If you looked at the media and government websites- I’m sure that you would never leave your bed! We most certainly would have missed some amazing experiences if we had trusted the media’s impression of some destinations. The media makes some places look so dangerous you could never imagine why people would want to visit! But I say clearly and firmly- they are usually VERY wrong. The media sells drama and negativity and the government tells you what could go wrong not what is likely to go wrong. They both have agendas that can influence your thinking when planning a trip. I could be challenging and suggest that I think the world is actually safer now than when we started travelling 35 years ago (but that’s another blog).
The reality is however, that life is not without risk and therefore when you travel, you can’t avoid risk. You will meet a scammer. You will be ripped off. You will find yourself in tricky situations. You may have something stolen. You will never be 100% safe. If you want that - stay at home (but who knows what dangers are lurking there). There is a fine line between caution and paranoia and between common sense and carelessness. Please don’t let the information below scare you- after 35 years and 121 countries we have only had one incident ( attempted theft of a phone in Paraguay) and we have trusted our common sense and listened to our intuition-in the early days we were by no means experienced or wise!
There are a lot of things you can do to make sure that the chances of anything serious happening are dramatically reduced. Most of these suggestions below are SO OBVIOUS! They are the same sensible thing to do at home.
SOME FRIGHTENING SITUATIONS:
Petty theft: This is the most common incident. Most theft is opportunistic, snatch and grab so there are things you can do the reduce that risk. If, however, you get robbed, don’t let it spoil everything for you. As long as you are safe and well, let it go.
· Keep your bag attached to something solid- My bags all have a clip on the handle to attach to a chair or I put the strap over my leg.
· Use the hotel safe- if you don’t trust the safe- you probably should change hotels.
· Don’t travel with items you can’t afford to lose.
· Have double security for valuables- a special place with a lock- and keep them with you.
· Secure you day bag. Day packs are not safe (at the very least place items in pockets inside or in bags clipped in).
· Bring your own padlock.
· Keep copies of all documents electronically and in paper (credit cards, passports)- yes, I Know this presents its own security risks but is the better of two evils.
· Lock the hotel door- some people travel with a door wedge.
· Zip pockets only- never a back pocket. Use a money belt if you feel worried.
· Don’t draw attention to yourself by your appearance or behaviour.
· Only take the money you need for the day- leave the rest at home.
· Make sure your hotel is in a safe area.
· Choose ATM’s in banks in daylight hours- rather than money changers in alleys.
· Watch for pickpockets: This is worst at bus stations.
· Never take anyone to your room or give them your address: Always give them the name of another hotel.
Violent crime (mugging and armed theft): This is rare and only really happens in South America and Africa and then, normally at night in large cities.
· Don't flaunt your wealth - this means don't wear flashy jewellery and tourist money belts, daypacks and camera bags.
· Use a taxi at night- splurge if needed.
· Avoid unlit roads and parks.
· Check with the locals if there are unsafe areas (usually the hotel reception is reliable).
· Never get drunk and try to make you way home. If you have to drink, drink locally or go in a group. Buying other drugs does not come without risk.
Riots: Its s sign of the times that we even have to write this. Rioters usually don’t have issue with tourists- just don’t be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
· Keep your eye on travel alerts from the embassy and in the news
· Stay in public areas, ask the hotel and stay indoors if things escalate.
Natural disasters: There is no doubt that if there was a natural disaster, I would rather be in a wealthy western country with some form of emergency response protocol. That being said , the wrong place at the wrong time, is an apt phrase to remember again here.
· Get to the nearest large hotel or hospital
Scams: You will get ripped off- it happens. This is probably the biggest “security risk” if you can call it that.
· Update yourself on what the current local scams are as they change. A new one emerges when one is stamped out. In Morocco at the moment it is common for men to flag your car down with a story that they need a lift to the next village, maybe their car is broken down. They will have watched for foreigners (they can pick you as you drive with your headlights on) and walk confidently hailing you. They speak English tell you about their children, joke with you and to show you their gratitude for the lift take you to a shop (my brother’s house) for tea and then the sales pitch starts. On the surface they are harmless, and you either refuse the offer of tea or go determined not to buy. They must be getting sales from it or they wouldn’t do it!
SOME TIPS TO KEEP SAFE
Trust your instincts: Your body is designed to protect you. Listen to your gut. “Butterflies” in the stomach and a racing heart are your bodies warning system well before your brain works out what is going on. Stop- listen to them- and work out what they are trying to tell you.
Have some emergency cash/credit card: Just in case the tips above are not enough have $200 US and a spare credit card in a secret (safe and waterproof) hiding place. Make sure you also have a Western Unionaccount in case you lose everything!
Have local emergency contacts: I put all the hotels and Emergency contact into my phone and have the Police number in the front of my wallet as well (in case I lose my phone).
Advise the bank where you are: We’ve had our cards frozen in South America- don’t risk it.
Don’t share too much: Use a fake hotel name if you need. Always say that you have been to this place before.
Get Travel Insurance: Never leave home without it. I know it can be expensive (especially as you get older) but it will pay for itself with the first claim.
Do your homework: This is the magic ingredient for happy travels on all fronts. We are so lucky today to have thousands of excellent blogs that are written by fellow travellers. Add government sites (as a general guide), guidebooks and travel agencies and you have no excuse for arriving without all the information you need.
Keep in touch and make sure someone knows where you are: Post your itinerary with family and friends and have regular communication so that if something goes wrong people will know where to look! This could include registering with your embassy in higher risk areas.
Look confident even when you are not: This can prevent you from becoming a victim. Maintain eye contact (this says you have seen them), hold your head up and walk with your shoulders back. Try not to look worried, lost, or scared.
Make sure you don’t take big risks, so the loss is manageable. Think before you act. What would be the implications of that decision.
Never go off anywhere with someone who approaches you in the street- Don’t get into a conversation with them, speak to whoever you are with or cross over the street. Don’t hand over anything to someone in the street.
Watch public WIFI: There have been scams where your details are skimmed through WIFI.
Never break the law: The police are not the same as at home. You have very few rights. Just go with it- Don’t swear or argue. If you are with someone else send them to the embassy to tell the embassy what has happened. If there is no Aussie or GB embassy go to the American embassy. Ask to make a call but they could refuse. Most locals will not come to assist you (even if you ask for help). Sometimes they will demand to see your passport and find something wrong and suggest your troubles will all be over if you pay a fine. To them! In cash! Right now! If they approach you on the street offer to go with them to the police station. In some countries there are also FAKE police so never get in an unmarked police car- say you will meet them at the station. If you are near a large hotel tell them, you are staying there, and your papers are there (if possible). Ask them to come with you to your hotel.
If it’s too good a deal to be true it probably is!
If in trouble head for an expensive hotel: If you are in a tricky situation head for the nearest expensive hotel and ask for the manager. They will call the police, get a doctor or you can simply sit in the reception until you work out what to do next.
Only use your own pad lock: If the rental company gives you one they could have the other key and when you park the bike and wander off, an enterprising person from the rental company arrives and ‘steals’ your scooter, thus later requesting you pay a large sum of money to replace the ‘stolen’ scooter.
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