I often get questions like "Aren't you afraid, travelling all by yourself?" or comments like "You are so brave going there." And no, I am not afraid OR brave, what I am, is PREPARED.
How in the world can you prepare you may ask? Well, below are some ideas on how to help you stay safe and reduce your risk of becoming a victim when you travel.
Research your destination
This is probably one of the most critical steps and a lot of people simply read a few Trip Advisor reviews and off they go. I don't think you should EVER visit any place without knowing what to expect when you get there.
"But I'm a spontaneous person, researching isn't my thing," you may say.
You can still maintain your spontaneity; but having basic knowledge of the area/country is crucial.
You should know if there are areas or specific places to avoid.
Do you need Vaccines or Visas for your destination?
I always check the Government Department of State website for travel advisories and information regarding diseases or Visas. You should also note the phone number of the US Consulate http://www.state.gov/countries
Understand a bit about the culture--especially gestures, clothing or words familiar to us that maybe offensive in the country you visit.
In many countries, visiting sacred sites require specific dress.
For example, in Italy, to visit the Vatican Museum, you cannot wear sleeveless shirts and your knees must be covered. They really do check that stuff and will refuse to let you enter.
Safeguarding your Passport and Credit Cards**
Before I travel, I always scan a copy of my passport photo page as well as the front and back of any debit/credit cards I will be taking and then Email them to myself using an Email account I can access any place in the world. (Ex. Yahoo)
While you can't use the copy of the passport to travel with, it may help expedite the process of obtaining a replacement.
(Having said that, this goes back to Research. Always know who to contact if your passport is lost or stolen. )
The copies of your credit cards will be helpful if your cards are lost or stolen.
The back of the card contains a phone number to call in just that situation.
**You should notify your credit card company if you are using their card while travelling.
**Try to use credit cards that incur no foreign transaction fees.
**Using a credit card almost always gets you a favorable exchange rate.
**Always take at least 2 credit cards in case one is lost or stolen.
**I generally use Credit Cards every place I can because it eliminates the need to carry a lot of cash and if lost or stolen, you usually are not responsible for fraudulent charges.
Cash
I never carry much cash with me when I travel. With ATM machines almost every place on the planet, there is no need. In addition, ATMs usually provide the best conversion rate for foreign currency. So, I normally only withdraw the amount of money I will need for a day or two.
Use common sense when choosing/using an ATM machine.
(If there are banks in the area, I go there.)
What you need to remember is to contact your bank and let them know you will be out of the country and make sure your PIN will work (usually needs to be 4 numbers). That way, they won't 'freeze' your account thinking use is unauthorized.
Sometimes there is a need to have some cash in advance. I found Travel Ex; through my local credit union was a reasonable place to purchase local currency at a decent exchange rate and a low fee.
Another thing that falls under Research--Know the value of the local currency compared to your currency. Foreign Currency
Clothes and Accessories
Try not to look or act like a tourist. In other words, try to blend in.
Dress more like the locals do. (Especially when in Europe-- They can spot an American a mile away if they are wearing white sneakers or sweat pants etc.
They don't wear that type of clothing, unless in fact, they are going to the gym)
Also, most people in other countries say they can identify Americans because they are so loud!
Never wear t-shirts with explicit language or offensive images.
Keep the travel paraphernalia to a minimum. **
**You are more of a target for a pick pocket or to be robbed if you are seen wandering down the street, focused on a local map, totally engrossed in taking pictures or staring in awe at the beautiful surroundings. The reason being: You are not aware of your surroundings.
I'm not saying not to do these things--perhaps try this:
Consult the map before you leave your room. If you have to refer to it again, stop and move to the side of the walking area and get your back near a wall.
Wear a cross body bag--men and women. Make sure the zippers and snaps are closed when you are out and about. (Men: they make cross body camera bags that can carry a lot more than the camera!) And wear it towards the front of your body.
Keep the camera out to take candid shots but use a wrist or neck strap and keep the carry bag closed/zipped.
I try not to carry a backpack because they are easy to pick pocket. (Although I did see a new design where the zippers are backwards that are supposed to be pick pocket proof)
When sitting in a restaurant or café, do not sling your bags over the back of the chair. Keep them on the ground between your feet. Make sure straps are not trailing out behind you.
I also try not to walk directly next to a road, if possible. In Europe, there were reports of thieves on motorbikes snatching bags or purses from people and speeding away.
The whole idea here is to make it difficult to anyone to rob or pick pocket you. The most important thing to remember is to be aware!! If you don't look like an 'easy mark' they will probably move on to someone else that does.
There are many websites that offer travel clothing, travel bags, garments to wear underneath your clothes to safeguard money and other valuables etc. I've never felt the need to purchase any of that stuff, but if something like that makes you feel more secure, go for it.
Luggage
Never put your address on your luggage tag--inside or outside. Only include your name and a phone number.
Why advertise your home address to anyone with access to your bag?
And always put a luggage tag or card with your name and phone number inside the bag in case the tag on the outside is torn off.
Travel Insurance 
In my opinion, travel insurance is a necessity. I use a wonderful site called InsureMyTrip.com
(No, I get no financial benefit by telling you that. I just like it)
You enter basic information and it brings up a bunch of different types of policies with all sorts of coverage. The price of the insurance is based on your age,value of the trip and I believe the location.
You enter basic information and it brings up a bunch of different types of policies with all sorts of coverage. The price of the insurance is based on your age,value of the trip and I believe the location.
You can then narrow your choices down however you like and compare them--a fabulous feature. I usually choose a Comprehensive package that covers most things. A couple of the things I always include in my insurance are:
Trip Interruption Baggage Delay Medical Evacuation Medical Coverage
Random Tips
Before you climb into a taxi, make sure it is an 'official' one.
In many countries, there are no meters in the taxis--negotiate the fare BEFORE you get in.
Summary
Despite all the planning and safeguarding, if you travel enough, something will happen to you. I speak from personal experience! However, by doing the things I've outlined above, you will save yourself some headaches and hopefully make the process less painful.
