Trifter

If you travel alone you could be putting yourself at risk.

Before you leave home check with your foreign office, government advisory, and take their warnings seriously. If it means changing your itinerary to avoid troubled locations, then do so. 

If you are traveling alone, try to meet others who are headed in the same direction and tag along. You will also meet people traveling back from where you are headed, they will no doubt have  important information about the country or region you are visiting.  Even better than fellow travelers are trusted local people who you can converse with. They may be able to show you places, you would not other wise have known about, and inform you of possible dangers.  If you are walking through an inner city neighborhood be aware of who is around you and what is going on at all times. This might sound a little much, but think of yourself as an FBI agent, being totally focused on any possible dangers, planning ahead your tactics if a problem arises. Never telegraph where your money is in public,  by touching your back pocket.  Pick pockets and thieves look for these signs. 

Always keep some cash in a separate pocket that’s easy to get in a hurry. If a mugger demands cash and you hand over the spare money, in most cases the mugger will take the money and run.  Keep your valuable in different locations about your person.  That way you probably won’t lose all your valuable belongings if your attacked. Be sure to have at least a basic grasp of the local language.  You might need to yell for help or speak to police. Learn the word for fire. If you shout help most people will not come to your rescue because of self preservation, however if they here the word fire, it will get their attention and prompt them to act.

Kidnapping is on the increase across the globe.  Its very unlikely to happen to you, but if you find yourself in a kidnapping situation, the key is to act quickly during the abduction,  when the kidnappers are at their most vulnerable. Fight, kick and make as much noise as possible.  If you are forced into a vehicle, try to cause an accident. If you are locked in the trunk, look for the door release and try to escape when you get the first chance. If you can’t open the trunk, kick the tail lights out and stick your foot or arm out to get attention.

Americans and gringos in general are viewed with disdain in many parts of the world.  You may find yourself in a situation being threatened by locals who have decided they don’t like who you are or your country.  Stand your ground and don’t show you are afraid. Be non confrontational and use aversion therapy, by changing  the subject to sports. Guys world wide are united in their love of sports, despite political or racial differences.