Although going around a city is exciting and interesting, it can also be nerve-racking if the town you want to tour has a reputation. Moreover, even though some places in the world are statistically dangerous, there are a number of them that are highly famous among tourists.
This is evidence that you do not need to stay away from the most dangerous places in the universe. You just need to find ways you can travel to those places safely.
This article aims to open your eyes to how you can ensure safety while traveling to dangerous places. Although the following tips will not absolutely protect you (that is, 100% protection). Rather, they can help to minimize risks and not interfere with your entire travel experience.
6 Tips to Prepare for Travel to a Dangerous Country
Reduce the Associated Risks
Examine the points of view of expatriates with other travelers that have ever visited your destination. Identify those problems that they have faced, as well as their solutions to conquer the difficulties. In addition, obtain the point of view of the locals. Know the means by which they protect themselves from unsanitary situations, crime, and the likes.
For example, you can reduce the damage resulting from theft if you insure your items or by getting innovative with the storage of things, such as storing accessories in an empty sunscreen bottle in a hotel room.
Stay at Alert Regarding Your Environment
You should always pay optimum attention to your surroundings. Always watch out for anyone staring at you in a suspecting manner and whoever is approaching you very closely. Whenever you sense someone following you on the street, move toward an area quite populated. However, make sure the populated place is not overcrowded by having too many people.
This is because anyone could do something terrible to you in the middle of a large crowd without anybody being aware. This includes hijacking your wallet or bag. Therefore, the perfect way to protect yourself is to have sufficient people around you who will notice if anything happens to you.
In addition, if you are in a crowd, your hands should be kept in your pockets around where you have placed your wallet or mobile phone. Or else, anyone would pick your pocket without you being aware. You had better not assume that no one can pick your pocket. This is because some people are highly skilled with their hands.
Furthermore, while walking, make sure you are not in a phone conversation. This is due to the fact that you will end up getting distracted by your talk, and becoming distracted will not enable you to recognize any probable threats or whoever will steal anything from you.
Do Not Give Away Your Control
One of the essential rules of safety to adhere to when traveling to a dangerous country is to always maintain a particular level of control over the matter. Avoid doing those things that will lessen your control level and put you at risk. Those things include entering the vehicles of those you do not know, overdrinking, etc.
Even though it is crucial to be mindful of things like that in statistically dangerous cities and countries, it is a great idea to put that common sense into use, irrespective of where your destination is. After all, some dangerous destinations are stunning, so much that they would not seem to be dangerous in any way.
Comply With Local Norms and Avoid Standing Out
A fantastic tip that will help you remain safe in a dangerous country is to avoid being outstanding as a tourist.
Frequently, tourists get targeted by predators because there is a probability of them being disoriented, not having so many contacts close by, not speaking the native language, and having possessions that can be robbed. After all, for them to afford the travel expenses to a new country, they must be wealthy enough.
When you, as a tourist, respect the local norms of the country, including the laws and dress codes, you will be less noticeable and then have a reduced risk of being targeted. As a general guideline, you should always avoid flashing any costly items, which include cameras and smartphones. This is because flashy items can attract thieves to you.
Do not be Aggressive, but be Assertive
Another way to ensure safety when traveling to a dangerous country is to be assertive, but not aggressive. More often than not, how you carry yourself in public could be the difference between not getting harassed and getting harassed.
In some cultures, an aggressive attitude, including eye contact and disrespectful gestures, can bring about attackers targeting you more. However, in other cultures, walking cowardly with your head turned down with a scared appearance can make you appear easy to rob.
Generally, it is better to get a comfortable medium and be assertive. Always walk with confidence, but ensure you do not do anything that will provoke others.
Consider Journeying With a Tour Group
Although there are admittedly several benefits associated with traveling alone and exploring the universe at your pace, traveling with a tour group will sometimes turn out to be your best bet. If you are going to a specific dangerous country or city, having a tour guide that is knowledgeable and other tourists around you can help you feel much more comfortable.
In numerous cases, a tour guide will inform you of those scams to look out for and which areas not to go to. They may also be able to join you in visiting certain dangerous places that are points of interest, which is, of course, safer than if you visit all by yourself.
Critically Carry Out Necessary Research Beforehand
Before you travel to any place, you should always carry out research about your destination beforehand. It will help you know about the kidnap insurance cost as applicable to your desired destination country, safe places to visit, alert you of any scams to look out for, as well as other critical information, like the type of prevalent crimes and the next step to take if you ever become a victim.
(Image Sources: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-walking-on-pathway-while-strolling-luggage-1008155/ , https://www.pexels.com/photo/people-standing-inside-airport-2767767/ , https://www.pexels.com/photo/brown-leather-duffel-bag-1058959/)
