Traveling solo can be an exciting and liberating experience, but it’s important to keep yourself safe, especially when using public transportation. Here are ten tips to help you stay safe during your travels.
1. Plan Your Route Ahead of Time
Before starting your travel, it’s essential to research the best routes to your destination using public transportation. You can contact locals or transport staff for advice, use online maps or public transportation apps to avoid potentially dangerous areas. Knowing your route ahead of time not only saves time but also helps you avoid potential dangers.
2. Keep Your Belongings Close
Carrying belongings close to you is essential for safety, especially in bustling and crowded areas. Using a cross-body bag instead of shoulder bags or backpacks will keep your belongings close to you. Do not display expensive electronic gadgets or jewelry that can draw unwanted attention to you or thieves. Hidden pockets and money belts could also make sure larger amounts of money stay safe during your travels.
3. Be Mindful of Your Surroundings
Being alert to your surroundings and people around you is crucial for staying safe during your travels. Avoid getting distracted, especially with your phone, as it could take your focus away from your environment. Moving away from surroundings you find uncomfortable, switching seats or stopping at the following stop could easily help you avoid dangerous situations.
4. Sit Near the Driver or Guard
If possible, choose a seat near the bus or train’s driver or security guard; this may offer you an extra layer of security and deter criminals from targeting you. Avoid sitting in isolated areas, like the back of the bus or train carriage, where you could be more vulnerable.
5. Trust Your Instincts
Trusting your instincts is crucial when it comes to staying safe while traveling alone. If something or someone seems off or suspicious, act accordingly, inform an authority or change seats to get away from that particular situation. Reporting any suspicious behavior to local authorities and the transport security ensures that the public transportation sector is safe for all.
6. Don’t Display Large Amounts of Cash
It’s essential not to show large amounts of cash or carrying all of it in one place – carrying multiple smaller amounts is better for safety. Keeping only some cash in your wallet and the rest in a hidden pocket or money belt ensures you can still manage emergencies without worry.
7. Be Careful When Using ATM’s
ATMs located in dark or isolated areas or those that appear tampered with should get avoided when possible. When using an ATM, ensure that you are not drawing attention to yourself and quickly hide your pin when entering it. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, don’t hesitate to report it immediately.
8. Be Cautious of Strangers
Traveling alone means you will probably come across a lot of people, some of whom may try to offer unsolicited help like carrying your luggage or striking up a conversation. It would help if you were careful not to fall for scams or get distracted by these situations, politely decline, and move away if you feel uncomfortable.
9. Have your Mobile Phone Fully Charged
Your mobile phone can be a source of help if things go wrong during your travels. Ensure that it’s fully charged and that it has easy reach. Storing emergency contact numbers for local authorities and maps for guidance helps you easily navigate unfamiliar terrains with ease in case of emergencies.
10. Learn Basic Self-Defense Techniques
Lastly, it can be helpful to learn some basic self-defense techniques before traveling to boost your confidence and safety. Knowing their basic forms of self-defense methods such as escapes from grabs or strangles in case an incident occurs can help you quickly respond to danger.
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