Okay, so I’ve been doing a lot of traveling lately, and a big chunk of that has been in some pretty massive cities. I’m not gonna lie, I was a little nervous at first. You hear all these stories, right? So, I made it my mission to figure out how to stay safe, and I wanna share what I’ve learned and how I put it into practice.
Did My Homework (Before Leaving!)
First thing I did? Research. Lots and lots of research. I didn’t just look at the “Top 10 Things to See” lists. I dug into local blogs, forums, even news articles. I wanted to get a feel for the real city, not just the tourist traps. I focused on identifying areas known for being a bit sketchy, especially after dark. I even looked up common scams in each city – knowledge is power, people!
Blending In (Or Trying To!)
Next, I thought about how to not stick out like a sore thumb. I mean, I’m obviously a tourist, but I didn’t want to scream it, you know? So I:
- Ditched the fancy clothes: I packed mostly basic, comfortable stuff. Nothing flashy that would draw unwanted attention.
- Kept the camera low-key: Instead of hanging my big camera around my neck, I carried it in a nondescript bag and only took it out when I was actually taking pictures.
- Tried to learn a few basic phrases: Even just “hello,” “thank you,” and “where is the bathroom?” in the local language can go a long way.
Staying Aware of My Surroundings
This was probably the biggest thing. I made a conscious effort to be super aware of what was going on around me, at all times. I:
- Put my phone away: I wasn’t constantly staring at my phone while walking. I wanted to see what was happening around me.
- Trusted my gut: If a situation felt off, I got out of there. No questions asked. It’s better to be safe than sorry, always.
- Kept an eye on my belongings: I used a cross-body bag and kept it zipped up and in front of me, especially in crowded places.
- Avoided walking alone at night: If I had to be out after dark, I stuck to well-lit, busy streets. Or I took a taxi/rideshare.
Using Tech to My Advantage
There are so many cool apps and tools out there now, so I used them! I:
- Shared my location: I used a location-sharing app with a friend back home, so someone always knew where I was.
- Downloaded offline maps: This was a lifesaver! I didn’t have to rely on having a data connection all the time.
- Researched safe transportation options: I looked into the local public transport system and figured out how it worked before I needed it.
Protect My Important Documents
I made some preparation to protect my documents:
- Used a money belt: I am not saying a fanny pack, it is a money belt that under my clothes.
- Email important Scans: I scaned my passport and ID card, send to myself, just in case.
Actually Doing It
It’s one thing to read about all this stuff, but it’s another to actually do it. It took some practice, but it became second nature after a while. The biggest takeaway for me? Staying alert and trusting my instincts were key. And honestly, it made me feel way more confident exploring these amazing cities, knowing I was taking steps to keep myself safe.
