After traveling the globe for the past 23 years, I've learned a lot about personal safety when traveling - especially solo. Here are my top 25 safety tips for avoiding trouble on your trip:
- Beware of scammers, pick-pockets and getting robbed.
- Write down emergency contacts with phone numbers and email addresses.
- Keep copies of your ID, credit cards and passport somewhere safe other than your wallet / purse.
- Check the State Department website before you travel internationally.
- Lock up your valuables.
- Get travel evacuation insurance.
- Be careful of not getting sick.
- Don't drink un-bottled water.
- Ask locals for advice.
- Register with your embassy.
- Email your itinerary to family or friends.
- Don't share too much personal information with strangers, including where you're staying or your itinerary.
- Don't do stupid things for photos.
- Splurge on extra safety
- Be aware of the cultural implecations of your clothing; try to blend in, not stand out.
- Stay "tethered" to your bag.
- Learn basic self-defense.
- Be situationally aware.
- Tell your bank and credit card companies where you'll be traveling.
- Hide emergency cash - you will almost always need it.
- Use ATM's wisely.
- Stop using your back pocket.
- Travel in numbers when possible.
- Pack a first aid kit.
- Trust your instincts!
Bonus for Women: The travel safety tips I've listed above are equally important for both men and women; I don't think the ability to travel safely has anything to do with gender.
Unfortunately, women are victims of violence everywhere, including here in North America. Women worried about beign assaulted or harrrasedmight prefer to visit a local street festival or market or nightclub in a grup rather than alone.