Traveling is more than just going somewhere new, it’s a true privilege to do so, and it’s an experience that builds upon your knowledge of culture and of the world.
Unfortunately, when going far from home you might feel like you’re out of place. And, many people can take advantage of this. It’s not uncommon for tourists to be the targets of crime in many places across the country and the world. But, if you follow a few tips you can greatly mitigate your vulnerability to would-be criminals.
Like any trip, it’s best to use common sense in all activities. But, before you get to your destination, proper planning can also greatly reduce the likelihood of your being a victim of crime.
Here, we’ll illustrate a few ways that you can keep yourself safe when traveling alone across the country.
1Car Preparations
First and foremost, you’ll need to make sure that your car is operating at tip-top performance. The last thing you’ll want to have happen is to find yourself broken down on the side of the road, 500 miles from home.
While you’ll want to take your car to a local mechanic to make sure everything is in working order, you’ll also want to go over your insurance policy. Many basic policies don’t include a roadside assistance package or towing service unless requested. If you find that you don’t have these services, it’s time to get a new quote for auto insurance.
In addition to acquiring adequate insurance, you’ll also want to make sure your tires are in good condition, properly inflated, and have been recently rotated and balanced if it’s been a while since your last trip. Proper tire inflation and balance not only affects your driving safety, but this also has an effect on your gas mileage, and can cost you money if not properly maintained.
2Travel with Confidence
While you will be a tourist, you don’t want to look like one. Now we’ve all seen the common tourist walking seemingly dazzled by all the new sights and sounds of a place. But, we also know that tourists are easy to spot.
So, you’re walking around and notice an individual wearing a gift-shop T-shirt that you almost bought yourself, two cameras slung across his or her neck, and they’re sporting a fanny pack. All this scene needs is a Hawaiin shirt and sunburn and you’ve painted the picture of the quintessential tourist. Basically, you want to look like you might be a local in the way you carry yourself.
The more you’re able to blend in and not look out of place, the more you’ll stay safe and better your chances of not becoming a victim of any crime.
3Stay in Well-Traveled Areas
While at times your sense of adventure might beckon you to take that narrow dirt road, these are the types of decisions that could lead to an unpleasant experience.
Safety does exist in numbers, and you’re much less likely to become a victim if you stay around well-populated areas or areas that are frequented by others. And it’s simple, common-sense measures such as this that will keep you safe while you’re out enjoying your time.
Essentially, you’ll want to stay in well-lit, public areas for the most part. Keep away from areas that are posted as dangerous or off-limits, no matter how piqued your curiosity becomes. And, when you need to ask for information such as directions, ask local authorities instead of other random travelers.
Traveling abroad or within the United States can be an exciting experience. But no matter where you choose to spend your well-deserved time off, ensure that you’re playing it safe. Keep in mind that certain regions of the country are home to different cultures as well, and instead of going in blindly, take time to learn about the cultures that you’ll be visiting.
Not only can this practice help you to stay safe, but you’ll also be doing yourself a service as well by becoming more knowledgeable about the world around you.
