Travelling is amazing and you’ll have loads of fun, but you do need to consider your own personal safety, this goes for both male and female travellers.
With common sense and being aware of your surroundings, you’ll be in a stronger situation and better prepared in case anything does happen.
General Tips
I never take anything of personal value with me. I don’t take any special jewellery or wear a watch. The only items worth anything would be my phone, kindle, wallet and cards.
Keep your bag and valuables in sight at all times. To be honest I’m a little bit paranoid about this. But, I’ve never had anything stolen from me while traveling!
If you're travelling via coach or train, have a smaller bag you can take onboard with you, don’t put it under or above the seats. Keep it in your arms and sleep with it if need be.
Watch as your backpack or suitcase is put into the hold. Don’t have valuable items in here. What can happen on long journeys is someone is in the luggage compartment waiting till the bags and been loaded and the coach head off and they’ll then go though all the bags during the journey.
Use zip ties on your backpack. This will work as a deterrent and you’ll know straight away if anyone has been in your backpack.
Use a money belt when travelling and wear it under your clothes.
Have a padlock handy to use on the lockers at hostels. Lock anything valuable away when you stay in places - just be wary of other travellers, you will meet amazing people, but there will always be people who are opportunists so don’t make it easy for them.
Keep your whits about you especially when you’re in busy areas such as local markets, bars, tourist destinations etc.
Keep a fake wallet with a small amount of cash on you, just in case you do get robbed or pick pocketed. They’ll be more likely to take this than your actual wallet.
Don’t take your valuables down to the beach with you. If you do go to the beach, try and go in a group, so one person can stay behind and look after everything while you go in the water.
Look after yourself! No one else will be doing this for you. You need to take responsibility. This could be as simple as putting on sunscreen before you go out in the sun, having safe sex, and not walking alone in dodgy areas at night.
If something seems too good to be true, it generally is.
Follow your gut instincts about people and places. If you don’t feel comfortable in a situation, leave it, don’t worry about looking rude. If you need to be rude, be rude.
Remember everything can be replaced; your bank cards, your passport, your phone etc. The only thing that can’t, is you. So don’t put yourself at unnecessary risk.
Drugs
Seriously don’t do them in Asia the risks are not worth it. If you’re caught in the UK, you may get a slap on the wrist or a caution. In South East Asia you will go to jail and you could be sentenced to DEATH. It’s really not worth it. Avoid at all costs.
Don’t do drugs, don’t travel with drugs, and be wary of people who want you to do drugs with them, they could be setting you up. I can’t say this enough the rules are very very different in Asia for drugs and the penalties are severe. It’s not worth it - So say NO.
Full Moon Parties - Thailand
These are starting to get a really bad rep, you need to be really careful if you do decide to go. Be careful with your drink, so it doesn’t get spiked and be careful not to drink too much. I’ve heard rumours of locals who wait in the trees and watch the tourists to see who gets smashed, passes out on the beach, or heads off home alone. They’ll either rob them or rob and rape them - both guys and girls.
I’m not trying to scare you, but I am telling you to be sensible. Still go and have a great time, but don’t take anything of value and don’t get so paralytic you can’t look after yourself or your friends.
If you have any top tips or advice you want to share, please comment below.
Be safe x