Sirens blared, the crowd roared and a stampede of rioters raced toward the market we were planning to visit for lunch in Boston yesterday.
Luckily the Lyft driver we chatted with that morning told us there was a protest (and counter protest) happening in Boston while we were there so it was on my mind as we wandered through the Back Bay and Downtown Crossing neighborhoods.
As the riot escalated, my husband and I immediately turned around and ran the opposite direction. Knowing what signs to watch for and what to do in a dangerous situation can make your vacation safer and more pleasant. And hey, we visited the market today instead.
Here are a few things to remember to give you peace of mind.
Talk to locals. Sure, they can share great restaurants and things to do, but they can also alert you to other things going on in the city like major events.
Be cautious in crowds. While crowds aren’t always a bad sign, large gathering places like shopping centers, stadiums and festivals are easy targets for criminals whether that’s pick pocketing, groping or an active shooter situation.
Respond, don’t react. When you hear or see something that doesn’t feel quite right, stop and think before acting. Taking a moment to analyze the situation and thinking through your options will help you make the best decision on what to do next.
If you do get stuck in something awful, call the authorities to get help. In the United States, 911 is drilled into our brains since toddlerhood, but be sure to check the emergency phone number in the country you’re visiting and even write it down in your itinerary for urgent access.
Take photos of your driver’s license and passport. Plus leave copies of your itinerary in your checked bags and with someone at home.
Stay connected with someone back home. If something happens in the city you’re in, you can certainly mark yourself safe on Facebook, but staying in touch with friends and family back home can help them worry less when they first see the news.
Sign up for STEP. If you’re traveling internationally, know where the embassies are, plus the U.S. has a great program called the Safe Traveler Enrollment Program where you can let the government know where you are traveling in case something does happen. They also send you security information and travel advisories before and during your trip. We found it incredibly helpful when we visited Barcelona during the Catalonian independence crisis.
Talk like a local. In my itinerary docs, I always learn a few important words in the local language in case they aren’t comfortable or don’t know English. Hello, goodbye, please, thank you, yes, no, do you speak English, where can I find, how much does this cost, where is the toilet, I would like, I’m sorry, pardon me, and cheers are a good place to start. I also like this picture book for when you really get stuck.
It’s okay to bail. As an experienced traveller and urban dweller, I feel comfortable in most situations. But there is no shame in revising your plans to avoid a potentially dangerous situation. Vacation is supposed to be relaxing and if you’re constantly looking over your shoulder, that will be hard. Trip insurance may help your recoup some of your sunk costs, but the airline change fees and hotel or Airbnb cancelation fees will be worth a smoother trip.
Wash fruits and vegetables. Visiting markets is one of my favorite ways to try local food, but don’t forget the general safety precautions you take at home.
Stay hydrated. You are most likely walking more than you normally do so be sure to drink lots of water. Before you leave on your trip, research if Americans can drink tap water safely in your destination. Additionally, your lodging may provide some information about water safety while you’re there. There are so many other things to consider if the water is unsafe: brushing your teeth, ice in your cocktail, and washing your fruit. No one wants to get an upset stomach on vacation.
Wear sunscreen. Mineral sunscreen is better for the oceans and some destinations prohibit chemical sunscreen. Also consider bug and animal safety as well as ocean and water safety.
Zip it up. I’m a big fan of packing a zippered crossbody bag over a backpack, but I also keep my hand over the closed zipper when I’m out and about as one more level of security. And with a crossbody bag, keep it on you at all times, no need to take it off like a backpack.
Protect your credit cards. RFID wallets can help protect your debit and credit cards from criminals swiping your information on the go.
If you can, look at your map and figure out your directions before you leave and don’t just stare at your phone as you navigate. You’ll look less like a tourist target for criminals, but you’ll also get to see more of your destination.
I can help you plan a unique and safe vacation or even just validate your choices as you plan your own. Reach out if you wanna talk about how to stay safe, or how to convince your mom that you will stay safe on your trip. Been there, done that.