HOW TO STAY SAFE WHILST TRAVELLING

I've found that this topic is always on everyone's minds when I tell them that I'm travelling alone or visiting a country for the first time.

Typically when I've been out exploring different countries or travelling between them, I've always found that if you stick to some basic rules of safety, then there's nothing to really worry about. I think that backpacking gets so much bad press on how "lots of people get robbed" or "the streets aren't safe". Of course this does happen but you just have to be aware of it.

For instance, last week whilst travelling on the tube in London, I saw a man with a backpack on. Now strapped to this backpack on the back of it in plain view to everyone, was what looked like a rather expensive camera and his wallet. I mean... that's asking to be mugged. When I travel in London I always keep my bag where I can see it. There may be pick-picketers around, but I'm aware of that and take precautionary measures.

This is the same anywhere you travel. You hear that crime is bad in hot backpacker spots such as South East Asia, but it's all relative. Don't go out wearing expensive jewellery and don't flash an expensive camera or phone around. Stay to well lit areas and try to stay in groups. Travel light and only carry the essentials. Pick pockets are more likely to go for a heavy bag than a light fabric one which looks emptier. I'd always say always carry an emergency credit card too, you never know when you might need it...

It's places like Asia where you also have to think of your health. Don't drink the tap water, uncovered drinks and don't pet stray or wild animals. When you buy uncovered drinks you have no idea what's in them, so ALWAYS buy sealed bottles - even if the "pitcher" option might seem like a better deal.

Lastly, when I travel I ALWAYS keep a photocopy of my passport and insurance documents in my luggage. I also google map where the nearest British Embassy is in the country I'm visiting just incase. I always check the GOV website for foreign travel advice (I'd recommend for info about injections/crime stats etc).

If you're thinking of going travelling then just go. If you follow basic safety principles and be aware of the crime where you're visiting then it'll be all good.