Lifestyle
10 Travel Safety Tips While Exploring the Glitz and Glamour of Famous Cities
From Hollywood Hills to the lush beaches of Miami, there are many famous cities where you can wine and dine like glamorous celebrities or shop like…
From Hollywood Hills to the lush beaches of Miami, there are many famous cities where you can wine and dine like glamorous celebrities or shop like there’s no tomorrow. Traveling is a great way to learn about the world around you, and it’s enjoyable as well. However, nothing can ruin fun and travel plans like a severe injury or crime. Travelers are commonly victims of crimes due to unfamiliarity with new locations. Before riding first class to all the cities on your bucket list, learn to keep yourself safe in a new area with these travel tips.
1. Take a Friend
While solo travel can be enriching and valid, bring a friend if you’re worried about being lost or alone in a new city! You can take your best friend, partner, or family member. Make sure they’re fun to hang out with and are willing to use the buddy system to keep you safer in a new area. While bringing a friend won’t totally reduce the crime risk, it can deter many criminals.
2. Don’t Get Distracted
It’s easy to get lost in a big city or unfamiliar streets. You may have your nose buried in a Google Maps itinerary and be oblivious to someone stealing your wallet or following you into an alleyway. Pay attention to streets, people, and circumstances around you. Keep your belongings on guard under your watch at all times. Don’t wander anywhere without looking. Check your maps privately or only briefly. Admire landmarks without getting too distracted. Be wary about who you ask for directions.
3. Avoid Solo Drinking
Intoxication can lead to a significant loss of judgment or cognitive function. Some criminals look to prey on people drinking alone for robbery, sexual assault, or kidnapping purposes. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying a martini or beer with a meal in your solo travels, but avoid drinking excessively. If you want to party, do it in a private area or with trusted friends who will stick by your side the entire night. Avoid losing keys, wallets, or travel documents when drinking.
4. Pay Attention to the Roads
It can be confusing and frustrating to drive through unfamiliar streets and cities. Looking at Google Maps or famous landmarks while driving can increase the risk of accidents. You may even strike a pedestrian. You may even be the pedestrian struck if you’re careless while crossing the street. Pay attention to the roads and other drivers while both driving and walking. You can always turn around if lost but can’t undo a car accident.
5. Practice Rideshare Safety
Many travelers use rideshare services like Lyft or Uber to travel to new areas. While most rideshare drivers are considered professional and safe, there have been legal or safety issues in rideshare trips. As a precaution, let others know when and where you’re traveling via rideshare. Verify the license plate and name of the driver before getting in any car—have the driver state their name that matches their rideshare profile. Consider riding with someone you know to reduce the risk of danger. Don’t get into any vehicle, rideshare or otherwise, operated by an intoxicated driver.
Car accidents can and do occur in a rideshare occasionally. When this happens, consider consulting with an attorney to understand your next steps. You will need an attorney in the same state where the accident occurred. For example, if you’re traveling through Nashville to see the Grand Ole Opry, you’ll need an Uber or Lyft accident lawyer in Nashville. If you’re cruising through famous shopping destinations in Beverly Hills, hire a California rideshare attorney. A Miami Beach rideshare accident requires a Florida law firm.