Comments on: Stay Open, Stay Safe: 5 Unconventional Travel Safety Tips

By: Audrey Scott

Audrey Scott — Sat, 11 Feb 2017 09:35:22 +0000

In reply to Pamela.

Hi Pamela,
Thanks for your thoughtful and helpful comment here! Your advice about the first 24 hours and what to do about it is spot on. We usually book a place in advance for that first night, and it is often wise to take a bus or even trusted tuk tuk when getting around to get one’s bearings for that first day and to suss out what is new and what is suspicious.

I always tell people that if you have genuine curiosity and are engaged, local people will sense that and want to help or look after you. But yes, when one is tired it’s really hard to keep up that awareness and engagement. I was just telling a new female traveler the other day that it’s recommended to take days off from time to time and to not look at it as defeat, but as a refresher so that you can be more “on” after that break — this not only benefits your safety, but also your entire experience.

Thanks again for sharing! Great advice.

By: Pamela

Pamela — Tue, 24 Jan 2017 14:42:35 +0000

Your tips are good ones.
Two further tips, all based on self awareness of one’s vulnerability in the environment in which one finds oneself:
1. Be aware of the first 24hours vulnerability. When I arrive in a new place, new culture, new timezone, I find I am uncertain where I’m going or I’m looking at my phone/map or gazing around more than when I’m purposeful in familiar territory. This makes me an obvious tourist and a target. Most of my muggings (I’ve had a few – being small, female and intrepid means I am exposed to this risk) are in the first 24hrs. How do I now combat this? I stay in a nicer area or hotel while I’m getting my bearings, I don’t try to do too much, and I might even take a bus rather than walk while I’m getting used to the place.
2. Vulnerability increases with tiredness and irritability. Travel is great but it can be tiring and even lovely villagers’ interest in me can be irksome at the end of a long day or week hiking, cycling or whatever. I now know my safety is in my ability to interact with that eye contact and smile you mention, and maintain a conversation about my marriage status and children without showing that I’d rather be by myself and have a shower. My safety in remote areas is not only the grandma but the whole village looking after that ‘nice’ (ie smiling, chatty, interested) person. If I’m not ‘nice’, then that contract starts to break down. If I’m not tired I also engage. I’m more curious and I learn a lot more, become streetwise from their local wisdom. So now, if I find I am tired, dropsy or grumpy, I know it is time for a day off – my safety is directly correlated with my buoyant mood, smile and patience with all difficulties.

By: Audrey Scott

Audrey Scott — Fri, 12 Sep 2014 13:11:24 +0000

In reply to sarinha. Hi Sarinha, Thanks for your advice regarding putting on an unfriendly or mean look when facing an uncomfortable situation. It reminds me of a friend who said that her sister used to ride the New York city metro at night because of her job. She would sometimes start shaking and acting as if she was crazy (e.g., talking to herself) if she became scared or uncomfortable. Same logic applies :)

By: sarinha

sarinha — Mon, 08 Sep 2014 15:56:51 +0000

absolutely love your stories; they really make you want to pick your backpack and go abroad. I learned a fancy advice in Brazil: Especially white girls can have a hard time at night-time around favelas. I was told to look unfriendly whenever I feel uncomfortable. And it makes sense. You would rather mug (or even worse) an unconfident and nervous girl than someone staring you in the face with an expression that looks like you had eaten (his) her pet. You intuitively expect more resistance and might abandon your plans…

By: Audrey Scott

Audrey Scott — Sun, 05 Jan 2014 18:00:40 +0000

@Ross: That’s exactly it – be aware of your surroundings and people who might be eyeing you (and your stuff). When those people know that you are aware of them, it’s unlikely they’ll come after you as it’s easier to go after someone who isn’t paying attention.

By: Ross

Ross — Sun, 05 Jan 2014 16:38:16 +0000

Great advice. From doing travelling myself I think the stopping if you think you are being followed and also the tourist areas being the most dangerous are the best. So many times in the big tourist areas I have seen people eyeing up cameras, wallets etc. Luckily with some caution you can avoid being the target.

By: Audrey Scott

Audrey Scott — Thu, 12 Sep 2013 09:14:58 +0000

@Casey: Great advice about seeking out families. Often, it’s easiest to start the connection with the kids (who are sometimes more open than adults) and then the parents get curious and want to adopt you as well. Love your story from Jodhpur.

By: Casey

Casey — Thu, 12 Sep 2013 04:34:19 +0000

You have articulated this issue so well – it is so important to balance safety concerns and openness so as not to cut yourself off from genuine human connection while traveling.
In addition to grandmas, we look for families. While waiting for a late train in Jodhpur, we got the “everyone is watching us” feeling, so we sat on the floor near a big family who predictably adopted us within minutes. We wound up spending our wait time taking photos and singing songs with three generations.

By: Audrey Scott

Audrey Scott — Wed, 28 Aug 2013 06:00:48 +0000

@ciki: Ha!! Fortunately, he was a mellow bull 🙂

@Peggy: It’s funny, we had a similar experience in Quito. Although instead of teaching us how to hold my handbag we were taught how to wrap the strap of the camera around our wrist at least two times to reduce risk of theft. Fortunately, we had no problems in Quito but I did hear of some other travelers who were mugged walking around at night.

By: Peggy Tee

Peggy Tee — Wed, 28 Aug 2013 05:58:44 +0000

Love #5 – when I was in Quito travelling by myself I stopped for an almuerzo, sharing a table with an older grandma who told me not to go ANYWHERE in Quito because it was muy peligroso, and then insisted on showing me how to properly hold my handbag to reduce the risk of theft. Go Grandmas of the World!