There’s always going to be an element of danger when travelling in foreign countries. Then again, it can also happen in your own backyard. It’s all about using your commonsense.

. If travelling at night, always stay in well-lit areas and close to ticket booths.

. Sit in first class waiting rooms if they’re available.

. Watch your belongings at all times, especially during peak times.

. Keep alert at all times and beware of distractions which are sometimes set up by thieves so they can snatch your belongings.

. Don’t hand over your luggage if anyone offers to help, no matter who they are.

. Keep your belongings in front of you while putting luggage in overhead compartments.

. Sit near the front of buses where possible or near the security guard’s car on trains and don’t sit near open doors or windows where bags can be snatched.

. Don’t sit in empty train cars and if possible sit next to a woman as she’s less likely to grope you at night.

. Object loudly (or scream) if anyone is harrassing you. Even if no-one comes to your aid, it will help in getting them to back off.

. Don’t accept food or drink from anyone as it may be drugged and you could become the victim of sexual assault or robbery.

. Keep your documents, money etc in a money pouch around your waist.

. Padlock your bags to the luggage rack or your seat in case you fall asleep.

. Set an alarm clock to wake you about an hour before you reach your intended destination.

. Make sure know one follows you when you get off.

. If catching taxis, use registered or metered taxis where possible. If they’re unmetered, then settle on a price before.

. Get someone at your hotel to write down your destination in the local language in case the taxi driver doesn’t speak your language.

. If possible, share a taxi. This is common in the Middle East.

It almost makes you feel like maybe you should stay at home!

Tags: keep alert while travelling, safety on public transport, travelling on public transport, watch your luggage

This entry was posted on Saturday, February 23rd, 2008 at 12:07 pm and is filed under Travel Advice/News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.