“Isn’t it dangerous there?”
This is something I’ve heard from many well-meaning friends and family over the years. And to be fair, we’ve traveled to cities with truly dangerous areas like Mexico City, Medellin, Quito, Rio de Janeiro during Carnival, and even Chicago.
Safety is something every traveler and digital nomad should keep in mind when planning a trip, especially in busy cities where the hustle and bustle can bring extra challenges. But don’t let fear stop you from exploring. All the cities I mentioned above have plenty of areas that are perfectly safe for travelers.
Instead of feeling afraid, stay sharp, stay aware, and use these 9 tips to make sure your adventure is exciting and safe.
1. Research Your Destinations and Routes
Always research the current situation in the places you plan to visit. Civil unrest or unexpected events can happen anywhere, anytime, so it’s important to stay informed and adjust your plans if necessary.
If you’re planning to check out popular spots like museums, landmarks, and other must-see attractions, it’s also a good idea to plan your routes in advance.
Familiarize yourself with the local public transport, walking routes, and whether you’ll need to book a car at any point. Having a basic understanding of the city’s layout will help you avoid getting lost.
Local transport guides and apps are super handy for mapping out your itinerary and keeping you on track.
2. Always be Aware of Your Surroundings
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of exploring a new city, but staying mindful of your surroundings is key.
Always keep an eye on who’s around you—especially in crowded areas. Try not to get too distracted by your phone or a map, and avoid using them in busy spots. Stick to well-lit, populated areas, and steer clear of isolated places, especially at night.
I’ll never forget meeting a guy in Rio who shared some really valuable safety tips. He told us to avoid walking through parks at night since that’s where people often get jumped. He also recommended walking in the middle of the road, not on the sidewalk, because it makes it harder for anyone to ambush you or box you in.
Better yet, take an Uber or other rideshare at night. It’s safer than taking a local taxi because you can track your ride and even share it with a friend. This is especially important for solo females.
3. Don’t Carry All Your Belongings With You
It’s never a good idea to walk around with everything you own. Keep the essentials—like some cash, your cards, and ID—on hand, and leave the rest at your accommodation.
There’s really no reason to carry your passport around, either. We met a girl while backpacking in Vietnam whose purse was stolen, and her passport was inside.
The hassle of finding a consulate to get a new passport is the last thing you want to deal with on your trip. In most cases, a photo of your passport will do just fine. If not, go take care of whatever you need it for and immediately return to stash it away safely.
Always keep digital and physical copies of your important documents, like your passport, ID, and travel insurance in case the originals are lost or stolen. Having backups will save you a lot of hassle.
If you don’t have access to your place yet or are only stopping in an area briefly, check out local storage services to hold onto your stuff. The less you have on you, the fewer opportunities thieves have to take something.
4. Secure Your Belongings
If you need to carry some of your things with you, make sure they’re secured. Use bags with zippers that aren’t easy to access, and if you have to keep anything in your pocket, stick it in your front pocket—but make sure it’s a tight one.
Loose pockets are easy targets for thieves, as Sasha found out earlier this year in Medellin when his phone was stolen right out of his front pocket. He was wearing comfy pants with big pocket openings, which made it an easy grab.
The petty crime rings there have become pretty sophisticated, especially in popular nightlife areas. It probably wouldn’t have happened if he’d kept it in his money belt, but sometimes you just get too comfortable. Even with that incident, I still think Medellin is an amazing city to visit—just stay mindful.
Ladies – opt for bags with cross-body straps or secure backpacks—no loose over-the-shoulder bags that are easy to snatch. Money belts and concealed pouches are great for keeping your cash and cards safe and out of sight.
5. Be Careful With Public WiFi
Public Wi-Fi is super convenient, but it can also be risky since it’s often unsecured, leaving your personal data vulnerable.
If you have to use public Wi-Fi, avoid logging into sensitive accounts like your bank or personal email. A good way to protect yourself is by using a VPN (Virtual Private Network), which encrypts your data and adds an extra layer of security. That way, even when you’re on public connections, your information stays safe.
6. Blend In with the Locals
One of the best ways to stay safe is by not standing out as a tourist. Flashy clothes, jewelry, or expensive gadgets can draw unwanted attention.
Before you arrive, take a bit of time to research local fashion trends and customs so you can dress to blend in. Acting like a local—whether by learning a few key phrases or knowing how to navigate the public transportation system—can make you less of a target for scammers or thieves.
Plus, blending in often leads to a more authentic travel experience!
7. Trust Your Instincts
You know that gut feeling you get when something’s off? Trust it.
Whether it’s the vibe of a neighborhood, a sketchy situation, or an individual that’s making you uncomfortable, don’t be afraid to remove yourself from the area or situation. It’s better to be cautious and listen to your instincts than to brush off warning signs.
If you feel unsure about a particular street or setting, just turn around or grab a rideshare to get back to safety.
8. Learn Emergency Numbers and Key Phrases
It’s always a good idea to be prepared for the unexpected. Take a few minutes to jot down the local emergency numbers (like police, medical, and fire services) and keep them handy. You can also program them into your phone for quick access.
In addition, learning a few basic phrases in the local language—such as “Help,” “Where is the nearest hospital?” or “I’m lost”—can make a huge difference in an emergency situation. You don’t have to be fluent, but a little preparation goes a long way.
9. Stay Sober (or Keep it Light)
Enjoying a drink while out exploring a new city can be fun, but it’s important to know your limits. Excessive drinking can make you more vulnerable, cloud your judgment, and impair your ability to make quick decisions if something goes wrong.
Stick to a drink or two, especially if you’re on your own, and never let your drink out of your sight. Many bars have signs in the bathroom with a code word or special drink order you can tell the bartender if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Learn that code word or drink order, and don’t hesitate to use it.
A Venezuelan friend of ours in Medellin was robbed after his drink was drugged. He came to on a public bus with no cards, money, or phone. The wild thing is he’s not a tourist, he’s lived in Medellin for several years. I don’t share this story to scare you, but to remind you that this can happen to anyone—so stay cautious.
Staying aware and alert will help you better navigate unfamiliar areas safely.
Final Thoughts
Traveling as a digital nomad offers incredible opportunities to explore new places, meet amazing people, and create unforgettable memories.
Safety should always be a priority, but don’t let fear stop you from visiting some of the most amazing places in the world. By staying mindful, planning ahead, and using these simple tips, you can keep your adventures exciting and safe.
And if something does happen, like getting robbed, there’s no reason to be ashamed—it happens even to the savviest of travelers. If you’re ever confronted by a thief, don’t put up a fight and risk your life. Your stuff can be replaced.
It’s ultimately all about finding the right balance between caution and curiosity—so stay sharp, trust your instincts, and enjoy every moment of the journey.
Great tips! I second being aware of your surroundings– I see so many people totally unaware of where they are and who’s near them, and they don’t pay attention to anything until it’s too late.