Safety tips for backpackers

It is easy to blow the risk out of reasonable proportions, but we believe travelling overseas is not necessarily any more dangerous than staying at home, as long as you travel in an informed and aware state, making sensible decisions along the way. This realbuzz guide intends to ensure that you can still enjoy your trip, but do it in a manner that will help you avoid some of the pitfalls that have struck other less prepared travellers.

Before setting out…

• Make sure you have taken all the necessary health precautions such as having the required inoculations for the countries you intend travelling to, and all the medication you need (as recommended by your doctor).
  
• Take out good travel insurance before leaving on your trip. This should help cover you if you become ill, or in the event of something else, such as theft or loss of belongings.
  
• Study your destination and read some of the experiences of other travellers before you go, so you are aware of the areas to avoid and some of the situations that may have confronted other backpackers.

While you are travelling…

• From the moment you leave your home with your backpack you become a potential target. It is therefore best not to leave your bag unattended at any time, particularly for security reasons if flying from an airport. At other times, leaving your bag may be unavoidable, but try to keep those situations to a minimum.
   
• Link up with other travellers when you can. This can reduce the strain of having to be on your guard 100% of the time. It is true, there is safety in numbers.
  
• Have your important documents and cash or cards with you at all times. These are best kept in a well-concealed money belt, and you should have this with you all the time, and when you have particular reason for concern, even when sleeping or when taking a shower. Obviously, if travelling with a friend, you can look after each other's belongings.

• Always try to keep in touch with your family or friends and let them know your intended destinations. Try not to agree to contact at pre-arranged times though, because if for some reason you don't contact, this can trigger serious concern.
  
• Try and keep a small amount of cash separate from your main belongings. At least there is a likelihood you won’t be left totally penniless if you have been robbed or are the victim of a pickpocket. Also, do not carry large amounts of cash if you can help it.
   
• Photocopy your travel and insurance documents and keep these separate from the originals and your money, in case of loss or theft. Another good idea is to email them to yourself so you can access them, if required.
  
• Wherever possible, leave passports, traveller’s cheques and other valuables in a safety deposit box or safe at your accommodation.

• 
  
• When selecting your accommodation, it is best to plan ahead. If you are in an area where backpackers hostels get booked up, make sure you book and get a bed rather than having to wander the streets of an unknown destination on your own. Try to use reputable places recommended by other backpackers.
   
• Hostels seem to foster a good atmosphere where fellow backpackers look out for one another, and usually have some secure places to leave your belongings. However, backpacker hostels are not immune to thieves and many travellers end up getting robbed there, so be careful.
  
• If travelling by train or a long bus journey, you may want to think about securing your belongings with a padlock and then perhaps attaching them to an overhead rail.

• If on public transport and you feel the need to sleep, keep your belongings close to hand. If travelling with friends, it’s best to sleep in shifts.
  
• Be extremely cautious about accepting food or drink from strangers. In some places, criminals try to drug travellers and then steal from them.
  
• Even if you are a bit low on funds, it is best to avoid hitchhiking. You can never really ever be sure of anybody.

• When meeting people after a previous occasion, it may be best to arrange to meet in a lobby or communal area, rather than giving away your room number.
  
• Dress conservatively so you don’t make yourself stand out. Some cultures can be deeply offended by what they consider are inappropriate clothes. Make sure you know what the appropriate dress is for the area you are in.
  
• If taking a taxi, be sure that it is a licensed cab. It is best to avoid just picking one up on the street. It is better to go to a taxi pick-up point if possible. You also need to be aware, that even though you may be safe, your cash may not, with many drivers only too ready to fleece a traveller. Try and establish a price before you ride.
  
• If you intend to cover a significant distance on foot as part of your trip, you will need all the proper gear, guidebooks, maps and clothing to ensure you do it safely.
  
• If you are confronted by somebody wanting your cash, then it is best not to resist. There is no sense putting your life on the line for a few quid.

It’s important to remember that good planning before you leave goes a long way towards ensuring your safety, and a bit of good old common sense while you are away should prevent your trip being ruined.
Often we have our own intuition about certain sets of circumstances or certain people, so if you don’t feel quite comfortable in a given situation, then it is best to err on the side of caution and remove yourself from it.

Enjoy your travels!

These tips are all well and good, but the only one you really need is to 'head to the realbuzz.com shop for great value deals on travel health products' - you know it makes sense!