Okay, so last month I took a trip to Southeast Asia, and let me tell you, getting around was an adventure in itself! I relied heavily on public transport – buses, trains, you name it. And, I learned a thing or two about staying safe while doing it.
First, I downloaded offline maps. I can’t stress this enough! Before I even left my hotel each day, I made sure I had the area mapped out on my phone. No relying on spotty Wi-Fi or getting lost in translation. I used an app,just enter the city and then download it.
Then, I did some good old-fashioned research.I looked up common scams in the areas I was visiting. Things like rigged taxi meters or overly helpful strangers who offer to “help” you with your ticket (and then run off with your money). Knowing what to watch out for made a huge difference. I read some blogs, watched a few YouTube videos – easy peasy.
I also made it a point to only use official transportation. No unmarked taxis or random guys offering rides. I stuck to clearly marked bus stops and train stations. I even double-checked the bus numbers and routes with locals to be extra sure. I may have looked like a total tourist, but hey, better safe than sorry, right?
Another big one: I kept my valuables close. I wore a cross-body bag that I could keep in front of me at all times. No stuffing my phone or wallet in my back pocket – that’s just asking for trouble. I also avoided flashing expensive jewelry or electronics. Just kept things low-key.
- Downloaded offline maps.
- Researched common scams.
- Used only official transportation.
- Kept valuables close and secure.
- Stayed aware of my surroundings.
Finally, I just stayed aware. I paid attention to the people around me, trusted my gut instincts, and tried not to look too lost or confused (even when I was!). If something felt off, I moved to a different area or asked a uniformed official for help.
It might sound like a lot, but honestly, it became second nature after a couple of days. And by taking these precautions, I felt much more confident and secure exploring a new place on my own. I managed to travel all I want to *, if you’re planning a trip abroad, these simple steps can make a world of difference!
