Personal Security Tips For Travelers

What personal security tips can travelers and expats use while in a foreign country?

There are many things you can do. You just have to be prepared. Security is like anything else.

First, you have to educate yourself about the subject.

Next, you have to practice the skills you learned.

Lastly, you have to reevaluate what you have learned and adjust the knowledge to your situation.

Consider this information as your personal security awareness training.

So, here are some personal security tips you should follow in order not to become a crime victim abroad:

If you are an American living in a foreign country, be sure to register online with the U.S. Embassy here.

Registering is extremely important to do because in the event of a nationwide evacuation (natural disaster or war) U.S. officials will know how to locate and assist you in getting out of the country.

Furthermore, when you register you can receive Warden messages from the Embassy or Consulate. Warden messages are like newsletters which inform you about embassy events, local information, and contact names with numbers for U.S. officials who you would contact in the event of an emergency.

Don’t carry large bags or purses.

I don’t know how many times I’ve sat at local outdoor cafes around the world and watched as foreigners walked by wearing Royal Robbins and carrying large backpacks, when the nearest backpacking locations are miles away. This is an example of not practicing good personal security safety.

If you are not immediately going hiking, don't carry these large bags.

Refrain from carrying large amounts of cash or numerous ATM cards and credit cards with you.

You should also try to blend in with others around you. This includes wearing appropriate travel clothing and refraining from wearing flashy jewelry.

You should also avoid carrying your passport around town with you. Carry the certified copy with you instead. This prevents the actual passport from being stolen during a robbery.

Did you know that a U.S. passport can be sold on the black market for anywhere between $5,000 and $25,000 USD?

Not to mention it could be sold to a terrorist, who could ultimately use it in a future attack.

Check out other travel safety statistics.

Instead, you should store your passport in a safe or safety deposit box at your hotel or home.

However, if you insist on carrying your passport, you should at least use a passport holder or passport pouch which will help to conceal it.

In the event that you are confronted by a robber, the best advice is to surrender your property immediately. Any hesitation may cause the criminal to escalate the level of violence. Some travelers have asked if using personal security equipment is an option.

Remember: nothing, I repeat nothing, is worth losing your life over.

Read a story about what happens when you forget one of the basics of personal security.

You should not only guard your passport but also personal information about yourself. Be suspicious of strangers asking too many questions and offer as little information about yourself as possible.

Personal Security Tips: It’s best to travel in groups. Use the buddy system when going around town. Never go alone.

Of course, the more the merrier, but I would recommend no less than yourself and another person. Most of the time criminals operate in groups of 2 or more and many times they are armed with sticks, knives, or guns.

Have you ever watched one of those animal shows on the television?

Notice how the animals hunt; for example, the tiger. The tiger will stalk a group of gazelles until he locates the weakest one who strays from the pack. Then he will attack the lone gazelle because it is an easy target.

The same applies to criminals. They seek out the victim who is alone and the easiest target to attack. Keep this in mind before venturing out alone.

As a follow-up to the last personal security tip, make sure that you tell others of your plans.

This is very helpful during a police investigation of you are missing. When I was police officer attempting to locate missing persons I would use this strategy.

For example, if I knew that you were going to visit a monument at 2:00 PM and then the museum at 4:00 PM, I would begin the investigation at the monument. I would ask others if they saw you at this time. Then I would go to the museum to see if anyone saw you there at 4:00 PM. This would give me some type of reference point in the investigation.

Personal Security Tips: Send a friend a short text message as you arrive and depart your destinations (example, 2:00 PM arrival museum).

Avoid social distractions such as mp3 players and cell phones when walking around, jogging, or on public transportation. These devices tend to ease boredom or socially disconnect us from our current situation.

This can be dangerous. An attacker can quickly sneak up on you, unnoticed, if you are fixated on mp3 player.

Notice who is around you.

What is their age, race, sex, height, weight, clothing description?

These are the first questions a police officer is likely to ask you in the event that you complete a police report. Try it sometime. Remember this takes practice.

Next time you walk into a restaurant identify these characteristics of your waiter. Later try and write down the waiter’s description when you get home. How did you do? You need to practice this because remember, under the stress of being attacked it may be even harder to process this information.

Notice landmarks or street signs around you. You’re not expected to be familiar with an area that you are visiting; however, you should familiarize yourself somewhat with the city.

Purchase a map before you visit so that you can get a general layout of the city and locate hospitals, fire stations, and police departments.

When walking around note the cross-streets that you are walking on. If you come upon a situation where things just don’t feel right, you should seek a safe haven.

Duck into a populated store, restaurant, or bar. Try to remember the location of the nearest police station and get there if it is safe.

Don’t be time and place predictable.

If you go jogging alone everyday at 5:30 AM, someone watching you could easily ambush you.

Vary your patterns and times. Take a different route each time to a location that you frequent.

It’s human nature to develop these patterns; however, remember that being security conscious takes time and practice. You have to force yourself out of these patterns.

Patterns can make you vunerable to kidnappings. Besides, doing the same thing everyday just gets boring. Try something new. Take a different route to work. Maybe you will locate a new piece of real estate or meet the person of your dreams.

Life is short, so spice it up! You can have fun, be adventurous, and security conscious all at the same time.

Personal Security Tips: Don't listen to travel safety myths.

Remember to seek sound security advice from security professionals rather than relying on misconceptions and myths about travel security and safety.

Now, I understand that a lot of this information may be hard to remember; however, with practice it will become normal. In order to help you remember, I have created a FREE Personal Security Checklist that you can use to do a personal security check and have as a quick reference guide.

I hope everyone will use these personal security tips provided here while abroad. These tips will keep you and your family safe. Remember, you don’t have to be paranoid but you should be aware. Find this balance and you will have a feeling of personal security and have a great time in a foreign country.

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