Traveling to new and unfamiliar places is one of life’s greatest adventures, and it’s a thrill to discover somewhere new and new things when you get there – as well as along the way.
However, although traveling like this is really exciting, it can also come with risks, and when you’re in unfamiliar territory, staying safe has to be a top priority. You don’t want your dream vacation to turn into a complete nightmare, after all.
The good news is that staying safe doesn’t have to be a hard thing to do no matter where you go, and with some research and preparation, as well as some handy practical tips, you can actually focus on enjoying the journey and not have to constantly worry about your safety.
With that in mind, keep reading to find out what some of these tips are so you can have a great time away from home.
The Traveler’s Guide To Staying Safe In Unfamiliar Places
Do Your Homework Before You Go
The first step in staying safe while traveling starts before you even leave home – you need to take the time to research your destination because that can make all the difference in the world, and the more familiar you are with local culture, customs, and safety issues, the more information you’ve got to make the right choice, which could even include choosing somewhere else for your travels.
It’s wise to check travel advisories and recent news to see if there are any issues you should know about as well, and social media and travel forums are fantastic places to hear real accounts from travelers who have been where you’re thinking of going and who can offer some insights into what it’s like.
Knowing what to expect will help you feel a lot more confident when you get there, and that’s always good.
Plus, it’s worth noting where the nearest hospitals and medical facilities are – just in case! Hopefully you won’t even need them, but if you already know about them it can save precious time if you do happen to be involved in a difficult situation.
That’s the same reason why it’s a good idea to investigate BLS CPR classes near me before you go traveling too – it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Blend In, Don’t Stand Out
This one’s really important and it can make everywhere much safer – if you’re visiting somewhere and you look like a tourist (which it’s very easy to do), you might make yourself a target, and clearly that’s something you’ll want to avoid.
There’s nothing wrong with being a traveler and calling yourself a tourist if you want (you are one, after all!), but if you stand there with your brand new sunglasses and hat or with a confused look on your face while you work out directions, and so on, it’s potentially a bit of a problem.
To avoid any unwanted attention, try to dress in a way that blends in with the locals, as long as that means you can still be completely respectful – that’s going to have to be part of your research too. In fact, the more respectful you can be, the more it shows you’re considerate and that’s really going to stop you from sticking out as an outsider.
Plus, it won’t matter how you’re dressed or how blended in you might be, if you’ve got all your valuables out on display, you’re still going to look like a tempting target to anyone who might want to steal from you – and those people will definitely be looking out for anything they can grab.
Don’t flash any expensive jewelry, tech gadgets, or loads of cash around; the less obvious it is that you’re carrying stuff, the less likely you are to attract the wrong kind of attention.
Stay Aware Of Your Surroundings
This one might seem obvious, but it’s so easy to get distracted when you’re taking in all the sights and sounds in a new place (and that’s why you’re there, after all), but the problem is, that’s precisely when things can go very horribly wrong.
That’s why you always need to stay aware of what’s happening around you. That doesn’t mean you’ve got to walk around being scared and paranoid, or you’re not going to enjoy your trip, but what it does mean is that you need to keep your head up, try not to look lost, and if something feels off, trust your instincts about it.
Being aware of your surroundings can help you spot potential dangers before they turn into real problems, and that could be the difference between a great trip and one you end up regretting.
A useful tip you can definitely follow is to keep your phone in your pocket when you’re walking through crowded areas – not only will you avoid getting bumped into, but you’ll also be more alert and less of a target. Wait until you’re in a safe place like a cafe, for example, before checking your messages or getting directions. You just don’t want to run the risk.
You should also avoid wearing headphones, as they can reduce your awareness of nearby sounds and potential dangers, leaving you more vulnerable.
Learn Basic Phrases In The Local Language
You don’t have to be fluent in the local language, but learning a few key phrases can go a long way when it comes to safety – for example, knowing the words for ‘help’, ‘police’, or ‘I need assistance’ could be absolutely invaluable if you find yourself in a bit of a sticky situation.
It’s also good to know a few polite words like ‘thank you’ and ‘please’ because it shows locals that you’ve made an effort to connect with them and you’ve learned a bit about their country.
That’s not necessary something that can help with safety, but if you’re learning some new words, you might as well learn these ones too and you can be safe and polite at the same time!
Use Reliable Transportation
Getting around in an unfamiliar place can be tricky, but one of the keys to staying safe is to always make sure you use reliable transportation.
In other words, if you’re taking public transport, make sure it’s well lit and crowded, always avoid unsafe looking taxis (especially those that don’t have any official markings or meters), and never accept lifts from strangers.
As for ride-sharing apps like Uber, you’ve got to check the driver’s reviews and make sure the license plate matches the one in the app. Plus, tell someone where you’re going, and send a photo of the car and driver to a trusted friend. It’s these small steps that can give you peace of mind and give you an extra layer of security.
Safe travels!
Magda
xoxo