Travelling overseas may make you more vulnerable to dangers that risk your personal safety. Be it travelling solo or with a companion, it’s still crucial to implement personal safety tips before travelling abroad. One of the reasons why you are more vulnerable to danger when abroad is that the lack of knowledge about the place. You are visitor anyway. Even with all preparation, it’s impossible to know the place better or as the locals do.
Implement these personal safety tips when travelling overseas
Do your research in advance about your destination. Find out information about its crime rates. Safe areas, etc. Hence, you know what to expect and can prepare better. Make sure to keep an emergency contact list on your phone and a sheet of paper you can carry around anywhere. Memorize local language for common phrases such as ‘thank you’, ‘help me’, ‘where is the police station’, ‘where is (your country) embassy?’, etc.
Avoid looking like a tourist
There are many ways the locals can recognize that you are not part of them. One of the most common signs is the way you dress. Another is camera or tripod. Shoes can also an obvious sign that tell you are a total tourist. Of course your language and accent will tell you’re stranger. Hence,try to become a chameleon and blend in perfectly with your surroundings.
Keep your valuable hidden
Don’t flaunt your valuables when you get around your destination. Things most valuable items at home or hotel room. Also, limit the amount of cash you’re going to carry. Instead of money belt that screams tourist, consider wearing a backpack or any bag with an anti-theft feature. Take off your flashy jewelry and hide away your expensive camera.
Be mindful with the nightlife
One of the most exciting things about travelling overseas is to enjoy the nightlife. However, you should be mindful with that you do. You can simply have a meal together with friends, dance till dawn at nightclub, or sip favorite drinks in the park. Keep your drinking moderate so you won’t get drunk. It’s important to remain sober so you won’t be a target.
Consider having dummy wallet
Dummy wallet is an unused wallet you can carry around when travel to trick thieves and pickpockets. It may contain few coins, expired or unused credit cards, and few notes. You can use this dummy wallet to pay for small items when you’re in busy, open-air travel spots. If you lose it, you won’t lose much. Treat it like a sacrificial offerings you need to give for smooth travel.
Prepare for change and stay alert
Travelling overseas allows you to see and experience many new things which can be overwhelming. Always trust your intuition and gut feeling. If you feel in danger, move to a safer place. Stay alert and aware of your surroundings so you know immediately when you are in the wrong place. By being alert, you’ll be ready to react appropriately to keep yourself safe.