13 Steps To A Safe Trip

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been getting all sorts of questions by guys who are about to travel, or thinking about setting up a trip. One of the most common questions, involves safety. Everyone has heard stories about Pablo Escobar and the “guerillas” in Colombia, or the “favelas” in Brazil.

Part of the problem, is that the media only tends to cover the negatives, never giving credit to the positives. I am not sure why the negative stories always seem to reach the international news.

I’ve lived many years close to New York City and Newark NJ, and there was plenty of crime around this area. What city, does not have crime?

My father was robbed at gun point in Bergen County New Jersey. I’ve been assaulted in the streets of Bergen County as well. People get shot almost weekly in the Newark NJ. My point… Anywhere you go, even the city near where you live, has places where you are more likely to be involved in a violent crime.

Having said this, you should always prepare as much as possible for a safe trip. My rule of thumb is to keep everything low key, and try to fly under the radar, especially if you’re very new to traveling abroad. Once you get your stripes, visit a few different countries, get fluent in the customs, the currency and language, then you can start to dress a bit more flashy, but personally I never overdue it…

I’ve been traveling for years now and I’ve never had a problem. I think I can attribute this to the fact that I always like to play it safe.

So, I’ve made a short list of the top thirteen things you can do to have the safest trip possible. Some of these steps may seem a little paranoid, but I think you’ll be better off playing it safe, especially if you’re not a veteran traveler. I’d also like to say that the degree to which you need the 13 steps below really depends on where you’re headed. I haven’t made this list for any particular city, but more as an overall checklist for your safety. Some places are more dangerous then others, so the degree to which you follow these safety tips really depends on where your going. It may even vary depending on which section of a city (or country) you may be going to. Just keep in mind that I always try to error on the side of being extra safe. So here we go, and have a safe trip…

#1 – Do your research and ask questions. There are many sites you can visit that can help you learn more about the place you’re headed to. Some of these sites include, wikipedia.com, poorbuthappy.com, bootsnall.com and lonelyplanet.com. Feel free to shoot me an email if you have concerns.

#2 – Try to go with a group. I know many of you are headed out on your own. I’ve gone on many trips on my own, but there’s always safety in numbers. Try to go with one or two other people.

#3 – Try to learn the language before you go. Nothing makes you stand out more in a foreign land, then not knowing the local language. Even a little conversational knowledge will go a long way. Knowing the language makes you seem like a seasoned traveler.

#4 – Feel out your new surroundings. Remember that you are going to someplace you’ve never been before, and there may be areas that are safe, and areas that are not so safe. So always be alert and cautious while you get to know your new surroundings.

#5 – Don’t be flashy. Lave the IPODs, earrings, jewelry, fancy watches, and Iphones at home, or in the hotel room. Be cautions about where you pull these things out and what you carry on you. I try to be as low key as possible, especially when I’m in a place I’m not familiar with. I generally don’t like to be too flashy, even if I’m in a safe place.

#6 – Travel with the locals. If you’ve already made friends on the Internet, they will look out for you. No one knows the local city better then the people who live there. Try to make some friends online before you go, or meet some locals once you get there. Let the locals guide you safely through your trip.

#7 – Be cautions at night. I generally don’t like to walk around at night. For the most part I stick to taking taxis to and from wherever I’m headed if it’s already late.

#8 – Hail a taxi off the street as your last resort. Have your hotel, club, bar, or friend call you a taxi. Although the taxi’s on the street are generally
safe, you never know, so I always try to get my establishment to call me the taxi. They know who to call and who the good guys are.

#9 – Don’t cary around too much cash, and stash it in different places. In the event you do get robbed, don’t try to fight. Just give them the stash in your back pocket. Thieves will almost never hurt you if you cooperate. So, although I’ve never been robbed, if I found myself in that situation I would give them everything they wanted right away. I usually keep a little stash in my shoe or sock, or some other pocket.

#10 – Cary around a photocopy of your passport and license. Leave the real thing in the lock box at your hotel, or in a safe place along with the rest of your valuables. But always try to remember to carry the copies, in case you run into trouble with the local law enforcement.

#11 – Don’t leave drinks unattended. I’ve had instances in local bars around here in New York where my dates drinks have been roofied. Make sure you keep a close eye on your drinks, especially if your on your own. I try not to drink too much in general, especially when I’m in a place I’ve never been before.

#12 – Don’t bring too much attention to yourself. I personally like to fly under the radar as much as possible. I try not to bee to loud or make a scene.

#13 – MOST, IMPORTANTLY HAVE FUN. Remember guys, It’s better to be overly cautious until you get use to your new surroundings. But most importantly, remember that you are in an environment that favors men. These foreign women love guys like you, and they will show you a great time.

Have A Safe Trip,

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