Visiting a new place always comes with apprehensions.  Especially when traveling alone, being alert and looking out for yourself and your personal items is imperative to a hazard-free trip.  Though most people are friendly and happy to help tourists, some locals use that vulnerability as an opportunity to take advantage and scheme.  Following these safety tips will help you have the most enjoyable, stress-free trip possible.

The Fanny Pack

Nothing screams tourist like a fanny pack, and outing yourself as such so obviously can make you a major target for pit-pockets.  However, the function of a fanny pack, of keeping your valuables close to you, is very useful.  This is why a money belt is the perfect alternative.  Whereas a fanny pack is perfectly visible at all times, a money belt is thinner and meant to be concealed underneath one’s clothing.  This way, all of your valuables are close to your body, but you don’t give off the overt tourist vibes that could get you into trouble.

Odd Behavior

Obviously kindness from a stranger should not be shocking or alarming, but be aware that suspicious behavior such as unprompted conversations and offers of help can be distractions to a greater goal.  Tourists have reported being bumped into and apologized to, only to realize that while they were bumping into Suspect #1, Suspect #2 was taking the wallet and camera out of their bag.  Being vigilant is the best way to stay safe, and if a situation begins to feel unsafe, you can leave it before anything happens.

Don’t Take Everything

Though you may not have a “home” wherever you’re traveling, leaving some of your valuables in a secure place wherever you’re staying is much better than taking everything important out with you.  It may be scary to leave part of your travel money in a locker at a hostel, but that is undoubtedly a safer choice than taking everything with you all the time and risking a disastrous theft.

Traveling as a single person, especially as a single woman, can feel very vulnerable.  That’s one reason why going on a tour with other similar women wanting a positive travel experience is such a great option for those wanting a safe adventure.  There’s safety, and fun, in numbers.