Okay, so I’ve been doing a lot of traveling lately, and one thing that’s always on my mind is staying safe, especially when it comes to the areas I’m walking around in. Nobody wants to accidentally wander into a sketchy part of town, right? So, I’ve been putting some effort into figuring out how to avoid that. Here’s what I’ve been doing, and it’s been working pretty well so far.
Do Some Digging Before You Go
First things first, before I even book anything, I spend some time online. No magic tricks, just plain old research.
I start by simply googling the city/place, looking up blog’s, and look for the place name and phrases like “safest neighborhoods” or “areas to avoid.” You’d be surprised how much info you can find just by doing that. Local blogs or travel forums are goldmines. People who actually live there will give you the real deal.
After using the almighty google, I looked for the specific place I wanted to go using the same phrases, sometimes you will see more specific info.
Checking the Area, For Real
When I get to my hotel/place I’m staying, I tried this, and it really works:
- Talk to the locals. Seriously, the front desk people at the hotel, the Airbnb host, even the barista at the coffee shop – they know the area. I just straight-up ask them, “Hey, are there any streets or neighborhoods I should avoid walking around in, especially at night?” Most people are happy to give you some tips.
- Look around. Once I’ve gotten some basic info, I make sure my phone is charged, then I take a walk during the daytime. I just stroll around the area near where I’m staying and pay attention to what I see. Are the streets well-lit? Are there people out and about? Does it feel generally safe and well-maintained? Trust your gut on this one. If something feels off, it probably is.
- Nighttime vibes. I try to avoid going out super late in unfamiliar areas, but if I do, I make sure I’m extra aware. I stick to main streets, avoid dark alleys, and if I see anything that makes me uncomfortable, I turn around and head back the way I came. No shame in that.
Other Small, but Useful Stuff
Some other things I do that might seem obvious, but they’re worth mentioning:
- Don’t flash your cash. I try to be discreet with my money and expensive stuff. No need to make myself a target.
- Know how to get back. I always make sure I know how to get back to where I’m staying, whether it’s by memorizing the route, having a map on my phone.
- Tell someone where I’m going. It’s a good habit to let someone know your plans, especially if you’re going out alone. Just a quick text to a friend or family member saying, “Hey, heading out to explore, I’ll be back in a few hours.”
Honestly, it’s mostly about being aware of your surroundings and using common sense. By doing a little research ahead of time and paying attention to what’s going on around you, you can significantly reduce your chances of ending up in a bad situation. Stay safe out there!
