Hotel and Guesthouse Precautions
On long trips, I sometimes need to isolate myself. So I book paid accommodation. Same when I arrive very late in a city - I don't want to bother a nomadsister at that moment, so I book a hotel.
I recommend choosing a place with good reviews, preferably in a lively neighborhood. Avoid isolated areas, even if they're cheaper. Your safety is priceless. Ask for a room near the elevator or stairs if you doubt the place.
To avoid the single supplement, you can also choose a youth hostel - they're perfect for meeting people and creating connections with other travelers.
Transportation Safety: Public Transport and Taxis
Take official transport, avoid unlicensed taxis. Uber and Bolt are your friends in most Western countries. For night trips, always book safe transport rather than walking.
Keep your day bag in front of you. Remove one strap from your backpack in crowded places to feel any break-in attempts. A photo of your closed suitcase before check-in can serve as evidence in case of problems.
Your instinct says "no"? Listen to it. It's your best way to manage risky situations.
Where to Leave Your Belongings to Avoid Theft
I'm naturally very suspicious. I don't trust hotel safes, baggage storage, or anyone. Except: the local resource person I found beforehand.
So at the hotel, I leave absolutely nothing valuable. I have a second backpack that moves with me all the time.
2 Pro Tips:
Hide Your Most Precious Items
Never put all your eggs in one basket! Distribute your money between a money belt, pockets sewn into your clothes, and an invisible waist pouch. Keep large bills in your belt, daily money in a decoy waist pouch.
Expert-Level Camouflage Tips
Store your valuables in a worn or damaged bag and fill the brand-name bag with clothes. Thieves always target appearance, not actual content. Foolproof technique I've used for years! For example, store your camera in a basic bag.
Behaviors to Avoid Risky Situations
Walk with confidence, avoid constantly looking at your phone on the street. Lost? Ask a family or a woman with children. Someone bothering you? Enter the first shop and ask for help.
Obviously, no flashing of valuables. Adapt your clothing to local culture. Avoid wearing flashy jewelry, except a wedding ring, even if you're not married 😉... And keep a photo of your fake husband in military uniform. With AI, you can easily create one with you in it.
Bonus: it also eliminates persistent suitors and can prevent insecurity related to unwanted approaches.
Finally, three words that open all doors:
Learn "hello," "thank you," and "help" in the local language. These simple words create an instant connection with locals and can get you out of a tricky situation. It's a considerable advantage for your sociability.
Stay in Touch (Without Revealing Everything)
Send a daily message to your loved ones, but avoid posting your real-time location on social media. Share your adventures afterward, not during.
And honestly, live in the moment for yourself - you'll have plenty of time when you return to tell your adventures. It's a pleasure to savor fully.
In Case of Emergency or Dangerous Situations
Listen to your instinct, it's never wrong. A situation makes you uncomfortable? Leave immediately. Better to seem paranoid than end up in a dangerous situation.
If things go wrong, act fast.
Memorize your embassy's number and local emergency services. In case of assault, scream loudly, attract attention, run to a public place. Your wallet is never more precious than your life - throw it and run away.
