City Collector

City Collector

Staying Safe in an Unknown City

Most big cities are safer than you think and New York, London and Tokyo are all high up on the list of the world’s safest cities. There are several precautionary steps to take if you are traveling to an unfamiliar city. These steps can help keep you safe while allowing you to enjoy what the city has to offer.

Try not to make it too obvious that you are just visiting. Familiarize yourself with at least the general layout of the city; you should also have some idea of where your hotel is in relation to everything else. Try not to walk around with your camera, nametag, map or guidebook in plain sight and remember to leave all your valuables in your hotel room.

All big cities have areas that are perfectly safe to visit during the day, but you are not advised to venture there after dark. In New York, for example, you might not want to visit the Lower East Side or Central Park after dark. In London, you should avoid parts of Soho and King’s Cross and in Paris, you should exercise caution in the areas around Gare du Nord, Les Halles and Stalingrad.

Do not carry all your money with you, what you need for the day should suffice. That way, if your wallet or purse is stolen, you can avoid being left penniless. Many travelers rely on ATMs for their money while traveling. They are convenient, can be found anywhere and you usually get a better exchange rate with the possibility of avoiding commission charges.

Try to choose an ATM that is in a public or a crowded place. If you are using one at night, try to choose one that is well lit. If you do have to use an ATM in an isolated spot, take a few moments to check out the surrounding area to make sure that nobody suspicious is lurking nearby and as soon as you have your money, leave the area. Do not linger, as this can be unsafe.

Pickpockets and sneak thieves love crowded areas where tourists gather. If you are carrying valuable documents with you such as a passport, plane ticket, etc, keep them in a money belt worn inside your clothing. Men should carry their wallet in the front pocket rather than in the back pocket, making it more difficult for pickpockets; and women should keep a tight grip on their handbag, making it that much more difficult to have it snatched by a passerby.

If you are confronted by beggars, panhandlers or the homeless, it is not recommended to engage them in conversation. A polite but firm “no” or a shake of the head may deter them. Never be tempted to participate in card games or other games of chance on the street. These are usually a scam, and they are mostly illegal. If somebody on the street is accosting you or you just do not feel comfortable, walk into a public building, museum or department store.

Many cities have excellent public transport systems and it is a shame not to use them during your stay. If you are taking the subway, metro or underground, be particularly vigilant with your wallet and purse. Once the train arrives, choose a car that is occupied by several people, rather than empty. On some mass transit systems, the first or last car is occupied by a guard or ticket collector.

One of the biggest dangers you may face in an unknown city is simply that of getting lost. Maps of just about anywhere and they are easily available on line and can be printed out; there is no excuse to not have an adequate map with you. Many large cities also provide maps of the immediate surrounding area posted outside tourist attractions, subway and bus stations, etc.

Another helpful move is to write down the name and address of your hotel. You should also make sure to carry it with you while you are sightseeing. The information should be printed both in English and in the local language, if applicable. It is easier to hand a cab driver a card than to possibly mispronounce the hotel name. There is also less of a chance to be accidentally taken to the wrong place. Always use official and licensed cabs and if you are in doubt, ask someone for help.

These days, traveling can be stressful enough without having to worry about your personal safety. Staying safe is important and you should always be prepared before you travel to an unfamiliar city. These tips and guidelines are meant to provide you with the basics for staying safe when traveling somewhere new. The most important advice to remember is have an idea of where you are going, know the name of your hotel and keep some of your money back at the hotel.

About the Author

Lisa Parker is a freelance writer who writes about topics and tips involving the travel industry and vacation deals, often discussing specific subjects such as travel websites and working with a travel agent.

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