You know, I wasn’t always so meticulous about safety when I traveled. Young me? Just grab a passport and go, figure it out as I went along. Seemed adventurous back then. But then I had a couple of, let’s call them, “learning experiences.” Nothing life-threatening, thank goodness, but enough to make me sit up and think. One time, my bag with pretty much everything important got swiped right from under my nose in a crowded cafe. Another time, I got seriously lost in a not-so-great area after dark. Made me realize that a little bit of planning, a bit of being aware, goes a long, long way. It’s not about being paranoid; it’s just about being smart so you can actually enjoy the trip. So, here’s what I do now, my own little system, refined over many trips.
Before I Even Think About Packing
Okay, so the fun part is picking a place, right? But once that’s done, I dive into the not-so-fun, but super important stuff. My first step is always research, research, research. And I’m not just talking about the best sights or tastiest food. I dig into:
- Local customs and laws: Seriously, you don’t want to offend someone by accident or break some obscure rule. What’s cool at home might be a big no-no elsewhere. I learned that the hard way once with a simple hand gesture. Awkward!
- Common scams: Every place has its own set of tourist traps or petty cons. I just search online, forums are great for this, to see what tricksters are pulling in that specific city or country. Forewarned is forearmed, as they say.
- Safety in different neighborhoods: I look at maps, read travel blogs, trying to get a feel for areas to be extra careful in, or maybe avoid altogether, especially at night. Some places are perfectly fine during the day but get a bit sketchy later.
- Emergency numbers: Police, ambulance, fire. I write these down on a small card I keep in my wallet AND save them in my phone. You think you’ll remember, or can look it up, but in a panic? Nope.
Then, it’s document time. This is boring, I know, but crucial. I make photocopies of my passport, visa, flight tickets, hotel reservations, and travel insurance. I keep one set with me, separate from the originals, and I leave another set with someone I trust back home. I also take pictures of them with my phone and email them to myself or save them in a secure cloud storage. If everything gets lost or stolen, having those copies is a lifesaver. Trust me on this.
And speaking of travel insurance, I never, ever skip this. I used to think, “Nah, I’m healthy, I’m careful.” Big mistake. One small accident, one lost bag, and your dream trip turns into a nightmare. I always check that it covers medical emergencies, evacuation, and theft. Read the fine print, folks!
Money-wise, I tell my bank where I’m going so they don’t freeze my cards. I also carry a mix of cash (some local currency I get before I go, or right at the airport) and a couple of different credit/debit cards. I don’t keep all my cash or all my cards in one place. Split it up. If one wallet gets nicked, you’re not totally stuck.
Once I’m Actually There
So, I’ve landed. First thing, getting from the airport to my hotel. I usually try to pre-book a reputable taxi or use an official airport shuttle if it’s my first time in a place and I’m not sure about public transport yet. Those guys hustling “cheap rides” inside the terminal? I generally steer clear. Too many stories.
At the hotel or Airbnb, I do a quick check. Does the door lock properly? Is the window secure, especially if I’m on a lower floor? I use the safety deposit box if they have one for my passport and extra cash. If not, I have a little travel safe I sometimes bring, or I find a good hiding spot. And I always, always lock my door, even if I’m just popping down to the lobby.
When I’m out and about, my main thing is to try and blend in a bit. I don’t mean wear a disguise, but I try not to scream “TOURIST!” at the top of my lungs. I ditch the flashy jewelry, I don’t wave my expensive camera around everywhere, and I try to be discreet when looking at maps (or, more likely, my phone for directions). I keep my bag secure, often worn cross-body and in front of me in crowded places. Pockets with zippers or buttons are your friends.
I also try to be aware of my surroundings. It sounds obvious, but it’s easy to get distracted when you’re marveling at some ancient ruin or a beautiful view. I make a mental note of who’s around me, especially if someone seems to be paying a bit too much attention. I don’t walk around with headphones blasting music in both ears; I want to hear what’s going on.
If I’m using public transport, I watch how the locals do it. Where do they stand? How do they hold their bags? It’s often the safest way to travel, but pickpockets love crowded buses and trains. So, wallet in a front pocket, bag held tight.
Nighttime is a different beast. I stick to well-lit, busier streets if I’m walking. If I’m unsure about an area, I’ll just grab a taxi or a ride-share. It’s not worth the risk to save a few bucks.
Dealing With “What Ifs”
Okay, so even with all the prep, things can sometimes go sideways. It happens. The biggest thing I’ve practiced is trying to stay calm. Easier said than done, I know, but panicking rarely helps. If I feel threatened or if something actually happens, my first thought is my safety. Valuables can be replaced. I can’t.
I always have a general idea of where the nearest embassy or consulate for my country is, just in case of big emergencies. And I keep that card with local emergency numbers handy. If my gut tells me a situation is sketchy, I get out of there. I don’t worry about seeming rude. My safety comes first.
One little thing I do, especially if I’m traveling solo, is to have a quick check-in system with someone back home. Just a quick message saying “All good!” each day. If they don’t hear from me, they know my itinerary and can raise an alarm if needed.
It might sound like a lot of work, or like I’m constantly on edge. But honestly, most of this becomes second nature after a while. It’s just about building good habits. And by taking these steps, I find I can relax more and actually enjoy my travels, knowing I’ve done what I can to keep myself safe. It’s not about living in fear, it’s about travelling with confidence. And that, for me, is what it’s all about.
