Every traveler thinks they are too smart to become a victim of scams or theft; however, situations occur. Though the vast majority of travelers will never become a victim to anything more serious than pick-pocketing during a walk tour, there is always someone who might take advantage of an uninformed tourist. Let us arm you with a list of main safety tips that can help you minimize the chances of getting scammed or robbed on your itinerary.Â
Top 6 Safety Concerns for Any Traveler
We’ve built our tips based on in-depth research of the hazards that can await a tourist on a trip to a specific destination. Read on to prevent the worst-case scenarios and save your hard-earned cash.
- Drink responsibly
Don’t be tempted by the opportunity to taste all the local alcohol drinks in the night bar advised by bloggers on the Web. The more conscious you are while traveling, the safer you will be. The golden rule of safe drinking in public places is to constantly keep an eye on your drink and be aware of what’s going on around you. It’s almost unavoidably risky to get too drunk or high on a trip, so staying sober is the smartest solution ever. Be aware of how much you consume and don’t lose control over the situation.
- Leave flashy jewelry at home
Traveling with something valuable doesn’t sound like a smart idea. By wearing flashy jewelry in crowded areas, you risk becoming a target of malicious criminal actions. Don’t strive to impress a potential robber or scammer by your refined taste and money endowment by putting on showy valuables.
- Don’t carry too much cash
It’s never safe to carry too much cash with you. Be smart and open an account in an international bank or credit card company so that you can use local ATMs. Never keep all your money in a single place. This way, if one of your credit cards is stolen, you won’t be left entirely empty-handed. Besides, organize a stash of funds in case of emergency and store it in a safe place.
- Use the proper bag
The title of the safest bag is given to a cross-body bag, which can prevent robbers from grabbing your belongings as they drive or run nearby. A good bag can become your reliable companion, and some trendy models are equipped with such heart-warming amenities as slash-proof straps, locking zippers, and RFID blockers. Invest in your favorite and keep tethered to it.
- Blend in with locals
Dress properly so that the wrong clothing doesn’t scream you are an obvious tourist to every scammer around the corner. It’s much more mindful to take precautions to not attract the attention of a potential robber than to regret becoming their target later. Besides, by ignoring local customs, you can appear both arrogant and ignorant, like when visiting Islamic countries.
6. Learn The Local Language
Every traveler knows that learning the local language can greatly enhance their travel experience, but did you know it can also be a safety precaution? Let’s say you’re in Melbourne, Australia, and you’ve taken Spanish classes in Melbourne to prepare for your trip to South America. While exploring a bustling market in Buenos Aires, you overhear a suspicious conversation in Spanish. Thanks to your language skills, you understand that someone is trying to distract you while their partner attempts to snatch your bag. Being alert and understanding the conversation, you quickly take preventive measures and keep your belongings safe. By investing time in learning the local language, you not only immerse yourself in the culture but also gain valuable insights and the ability to detect potential threats.
It’s Wise to Be Prepared
Though there is no way to avoid risk 100% since it is a part of any journey, you can still take measures to manage it by making safety your top priority. Stay smart on the streets, be prepared for the unexpected, and minimize your exposure to becoming a target in an unfamiliar country. Explore the world safely and avoid trouble on your way.
