1) Be vigilant
Be aware of what is going on around you. Be especially careful at night, on
public transport and in crowded areas, and avoid being on your own or
walking in poorly lit, quiet areas.
Keep an eye on your property all the time. If you use a small rucksack, wear
it on your front, so the pockets are less accessible. If you use a handbag,
make sure it has a long strap so you can wear it across your body. When
sitting down, keep your bag on your lap, or wrap the strap around your feet.
2) Be adaptable
Behave in a way that fits the local culture as much as possible. Dress
appropriately; anything low-cut, tight or revealing may be unacceptable
locally and can draw unwanted attention to you. The same goes for political
or provocative slogans.
Be aware that smoking or drinking may not be socially acceptable, particularly
for women. Think about how it is culturally appropriate for the different
sexes to interact and try to follow this, if you don't adapt, you can send
out dangerous signals and stand out as a target.
3) Travel light
Avoid taking expensive cameras, ipods or mobile phones away with you. These
are not everyday things in many countries. If you do carry gadgets, be very
careful not to flash them about and be aware that they can attract
attention.
Do not carry more money than you have to. If you can, establish a bank account
so that you can take out small amounts. If you are on the move, do not carry
all the money in one place: spread it about your person (e.g. in a
money-belt) and your luggage so that if anything is taken you still have
enough cash to get home.
You don't need to take all your credit or debit cards out every day. Leave one
somewhere safe (e.g. with a host) so that if your wallet is stolen you still
have access to funds.
4) Make a plan
Think ahead. In any new situation, work out what the risks are likely to be
and how you can reduce them. Learn the word for 'thief' in the local
language - you may find that local people will leap to your defence.
5) Look after each other
If you have a travelling companion, keep an eye on each other and each other's
property, particularly if you have been drinking or if one of you is unwell.
It is always safer to travel together, even if that means waiting at a party
you aren't enjoying, or leaving earlier than you really want to.
If you're travelling in a group, don't all fall asleep at the same time with
your valuables on view. Take it in turns to be lookout.
Be aware of the risk of sexual assault and sexual harassment. Look out for
your friends and take steps to avoid putting yourself at risk. Different
cultures have different rules of engagement, and flirting can easily be
misinterpreted.
6) Look after your home
Whether you are staying in one place for a while, or moving around, it pays to
look after your accommodation and work out what the risks are in advance.
Many dangers can be reduced with a little caution.
- Be aware of exits and escape routes in case of fire - Lock the doors when
you are out and conceal any valuables. - If you are staying in a hostel,
check that the bedroom doors lock. Sleep wearing your money belt or with
money under your pillow. - Check the building so that you are aware of any
dangers such as exposed wires and potential carbon monoxide or other gas
leaks. - Don't let anyone you don't know into your accommodation.
7) Do take expert advice
Listen to local advice about how to behave and which places are safe to go to.
Check the Foreign Office Know Before You Go website regularly and don't
venture into any no-go areas.
When you have been abroad for a long time, you can become over-confident, but
you are just as vulnerable at the end of your gap year as at the beginning.
You may have picked up a few words of the local language, but this doesn't
turn you into an expert or a local.
8) Don't take unnecessary risks
You can still go bungee jumping, but getting into a car with a drunk driver is
a risk too far.
Avoid drinking too much. You are far more vulnerable and less able to protect
yourself when under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Hitch-hiking may be normal in the country you are visiting, but it is
extremely unadvisable. Never hitch on your own and avoid making long
journeys or entering the home of someone you do not know by yourself.
9) Put yourself first
If you are the victim of a theft, do not fight or protest, especially if there
is a weapon involved. Hand over what is being requested and get away as fast
as you can. Your camera can be replaced; you cannot. Make a noise to attract
attention and help, but do not try to pursue your attacker; they may lead
you into areas or situations that are even more dangerous.
Find a police station as soon as you can and report the incident. Even if
there is no chance of your attacker being caught, you should still get a
police report, as this could be essential for insurance claims.
10) Don't panic
Think about the support networks you have available; friends, family, your gap
year organisation, the Foreign Office, and use them. If you are the victim
of a crime during your gap year, make sure it is reported.
If something does happen, don't feel guilty, it is not your fault. It isn't
unusual to feel upset, afraid or depressed after you have been the victim of
a crime, but there is advice and support available.
Try to avoid making snap decisions immediately after the event. It is natural
to want to go home when something unpleasant has happened, but most
situations can be resolved locally and you could regret a hastily-made
decision to cut your experience of a lifetime short.
