Safety
Never tell anyone you've met abroad that you’re traveling alone. This is up to you, however telling strangers you’re by yourself with no means of local help, is just inviting trouble into your life. If anyone ever asks, I’ll always say I’m waiting to meet my friends or if the persons sketchy tell them it’s your mates first trip abroad after a long stretch inside.
Research
Do your research before travelling. Make sure to familiarise yourself with the local area on Google maps street view so you know what to expect. Check reviews of companies online before booking any excursions. It's always safer to do an excursion with an office-based company rather than someone selling you tickets down an alley claiming they can save you €5.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Look where you are going! You'll never embrace all those lovely sites if you're walking around with your head buried in your phone. Always be sure to check you are in a safe environment and not surrounded by any questionable characters.
Explore well-populated areas. If you are the only person walking down a particular street, maybe that is for a reason? Use licensed taxi companies. Stick to well-lit streets at night whilst avoiding deserted places. PS. Don't keep all of your money in one place.
Learn The Language
It’s always good to know a few key phrases in case of an emergency. For example: “Where is the hospital?”, “Help” or “I'm lost”. Personally, I like to take this two steps further by learning other handy phrases such as “Let’s get her” or “Easy target”
I’ve watched a lot of movies in my time and I’m not about to be a victim. 😂
Travel Bags
Opt to use a "bum bag" or a money waist belt (pictured above). Bum bags are good for keeping valuables such as phones and passports in view and close enough to you to avoid pickpocketing. If you want to take it one step further, opt for a money waist belt. This is a thin pouch that sits on the inside of your clothing and can hold money, hotel keys and passports. This is the best option for security as I'd like to hope thieves will not be able to gain access to any belongings stowed away there.
Emergency Contacts
Memorise the local emergency services numbers i.e. 999
I always share my live location for the duration of my trip with a trusted friend, which can be done via various mobile apps.
Keep emergency contacts of loved ones from home written down on paper.
Make sure your emergency contacts are reliable! Nothing worse than being in a sticky situation and someone not picking up the phone!
Such great advice!!! when we went to Europe, we wore the “Fanny pack” under our shirt to keep things safe. I make sure to make a copy of our documents, passport, ID, insurance card, and itinerary and give to my parents