| 1. Do your Research |
Exotic countries are easier to get to but not all of them are as stable as visitors might expect. Therefore it is essential to thoroughly read up on the current status of your preferred destination. For instance a holiday to Cairo during the recent Egyptian Revolution would have been a very bad idea. The Foreign Commonwealth Office at FCO.com runs a reliable and regularly updated service with advice on which countries are safe to visit.
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| 2. Blend In |
Nothing makes you more of a target than standing out like a sore thumb. Don’t travel to countries which have high levels of poverty with ostentatious jewellery and expensive belongings. Consider the customs and religions of the place that you are visiting, for instance women are well-advised to cover their shoulders and their legs in the Middle East. If you have an unusual or brightly coloured hairstyle it may also be an idea to cover your head so that you don’t attract unwanted attention.
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| 3. Be Respectful |
You may not think much of the way another country is run, but chances are its inhabitants do. Avoid political discussions with locals where possible and NEVER criticise their leaders or government, even if they do so themselves. Doing or saying the wrong things can land you in big trouble and you would only have yourself to blame.
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| 4. Never Carry all your Eggs in one Basket |
The golden rule of travelling is never use one piece of luggage or a purse/handbag/wallet which would severely inconvenience you if it was lost or stolen. Keep your most important possessions like passports and money separately, that way if you lose one you have not lost all. You should also make photocopies of your passport and visa and keep them apart from the original copies in case they go missing. Consider buying a money belt to prevent being pick-pocketed.
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| 5. Tell People Where you are Going |
Always tell someone, whether it is a friend or a family member where you are going so that they can raise the alarm if necessary. That way if you are in a country which suddenly has a precarious situation such as a riot or an earthquake, people will know to check up on you. The FCO runs a service for travellers called LOCATE where you give them your intended destination and they can offer consular assistance quicker if needed.
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| 6. Don’t be Afraid |
People can sense fear and it is only likely to get you into trouble if you are travelling. Don’t shy away from the local population and act like they terrify you, because it will make you more vulnerable. Most robberies and assaults of tourists are targeted at the wealthiest customers who try to hide away in all-inclusive resorts where they never have to venture beyond the hotel walls. Don’t ignore people who try to hassle you in the street. Just engage them with a firm ‘no’ if necessary. They will respect you more for it.
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| 7. Don’t be Naïve |
Although you shouldn’t be afraid, always keep your wits about you. Chances are that if someone is being inexplicably nice they have an ulterior motive. A good example of this is in some Eastern European countries where attractive girls will be sent out onto the streets to flirt with customers. Once they have a target they will then lure then to a dodgy underground bar where a single drink could land you with a huge bar bill. Always check that taxi drivers are registered users and never leave your belongings unattended, even if you think that your guide is trustworthy.
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| 8. Don’t Put Yourself at Unnecessary Risk |
Your travel destination may have amazing extreme sports opportunities but you should always weigh up the risk. If there is no hospital nearby or the country has a notoriously bad medical system, is your chosen activity really worth the risk for a few moments of unadulterated pleasure? Do you have adequate travel insurance and will they cover you for a diving/skiing/bungee jumping accident? Furthermore is hiring a car a good idea if there are bad neighbourhoods in which you could get lost?
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| 9. Try Not to Travel Alone |
Travelling alone can be very rewarding but it can also be dangerous, especially for women. If you don’t have a travel partner or desperately want some time on your own try to stick to well-known routes where at least there will be other travellers who could help if you get into trouble.
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| 10. Find out whether the Water is Safe to Drink |
Many countries have perfectly safe drinking water. Others will definitely make you ill unless you have the hardened stomach of a local. Avoid Tutankhamun’s Revenge, Delhi Belly and other unpleasant ailments by always carrying plenty of bottled water. Remember that salads, ice cubes and anything washed in water are also a no-no. In some remote places big chains such as McDonald’s and KFC may be your safest option.
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