Hey girls! If you missed it, check out the first part of our backpacking guide, on packing techniques. Be sure to stayed tuned for the third and final installment, where Tianna will discuss the must-do’s while travelling in Europe.

Traveling in a foreign country can be such an experience. Using old time maps, sleeping in hostels and learning the underground subway in each city can be challenging, but potentially dangerous. Every moment there is always a chance of pickpockets and “handsy” locals getting a handful of whatever they set their eyes on. But don’t let that change your mind about backpacking just yet, it’s easy to avoid finding yourself in rough situations, if you know how to take the proper precautions. Read on the learn our tips and how to follow these three “B’s” of travel safety.

Buddy Up

Using the buddy system is something we have all used since our years of pig-tails and hop-scotch. Although it may seem juvenile, traveling with a friend is always a safer way to go then traveling alone (and definitely more fun), plus you are less likely to be cornered and squeezed if your are traveling in a group.

Belt Yourself

Money belts are these little cloth wallets that are essential to traveling financially safe. You where them under your clothes to hold your most valuable possessions while abroad: Large sums of money, debit card, hotel keys, airplane tickets, and, of course, your passport. They may not be air-light, but they are concealable and flexible enough to be comfortable.

 

Silk money belt

Be Smart

We all know things can get carried away. You and your friends have been partying all day and may have had a margarita or two (maybe more with the no-questions-asked European drinking culture). You’re strutting the beach in your bikini and this handsomely aged man asks to buy you a drink or ten. Be smart about it and say, “no”. It would also be smart to avoid dark alleys, suspicious parties, and free drinks from random hands. No matter how much fun you’re having, always be alert and remember you are in a strange place, with strange people, and don’t do anything you wouldn’t do in a normal circumstance (like get in a car with a stranger, or provide personal information with your bartender.

What Do You Think?

Have you ever gotten into a sticky situation abroad? What are your best tips for staying safe while travelling? Leave us a comment and let us know!

2 Comments

  1. avatar iffi lali says:

    It is a good that you may not stay

  2. avatar Stacy says:

    Wierd and potentially scary situation:
    Was on the beach on Copacabana this past summer, and was walking with a friend along the beach around 5, heading back to the hotel. All the sudden about half a kilometer back, what appears to be one of their lifeguards is whistling and waving at me to come over, as though I have done something wrong. My friend and I kept walking slowly in the same direction we were going, away from him. He kept whistling, but we weren’t doing anything that could have warranted as dangerous or noteworthy. We looked at him carefully, now a bit farther away, and we noticed that his ‘uniform’ was not the same colour as the real lifeguards on the beach had been during the day. It was a while back, but I believe he was wearing all red, while the life guards there wear orange. Although that may be vice versa. Anyway, we kept walking away, and after about 3 or 4 minutes the guy gave up. I dont know what could have happened there, but the mind imagines the worst!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *