10 tips to avoid getting robbed while travelling

Posted on 17 July 2013

Travelling is a great way to experience the world and enrich your life. However it has its perils. You could get robbed, attacked or stuck in a war-zone. This sucks out all the fun out travelling and turns you into a paranoid nutcase. To help you return from your travels with all your  possessions, here are a few tips on how to avoid getting robbed while travelling. (Unfortunately, none of them involve how to get you out of a war zone. You’re on your own there).

 

1. Learn about your destination

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Take in as much literature as possible on your destination.

Before we pack our bags and head off to an unknown destination, we ask our friends and Google about the place. However, most of us tend to focus on the cool stuff like things to do, or where the most scenic spots are. We seldom (if ever) check the crime statistics or which spots to avoid at our destination. This often puts one into the unknowing-traveller position and that’s not an ideal space. So to avoid becoming a prey for criminals, get as much as information about safety at your destination.

 

2. Watch your belongings

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Avoid leaving personal belongings unattended.

It’s important to keep an eye on your all belongings at all times. Would-be robbers are insanely attracted unattended possessions. To keep them at bay, always keep your stuff as close to you as possible. We’re not saying go into bed with your cash belt strapped to your waist, but knowing where your backpack is at all times could save you a whole lot of trouble.

 

3. Never show that you are lost

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Avoid looking like the lost tourist.

Let’s face it, wandering around with a map in your hands and asking for directions with an anxious face makes you look like easy meat to desperados. To avoid being lost in a foreign setting, always read your map before you leave your hotel or lodge. If you forget directions, find a safe spot to recheck your map. Try to look confident and certain while you’re at it. Blend in with the crowd. It will keep you from looking like easy prey.

 

4. Drink responsibly

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Always drink responsibly when you're in unfamiliar surroundings.

If you like tasting local brews, make sure you do it responsibly. You could easily land up in some dodgy area or bad company after a few too many. However, if you can’t resist the urge to get inebriated, make sure you do it in a safe place in the company of friends and leave all your valuables somewhere safe.

 

5. Follow your intuition

Have you ever been in a place and felt fear crawling up your spine? Your first instinct was to get out of there and you were right, because a few minutes later something bad happened? Apply the same theory to travelling. If you feel unsafe in a place, get out. We’re not advocating paranoia but its best to follow your intuition than have regrets later.

 

6. Do not flaunt valuable belongings in public

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Do not take out expensive belongings in public.

Photo by Ed Yourdon

Walking around with your DSLR camera and iPad exposed in an unfamiliar setting is a definite no-no. Pickpockets see travellers who flash their valuables as ‘asking for it.’  So when you carry expensive possessions into crowded spaces make sure they see minimal sunlight. Use a notebook to take notes instead of an iPad and to keep your valuable camera safe, rather view those awesome pictures back at the hotel.

 

7. Stay in a group

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If possible, always stay in group with other tourists / travellers at all times

Image by (nz)dave

Exploring and discovering a new place alone is always exciting. You’re out there discovering the world and the last thing you need is to feel claustrophobic in a group. After all, you didn’t leave the house to have someone babysitting you in another country, did you? However, this go-at-it-alone attitude makes you an easy target for robberies. You could get cornered and it’s difficult to get help when you don’t know anyone around. Being in a group scares hyenas away. There’s always safety in numbers so make sure you’re surrounded by people you can rely on.

 

8. Close all doors and windows at your hotel

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Ensure that all doors are locked before you leave your accommodation.

Photo by Storehouse of Snow

Before you go out and explore your new surroundings, make sure you lock your possessions away. Are you sure that all windows are closed? Did you double-check if the outside door is locked? Good, now you can go and enjoy your travels.

 

9. Carry what you need

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Never carry extra and unnecesary things.

Photo by Andreas Kolleger

Nothing sucks like overloading a backpack and realising that half of it is gone when you reach your destination. It leaves you feeling uncertain about the location of your belongings. It could have fallen out or some smart guy could have pulled it out. Carrying a lot of stuff  hinders your ability to remember what is inside. This allows thieves to snatch away your items without you being aware. Even if you see someone stealing your stuff, who is going to watch your other two backpacks while you are chasing? For tips on how pack a backpack check out 10 tips on how pack a backpack.

 

10. Use reputable companies

Whether you are taking a taxi or booking a place to stay, always use services from reputable companies. Keep away from any company whose track record screams danger.

 

Bonus: learn the lingo

Lastly, try learning a few words from the local language. Yelling mwizi or nisaidi,tafadhali! in Tanzania could be pretty useful if you need help from the locals.

If you have any suggestions on how to avoid losing items while travelling, please add them on the comments section.

Main photo by Bifford The Youngest






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