21 Travel Security Tips | Road-Tested by a Career Traveler 🕶 🔐

Summary

In this video, Nora Dunn, the Professional Hobo, shares essential travel security tips to ensure a safe and stress-free trip. From using street sense to blending in with locals and staying aware of your surroundings, she covers practical advice on how to avoid looking like a tourist and reduce risks. Key tips include carrying a photocopy of your passport, securing your valuables, using VPNs for online security, and staying in well-lit areas. Dunn also highlights the importance of travel insurance and emergency information. These tips aim to boost travelers' confidence and help them navigate their journeys securely.

Takeaways

• 😀 Always trust your street sense to stay aware of your surroundings and avoid risky situations.
• 😀 🚶‍♂️ Don't look like a tourist – blending in with locals helps you avoid being targeted.
• 😀 🗺️ Avoid looking at maps in public; use subtle methods like phone maps or consult maps in private.
• 😀 👀 Walk confidently, even if you're unsure of your direction, to deter potential threats.
• 😀 🎧 Stay aware of your surroundings by avoiding noise-canceling headphones while out and about.
• 😀 🧳 Travel in groups when possible; safety is often increased by staying around others in public spaces.
• 😀 🚶‍♀️ Avoid taking shortcuts if they lead you to secluded or poorly trafficked areas.
• 😀 💡 Stick to well-lit areas, especially at night, to reduce the risk of encountering danger.
• 😀 📄 Keep your hotel or Airbnb address on hand, especially in case you lose your phone or wallet.
• 😀 🚖 Use taxi safety measures: Take a photo of the license plate, don't share rides with strangers, and wait until you're out before paying.

Q & A

What is the first piece of advice given for improving travel safety?

The first tip is to develop 'street sense,' which is learned rather than innate. It involves being aware of your surroundings and practicing common sense to avoid potential dangers.

Why is it important to avoid looking like a tourist?

Looking and acting like a tourist can make you a target for criminals, especially in areas where being a tourist is associated with wealth. This makes you more vulnerable to theft or other crimes.

What should you do if you need to consult a map while traveling?

Avoid looking at a map in public. If you must check a map, do so discreetly, preferably away from the crowd, and keep it brief to avoid drawing attention to yourself.

How can you avoid being targeted by criminals when walking in unfamiliar areas?

Walk confidently as though you know where you're going. Even if you're unsure, acting like you do can reduce the chances of being targeted. It also helps to research your route before leaving your accommodation.

Why should you avoid using noise-canceling headphones while traveling?

Using noise-canceling headphones can make you less aware of your surroundings, which increases the risk of being caught off guard by potential threats or hazards while traveling.

What is one method of staying safer in unfamiliar places?

Stay in well-lit areas, particularly at night. Criminals are less likely to target you in places with good lighting and where there are other people around.

What should you do before getting into a taxi for extra safety?

Take a picture of the taxi’s license plate and cab number. This will help you report the driver in case something goes wrong, and it also signals to the driver that you are being cautious.

Why is it important to carry a photocopy of your passport while traveling?

Carrying a photocopy of your passport provides a backup in case your original passport is lost or stolen. It can also serve as proof of identity when needed.

What is one way to safeguard your financial information while traveling?

Consider carrying a decoy wallet with some cash and fake cards. If you are robbed, you can hand over the decoy wallet, keeping your real wallet and valuable items safe.

What precaution can you take regarding hotel room cleaning to enhance security?

Instead of using the 'Clean my room' sign, which signals to others that you're out, contact the hotel directly to request room cleaning, keeping your whereabouts more discreet.