Trust Your Instincts and Develop Situational Awareness
Picture this: you’re walking down a busy street in Bangkok, completely mesmerized by the vibrant colors and exotic smells, when you suddenly realize your wallet has vanished. This scenario is all too common for travelers who lose focus in unfamiliar environments, underscoring the importance of situational awareness.
Situational awareness is the ability to observe your surroundings, process information, and respond appropriately to potential threats. According to recent research, 93% of solo travelers prioritize situational awareness, making it their top safety strategy. The key is maintaining that delicate balance between soaking in the experience and staying alert to what’s happening around you. In new environments, you’re bombarded with unfamiliar sights, sounds, and signs, so focus on key elements like exits, unusual behaviors, and landmarks.
Research Your Destination’s Security Landscape
Recent security analysis from Europe-based risk companies concluded that the “security situation has deteriorated in 77 countries” around the globe, with International SOS not lowering the security risk rating for a single country in 2025. This isn’t meant to scare you, but it highlights why doing your homework matters more than ever.
Reading the U.S. Department of State safety and security information for your destination and exploring the Travel Advisory map before you go are essential first steps. Each destination is ranked based on 35 different criteria, including involvement in armed conflict and occurrence of natural disasters. Don’t just skim through the highlights either. Understanding which neighborhoods to avoid, common scam tactics, and local emergency numbers could literally save your life. Know the emergency ‘911’ number for your country, as medical care may not be as widely available as in the United States.
Master the Art of Blending In
It can be assumed that any major tourist zone has someone looking to pick a pocket or snatch a bag of an unsuspecting traveler, as thieves target those who call attention to themselves or are aloof or distracted. Think about it like playing a character in a movie where you need to look like you belong.
Some countries have rules or norms that differ from the United States – for example, tight-fitting clothes, sleeveless shirts, and shorts are not acceptable in some places, so pack essential items that will help you blend in with the local culture. Thieves also target people they perceive to be wealthy, so seek to minimize displays of cash, jewelry, phones or other indicators of wealth. This doesn’t mean you have to look shabby, just avoid flashy designer items or constantly pulling out expensive gadgets. Even your choice of bags can make a difference – a beat-up backpack often attracts less attention than a pristine leather briefcase.
Secure Your Accommodations Like Fort Knox
Research accommodations carefully and read their reviews for safety concerns, as you are more likely to be vulnerable when you first land in a country with unfamiliar surroundings. The cheapest option isn’t always the smartest when your safety is on the line. Look for places with good lighting, secure entry systems, and positive reviews specifically mentioning safety.
Don’t tell strangers where you are staying, secure room keys, IDs, and other personal items, lock windows and doors when inside your room, and bring a door wedge or portable door jammer to use at night. The State Department recommends that windows in vacation rentals be locked at all times. These might seem like paranoid precautions, but they’re actually basic security measures that experienced travelers swear by. A simple rubber door wedge costs less than five dollars and can provide invaluable peace of mind.
Navigate Transportation Networks Wisely
The safety of public transportation varies from country to country, and in many places, informal taxis or minibuses can be dangerous, especially affecting those traveling alone. This is where a little pre-planning goes a long way in keeping you safe and your wallet intact.
Arrange transport to and from the airport before you arrive from a licensed and reputable company, research taxi and ride share companies before you go to make sure they are licensed and reputable, and consider using app-based transportation companies which offer a record of your ride. Some companies also allow a rider to share their real-time ride record to another phone, which is useful to identify the vehicle and driver later. Apps like Uber and Bolt aren’t just convenient – they create a digital paper trail that can be crucial if something goes wrong.
Protect Your Digital Life from Cyber Threats
“Cybersecurity is a top concern,” says Shaun Boulter, global head of operations and security for AXA Partners, as “travelers and clients are increasingly requesting advice on how to protect themselves.” In our hyperconnected world, your phone and laptop contain more valuable information than your physical wallet.
When traveling internationally, remember that your mobile phone and other personal communications devices transmit and store your personal information, which is as valuable as the contents of your suitcase, possibly more so. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is one of the most effective tools for securing your internet connection while traveling, as outdated software often contains vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit, so make sure your devices are running the latest updates. Think of your devices like your passport – you wouldn’t leave that lying around unprotected, so why treat your digital identity any differently?
Handle Money and Valuables Strategically
It is advisable to carry larger amounts of cash, credit cards, passport and phones in an internal pocket or money belt, while having a separate wallet in a front pocket or purse with spending cash and transit cards that provides a resource to give without losing all valuables if targeted by a pick-pocket or mugger.
Keep an alternate form of payment in a different bag in case your wallet is lost or stolen, and add your eligible debit and credit cards to a digital wallet so you can pay with your mobile device wherever digital payments are accepted. Notify your credit card company and bank of pending international travel to avoid your accounts being frozen for suspected fraud, and keep contact information for credit card companies and banks in the event of a lost or stolen card. This strategy has saved countless travelers from being stranded without access to funds.
Stay Connected but Stay Private
Establish a strong communication plan and protocol – locally let others know where you are going and when you will return, and if traveling outside of your city or country, notify your program leader or local staff of your itinerary and contact information. But here’s the tricky part: you want to stay connected without broadcasting your location to potential criminals.
Avoid posting your location or travel agenda on social media, as sharing these details allows potential thieves to keep track of where you are, making it easier for them to time a crime – the same goes for your out of office email message. Posting real-time updates about your travel plans, locations, or other personal information may inadvertently expose you to identity theft or even physical risks, so consider sharing highlights of your trip after you’ve returned. Save those envy-inducing vacation posts for when you’re safely back home.
Navigate Cultural Differences with Respect
Cultural awareness is a key element of situational awareness, as every culture has its norms, and failing to recognise them can not only lead to misunderstandings but also jeopardise your safety. What’s considered polite behavior in New York might be deeply offensive in Bangkok, and ignorance isn’t always bliss when you’re far from home.
In conservative countries, dressing inappropriately can draw unwanted attention or even lead to legal issues, so researching and adhering to local customs is crucial for both safety and cultural respect. Some countries have laws protecting free speech and peaceful assembly in a way similar to the United States, but other countries have more restrictive laws where talking openly or posting on social media about sensitive subjects can lead to fines or arrest. When in doubt, observe what locals are doing and follow their lead – it’s a simple strategy that can prevent serious cultural missteps.
Prepare for Emergencies Before They Happen
Think ahead and come up with a safety plan to deal with unsafe situations in the event you end up in one, consider bringing personal safety whistles/alarms and taking self-defense courses before you travel, and find out where emergency services like police stations and hospitals are located nearby in case of an emergency.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get information about health and safety in your destination country, as enrolling also allows the U.S. embassy and/or consulate to contact you in an emergency. According to the Global Rescue Traveler Sentiment and Safety Survey, 63% of travelers would obtain security extraction services for destinations rated “Level 1” or “Level 2” by the U.S. State Department, and 51% would seek security extraction services when visiting high-risk regions. Having a concrete emergency plan isn’t pessimistic – it’s practical preparation that lets you enjoy your trip with confidence.
Being alert and safe in unfamiliar places isn’t about living in fear or missing out on authentic experiences. It’s about being smart, prepared, and aware so you can fully embrace the adventure ahead. Situational awareness is essential for safe and enjoyable travel, as staying alert, preparing for potential risks, and adapting to cultural norms can significantly reduce the chances of encountering trouble abroad and enhance the overall travel experience. The world is full of incredible places waiting to be explored – these strategies just help ensure you’ll be around to tell the stories when you get back home. What destination are you planning to explore with your newfound safety awareness?