Unscrupulous criminals love vulnerable people. Travelers have always been the most vulnerable people in town, even going back in history to bible days. As a solo traveler, regardless as to where you are traveling, you should never engage in behavior that obviously exposes you as a tourist. Doing so immediately increases your risk of being a target for crime.
The tips below will help you no matter where you venture off to and can actually make you safer in your own home town too.
1) Look Like You Belong:
Walk confidently and never act frightened. Do this even at times when you are afraid. You don’t have to dress just like a local, but at the same time don’t wear clothes that are completely outlandish for the environment you are in.
2) Plan Your Routes:
Look at maps and memorize your route before you leave your hotel, bus, train, car, etc. Then walk that route confidently as though you have done it a thousand times before. If you need to look at your map, duck into a store to look at it or at least do it discreetly.
3) Never Look Lost:
Even when you are lost, never look lost. Don’t cry or break down, even if you are completely overwhelmed (yes, this can happen to adults)… And definitely don’t stand in the town square with your map wide open looking around at street signs.
4) Scan Your Surroundings Constantly:
Always be aware of your surroundings and of what is happening around you. If you see a situation developing anywhere, watch it closely so that you can start moving away quickly if you need to.
5) Don’t ‘Allow’ Anyone to Follow You:
If you feel like you are being followed, don’t just keep walking or act like it isn’t happening. Turn around, look the person in the eye (let them know you are aware of them – show no fear) and walk in the opposite direction. This is usually enough to shake them off. If they turn around and follow you, walk towards a highly populated area.
I have travelled to some very remote and strange places. I made a habit of the tips above during my travels and I arrived home safely, completely unscathed after years of travel… And not always because I was in safe places!