9 simple tips for safety during adventures in any country

Traveling to a new country may be overwhelming. While each place is different, these practical tips will help you safely enjoy your vacation in any country. While our gut feeling can help, here are my simple tips for safety in any country.

1. Check the door

The first thing to do in your hotel room is to put on the 'do not disturb' sign and lock the door. Sometimes they can double-book a room by mistake and others can just walk in on you. It happened to me to be walked in on and also to be assigned an already booked room. If you're staying at an Airbnb, leave the keys in the door, on the inside, during the time you're there. This way it’s less likely the door can be unlocked from the outside. If there's no latch on the door, I like to block it with something, especially at night. I also carry a personal alarm, it’s small and loud. I put it in the door while I sleep and keep it in my pocket while walking around. You don’t want to attract attention to yourself unless you’re in danger.

2. Leave valuables at home

Don't go sightseeing with flashy, expensive jewelry, not even fake ones. You can lose it or it can be stolen. Worse, you can be attacked and injured for it. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Don't flash large bills, keep them in a separate pocket to use for big purchases. Have a secondary wallet with a card and cash and tuck it in a different place.

Always use the hotel safe if provided, locking away passports and travel documents. If you have to bring valuables with you, purchase a travel safe box. Luggage that comes with locks is also a great option.

3. Be careful with money

Always use an ATM inside a bank, during the day.

Read reviews of exchange shops before you go there. If you see people lurking or loitering around, come back another time. Handle small amounts of money at a time. If you feel like you are being followed, walk into a store. Avoid using credit cards in gas stations or small shops. It's safer to use cash where it's accepted. Even in modern-looking places, there can be illegal devices that steal card information. Restaurants may take your card and leave with it, so use one you can easily control or block. We had a bad experience a while ago in a nice restaurant. Our guard was down. The waiter left with the card, and the next thing we knew they went on shopping sprees and topped up bank accounts.

The best solution for this is Revolut. I have physical and virtual cards. I prefer to pay with my phone, with the virtual ones. In odd places, it gets you to confirm the purchase on your app. I like the notifications and real-time receipts, and you can easily discard and replace the virtual cards.

4. Blend in

A vacation is exciting, you might even do some special shopping for it. Refrain from wearing expensive designer clothes as you’re walking around cities. These are a few of the things that mark tourists in a big city: loud outfits, flashy accessories, hiking backpacks with attachments, obviously carrying all your possessions with you.

Being polite might be taken as inviting unpleasant behavior, so feel free to completely ignore people as you roam the streets.

Dress for the temperature and season to blend in. Light colors and loose clothes in the summer. Dark colors and layers for cold weather. Choose comfortable outfits in neutral shades, and avoid controversial prints on your t-shirt.

5. Plan ahead

As you step out of your accommodation, appear to know where you're headed. Look at maps and routes ahead of going out, and change your direction without a fuss. Casually stop in front of stores to check your phone. Opt for silent directions, don't let Siri yell out instructions from your pocket.

Study the map of the place you will be at, and know your surroundings. You should also know the emergency numbers of the country you're visiting. Have backup plans for transportation and a portable phone charger.

6. Trust your intuition

This is available for everyone, not only solo women. Avoid creepy places, dark alleys, and deserted areas. If you get a weird feeling about anything, leave. Trust your gut feeling, you’re not missing out on anything.

Don't engage with people on the street, especially if you're by yourself. You don't have to be nice or answer to anybody.

Do research online and check reviews for every place you’ll be stopping at. Don't stay out very late, especially in a club. Try to leave parties earlier than 1 am, nothing good happens after that. Never take your eyes and hands off your drink and get bottled beverages instead of mixed drinks. If you want to leave with someone you just met, make sure a friend can track your location.

7. Extra safety with transportation

When renting a car, always make sure you leave it locked. Don't leave bags or anything of value in a car, no matter how long you'll be gone. If somebody really needs the money, they will break in for a pair of sunglasses and change. If you make stops with luggage in your car, you shouldn't be more than a few steps away.

Whenever using rideshare services, share your trip with a friend. On the occasion I take a taxi by myself without an app, I send the plate numbers and itinerary to my husband. Never let anyone force you into a vehicle. Cooperating might seem the safe thing to do in case of danger. But if your life is threatened now, it will be even worse if you go with them. Kick, punch, make noise, scream whatever you can, be explicit. If it is legal in that country, carry pepper spray. Taking a self-defense class is a great way to feel and be safer.

8. Don't overshare

Be mindful of what you tell strangers. Never say you are by yourself, how many days or where exactly you are staying, and what plans you have. Any details you give may be overheard, as well. I read on a forum a woman's experience: she told the boat tour guides that she's by herself. When they debarked, someone followed her and she was robbed.

People with hidden interests appear cheerful and helpful, so they ask a lot of questions. Appearing yourself too easy going and friendly could signal your guard is down. An aim can appear to be too relaxed, tipsy, having fun, and not paying attention to others.

Prepare to answer with vague and incorrect information, and ask for recommendations. Privately update trusted friends and family. Never share your location on social media. Post all about the hotel and your surroundings well after you leave the area.

9. Look out for others

As you enjoy your adventures, try to pay attention to others- tourists and locals. In some places, guys think that following women will make them irresistible. On separate occasions, I watched guys try to follow young girls. So we walked in that direction as well, stopping as the stalker did. If the creeps notice they're being watched, they'll reconsider their stalking. Eventually, the girls were far enough, and the guy gave up. If they feel entitled to harass women, it's up to passersby to keep them in check. I've also had people watch out for me on the street, and I'm thankful they were so kind and observant.

Safety is everyone’s business, and remember to always look like you know what you’re doing!