“Aren’t you afraid of getting taken?”
Um…. no.
Don’t worry, if you asked me that question, I’m not specifically writing about you because I’ve been asked it more times than I can count.
Y’all need to stop watching T.V. or something.
Before I sound too rude, let me explain that danger is a real thing. But the idea that “here” is safe and “there” is not is just plain wrong.
You can be safe anywhere. You can get hurt anywhere. Granted, some places are more risky than others, but it’s all about calculating the odds and determining if a risk is meaningful enough to you to take it.
Most of us drive; that is one of the most dangerous things you do each day. But our freedom to drive is more meaningful to us than the risk of getting hurt in an accident (or we’re so numb to the risk because it’s normal that we don’t consider it).
I could dive into this so much and I probably will in future articles. But for now, I’m going to list off some of my favorite safety tips for travel. Because if you decide traveling is a risk meaningful enough to take for you, then go for it and try to minimize all the risks you can along the way. Here are some ideas as to how to do that:
- You are not a victim
It starts with a mindset. I used to walk around so afraid that something would happen to me, that someone at any moment could do something to me. After living a while overseas, I realized that I wasn’t looking at the full picture. While this is true, I am also a powerful person. I could do something to someone else. If I wanted to be a bad guy or hurt someone or try to steal something, I can. I never would, but it is an important realization that we are on an equal playing field. Granted, men tend to be stronger than women, and weapons tip the playing field. However, you could have a weapon, and the realization is still important. It might sound brash or crude, but you need to realize that you are also a powerful agent of harm or good — bad guys aren’t the only ones who can act. If you have experienced trauma, I do not want to belittle that at all nor am I putting any blame on you. But it is also a reality that you are a powerful force with choices. This might seem like I’m belaboring a point, but it all starts here. Since you’re not a victim, you need to start walking like that. You gotta be confident, and if you’re not confident, fake it til you make it. Be a hard target. Here’s some tips on how to do that with Confidence and embracing your mean girl face. I go into more of all of this here. - Respect the night
It goes without saying that the night calls for more caution than the day. I recommend really considering what you do at night. Go out in groups, avoid the areas locals tell you to avoid, take safe transport, take all the extra precautions at night, and try to get in at a decent hour. Your trip to Colombia really isn’t the time to stay out until 2am. Save that for your hometown. - Consider your alcohol
Unpopular opinion: I don’t drink alcohol when I travel alone. If you do, please know your limits. Just know when you are overseas you will always be more of a target and to some degree you are always dumb when it comes to their culture. So it doesn’t hurt to have all your wits about you and avoid drugs. Not a bad policy for life either if you ask me. - Strength in numbers
When it comes to violent crime, stick to the crowds. I always think there has got to be one good soul who will help me in a crowd. When I’m in an area where no one else can be seen, little alarm bells start going off in my head. The more people the merrier. Granted, crowds also call for more chance of theft and the like. But stuff can be replaced. Another way to keep your numbers up is always tell people where you are. I have a rule that at least one person must know where I am at all times. - Safe transport
I will be posting an article on tips for safe transport. - Try to blend in
Observe what others wear. Are natives wearing shorts? If not, don’t. Hot pink tennis shoes? Do you see other people carrying crazy fancy cameras? This isn’t the time to stick out, you want to be one step below all the locals. If they all have their cell phones out, you might be okay, but maybe still keep it hidden. You’re a tourist remember? It’s obvious, but make it as unobvious as possible. - I like pepper spray
I’ve never used it, but I carry it. If anything else it helps me with my confidence. - Consider your stuff
Don’t carry stuff you don’t want stolen. If mugged, give up your stuff. Come as prepared as possible with good travel gear. Have a dummy wallet or even phone to give up.
What safety tips have you found?