Okay, so after that sketchy bus ride in Bangkok last year where the driver seemed half-asleep and almost clipped a market stall, I knew I had to get smarter about travel safety. Ended up doing a deep dive and actually putting these rules to the test during my solo trip to Peru. Here’s how it went down:
Step 1: Pre-Trip Homework Was Brutal
First thing, I hit up government travel sites – like really sat there squinting at the fine print about Peru. Not just the main page, I mean drilling into regional warnings. Found out about crazy altitude sickness risks near Cusco nobody talks about. Printed out every local emergency number imaginable:
- Police tourist division hotline
- Nearest embassy contact (embassy address written in my notebook!)
- Hospital near my hostel
Step 2: Copying Documents Like a Paranoid Spy
Took physical copies seriously this time. Made two sets of passport/visa photocopies. Left one set buried in my suitcase. The other? Stuffed it in my money belt separate from my actual passport. Also snapped pics and emailed them to myself and my sister back home. Double-backed everything.
Step 3: Street Smarts Bootcamp Mode
First evening in Lima, I walked around like a total sheep. Got targeted by three “friendly” guys near Plaza de Armas pushing fake tours within 20 minutes. Next day, changed tactics. Put on my “I know exactly where I’m going” face even when lost. Kept phone hidden in a zipped jacket pocket instead of my back jeans. Held my bag cross-body with death grip while navigating markets. Game changer.
Step 4: Transport Rules Saved My Ass
Remembered that Bangkok incident. In Peru, no unofficial taxis. Used app-based rides only after triple-checking license plates against the app. Almost got into a minivan packed like sardines going to Machu Picchu. Nope. Waited an extra hour for one where I could actually buckle a seatbelt. Driver seemed annoyed. Didn’t care. Arrived alive.
Step 5: Drank Water Like My Life Depended On It (It Kinda Did)
Bought bottled water only from actual stores, not street carts. Even used it to brush my teeth after hearing horror stories. Said no to ice in drinks everywhere outside fancy hotels. Wiped down every bottle cap before opening. Sounds nuts? Never got Montezuma’s revenge.
The result? Had zero safety incidents despite tons of potential messes. Felt way less stressed wandering through crowded Cusco alleys at dusk. Seriously folks, skipping any of this stuff? Not worth the hospital bill or missing passport stress. Travel’s fun when your biggest problem is deciding which alpaca souvenir to buy.
