Visiting a new city for the first time can be scary, but there are some steps you can take to feel safer in a city full of tourism.
First, the tactic we all learned in elementary school, the buddy system. The safest thing you can do while in an unfamiliar city is stay with a group of people. Sometimes it’s difficult to stick with a group of people because everybody wants to do something different. My recommendation is to form a group of at least 4 people. If there are differing opinions on activities or restaurants, then you can split up while still not leaving anybody alone. It’s also helpful to keep a card in your pocket with the phone numbers of your faculty member(s) (if it’s a faculty-led trip) and the address of your hotel(s) in case you end up alone somewhere and need to borrow someone’s phone or ask a taxi to take you to your hotel.
Next, try to avoid protests and know the local emergency number. A few cities that I’ve been to have had protests against tourism. As a tourist, the best option is to stay away from those even if you believe you blend in as a local. If you find yourself in a dangerous situation, calling 911 will do nothing. Find out what the local emergency number is and memorize it to avoid being in a situation where you can’t call for help.
Finally, keep a hand on your belongings at all times. There are several cities notorious for pickpockets. I opt for cross-body bags that have a zipper closure, and I keep my hand on the bag at all times. If I am traveling between cities and have my backpack on me, I will either pull it to my front or use some sort of clip (a claw hair clip or a carabiner) to clip the zippers together, making it more difficult for someone to open from behind without being noticed. Additionally, NEVER keep your cell phone in your back pocket. Keep it either in your front pocket with your hand on it at all times or in your zipped cross-body bag.
