Mp3 player in one hand, a videocamera on the other and a very expensive watch on your wrist. It doesn’t mean you shouldn’t bring them in your bag just be mindful of your belongings and keep them out of constant view of the public when possible.
- Wear Plain And Simple Clothes
In some countries you might be able to blend in with the locals but depending on where you go you are noticeably a foreigner. A foreigner in many locals eyes can mean cash, sometimes you can actually see dollar signs in their eyes. Try to wear plain, simple clothes to step out of the spotlight and play the budget traveler, leave the logos and expensive clothes at home.
Do you have any safety tips to share with us that might be helpful on the road? Let us know in the comments below.
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Great tips!
I was recently in Costa Rica by myself with my camera and missed out on a lot of pictures because I was not comfortable with pulling out a DSLR.
Next time I will bring a small camera for these occasions.
Any other tips on Photography by yourself in these areas?
Thanks
Marcus
http://getawaysbydesign.com/
Hi Marucs,
I’ve never taken a DSLR with me, but am facing the same problem as I’m about to buy one. I’ve usually be able to take a small camera and keep it out of view. I also realised when I got home that I missed out on some great shots because I have a small digi camera.
Thanks,
Paul @
TravMonkey.com
Hi Marcus,
Thanks for your comment.
You are right! I think carrying two cameras, your DSLR and a small digital camera, is a good option. As I´m not a good and patient photographer, I don´t care that much if I have only a cheap digital camera. : )
Whenever you feel safe to carry your DSLR you do, if not, you have a spare one to not miss out some extra shots.
Milene
In my 20’s, I lived in Manhattan. Well-meaning friends had warned me of the dangers of walking alone through certain rough areas late at night. However, I had no choice so I developed a particular strategy. I would mutter my thoughts under my breath. Passing strangers tended to give me a wide berth – as you do when you question someone’s sanity. I never had any problem. I can heartily recommend this technique.
Hi Jorrit,
I think just walking with confidence is also a great way to put potential opportunist thieves and muggers off the idea. Although if people hear you muttering too, they’ll probably just presume your slightly crazy and go off the idea!
Thanks for your comment.
Paul @
TravMonkey.com
Awesome Jorrit!
I haven’t thought about it, but it can actually work I assume! : )
Thanks for the tip! It made me laugh too.
Milene
If I am travelling to particularly dodgy areas, I take a fake wallet with me, full of low denomination notes and store loyalty cards. I spread the money around my person and bag.
I email myself with details of my passport, credit card cancellation telephone numbers, serial numbers of camera equipment etc, so that I can access it easily if the worst was to happen.
Also, do not put your name and home address on the outside of your luggage – there was a case here a few years ago where a thief would walk around airport check in areas to look for addresses of empty houses…..
Great tips Grete!
Especially the fake wallet. I know in particular dodgy areas it is worth just taking a large number of notes (that are worth a fair amount) and no wallet. If you are unlucky enough to be mugged or in a tricky situation you can hand over what looks like a lot of money, the mugger should be quite happy with and disappear quickly.
Thanks for you comment!
Paul @
TravMonkey.com