8 tips to stay city smart
USA | Sunday, 2 August 2009 | Views [1357]
Traveling in big cities is awesome, loads of culture, museums, sites and people – but unfortunately with big cities also comes a lot of crime and petty theft. So for all you country bumpkins out there, here are some tips to traveling safely in big cities.
1. Watch where you walk
Walk along major avenues and through heavily trafficked public areas as much as possible. Try to avoid walking through deserted areas like alleys or empty lots, especially at night.
2. If it looks sketchy...
Sketchy-looking neighborhoods usually are sketchy. We know you are looking for an adventure and all – but just don’t do it.
3. Be alert
One of the joys of traveling is standing goggle-eyed in front of some amazing site, but try to keep at least part of your mind on what is going on around you. If you are traveling in a group, maybe you can trade off this duty.
4. Banking... it's an inside job
If you're traveling alone use the ATMs inside the bank instead of on the street.
5. Are you a pickpocket magnet?
Make sure your valuables are in a very safe place. Pickpockets are good; you probably won't feel a thing if they steal your wallet. Watch out for narrow aisles of trains and on city buses or subway - the trickiest time on bus and subway is when you are getting on or off with a crush of people. Pickpockets often stand in the crowd right by the door so they can hop off as soon as they make a hit.
6. Being followed
If someone is following you just duck inside a store quickly and either 1. They’ll give up and keep going or 2. You can ask the storekeeper for help.
7. Hold on!
When sitting on a park bench, at a terrace for a coffee or even inside a restaurant never leave your camera, purse or backpack next to you, on a chair back or on the table. It’s best to keep those things on your lap or on the ground with a strap wrapped around your leg.
8. Making a police report
If something is stolen from you when you’re traveling be sure to go to the police station immediately to make a report: every neighborhood has one. Plenty of travelers don't take this step; it may not be a lot of fun, but chalk it up as a cultural experience. The police report is necessary to replace some things, especially if you need to make an insurance claim or replace documents. Additionally, making a report keeps this issue up front and hopefully will contribute to improving street safety.
Photo courtesy of pwbaker/Flickr.com
Don't forget to pack a good dose of City Smarts when stepping out in urban areas.
Photo courtesy of pwbaker/Flickr.com on the streets of Philadelphia, USA
Tags: travel safety, travel tips, cities, urban safety, safetyhub, city smart
Add your comments
