The text provides valuable travel tips and safety strategies shared by readers on social media, aiming to help those traveling in new cities or navigating everyday life to stay safe and secure.
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In the comments, more readers shared their street-smart advice that's absolutely crucial — whether you're traveling in a new city or just navigating daily life. Here's what they had to say:"When I travel, if someone gets too close as if they might be a pickpocket, I talk very loudly. I might say something like, 'Excuse me, can I have some space?
' in a very loud voice. I think they prefer to slink around quietly and unnoticed. Also, I keep ID and credit card in a travel wallet inside my pants under my bellybutton with a little cash and cellphone in front pockets.
""When Ubering, always verify the driver and vehicle, including plate number. Ask them for their name and whether they know where you are going, paying attention to the route taken to get there. Watch them and their hands. I do this every time, and it works!
""If an armed robber confronts you, give them whatever they want; don't be a hero. That's a good way to get killed. But if someone tries to abduct you, fight for your life! Once you are forced into a vehicle, your chances of unscathed survival plummet.
As one person said, if you can't escape, then lie on the ground, kick, and yell.
" "If, when you get into your car, you see a sticky note stuck on the back window, ignore it. Drive away. Thieves may be lurking, and as soon as you get out of the car and go back to see what it says, they will jump in and steal your car. They will also have your purse if you put it inside the car.
" "'Head-shirt-shoes. ' I work in large crowds as a security director, and it’s easy to forget what someone looks like because we usually look at faces when something is happening.
I tell my team to look for those three things: 'head' focuses on their hair color, hats, identifiable facial features, etc.; 'shirt' focuses on their torso, like what color shirt they’re wearing, logos, stand-out, etc.; 'shoes' is probably the easiest to remember because *most* people are wearing different shoes from one another. Remembering at least two of those identifiers can help you spot a single person in a crowd of over 1,000.
""Stop worrying about being rude. I grew up with the 'be nice to people' mentality. Yes, you should be nice/polite/etc., but when you 'need' to be rude, just be rude. If someone tries to approach me on the street to sell me something or interact with me, I just keep walking without acknowledging them.
Going on vacation where shopkeepers can sometimes be super pushy to try to sell you stuff, say, 'No, thank you," and walk away.
" "For the love of all that’s sane, do NOT buy a phone cover that can also hold your money, credit cards, and ID. This has to be the worst thing ever invented. You lose everything in one fell swoop. Oh, 'it looks cool,' but oooooh think hard!!!!
" "If you're ever forced into the trunk of someone's vehicle, pull out every wire you can find. The driver may be pulled over for a blown taillight orlight. Also, if you can break a taillight, you may be able to stick your hand or foot out the hole without the driver knowing, and you can potentially draw attention to your situation.
""When you're traveling, act like you are a resident of that city. Dress the way they dress. Don't wear your varsity jacket or cap from another state. Map out your walking route and walk briskly, like you know the city.
Especially in NYC. Everyone walks fast.
" "When parking in a mall, etc., put a note in your phone with the floor number, floor name, and how many spaces to the door. Then, check your notes before going to the car. Also, use earbuds while using the map app when in an unfamiliar area and walk with confidence.
""If you're walking, and you think someone on the other side of the street is following you , casually stop and see if they stop. Pull your phone out, and whether or not they are, dial 911 or use a safety app . This will signal to them that you have access to help/the authorities, and they will generally move on.
""If you frequently have a child with you, have one or two code words that they understand the meaning. Ours means 'be alert, stop talking, get to the car or inside somewhere safe quickly.
' Practice it often. ""When staying at a hotel, if you suspect a device hidden behind the shower vent, use the camera on your cellphone with the lights off and reasonably dark. If you see a small dot on the screen that's possibly red or green, there is a device with a passive detector there. Have it investigated.
It might be a recording device.
" "Did you know that your thumb is a powerful thing to use if you're attacked? You can use it to poke the eyes and throat of your opponent. The thumb is the hardest bone to break. Remember to hook your keys on your finger with the keys pointing forward, and if you must carry a purse while shopping, get yourself some key hooks and hook your purse to the basket seat.
I use two key hooks for my purse, and wrap the straps around the child seatbelt, too. Pay attention to the people around you. Don't be afraid to make yourself known in public places.
""After parking your car in your garage, make sure the garage door closes all the way before going inside. It’s easy for someone to trip the sensor and open the door back up without you knowing after you go inside.
""When pumping gas, take your keys out of the ignition, then take them with you and lock the doors. Only pump gas in the daytime. If you have to pump at night, use the pumps closest to the booth. My dad beat this into me.
""Ladies! As someone who has lived in big cities her whole life and grew up in San Francisco, I say: ALWAYS KEEP A SELF-DEFENSE TOOL ON YOU. I always have a pocket knife and pepper spray with me. You never know what's waiting around the corner.
Also, just be aware of what's going on around you. Map out exit strategies when you go to a new place, make note of any sketchy-looking people, and always keep an eye on your drinks. Your safety is more important than a text message or a TikTok video.
" What are some other"street safety tips" that more people should know? Share your thoughts in the comments. Or, if you prefer to remain anonymous, you can use the form below.
Travel Safety Tips Strategies New Cities Navigating Daily Life Ubering Street-Smart Advice Travel Wallet Head-Shirt-Shoes Be Rude Phone Cover Blowing A Taillight Mall Parking
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