As you may know, tourist and travellers can be easy targets especially as they are in a strange place - wandering into an rough area without knowing may lead to such things as theft and muggings. Being in a place you don't know means you should be more security conscious, you never know what will happen - what scams and tricks people will try to take advantage of you being an easy target. Here we will talk about safety and security to help you stay trouble free.

Minimise The Damage

Our favourite bit of advice when it comes to safety and security involves carrying a 'dummy wallet'. It you are unlucky and end up getting mugged somewhere, you can hand over the dummy wallet. You would be best carrying a dummy wallet in areas well known for tourist muggings. You would prepare this dummy wallet by putting in some low denomination notes - this way, you are minimising the damage if mugged by only losing a small amount of money and also you don't lose your credit and debit cards this way either.

Money Belts

Some people love them, some people hate them - Money belts (waist wallets) can be useful storing money, passport and tickets. You generally wear them around your waist - under your clothing so they are out of view. Obviously this reduces the chances of these items being taken during a mugging as they don't know about it being there. Some travellers don't like them as they can be uncomfortable, but they can be very useful - especially if you only decide to use it in dodgy areas or when you end up travelling from place to place (when everything you have on your trip would be on your person).

Documents & Insurance Cover

Its important to make photocopies of all your important documents before you leave - leave a set at home, just in case. Try not to bring valuables with you, there are bound to be a couple such as a camera and a music player, but try to keep valuables to a minimum. If you have to bring them, make sure they are covered on your travel insurance.

Travel Padlocks & Hostel Safety

Its worth investing in a few padlocks for your bags and to use with lockers you may find in hostel dorms. If you can, try to get combination travel padlocks rather than key padlocks - they are more secure and you also don't have to worry if you lose a key! If you travel across the USA and padlock your bags - you will need 'travel sentry certified' padlocks, these padlocks will allow customs officials to check your bags if they have to, without having to damage your lock or bags. With hostel dorms, you would have to be very unlucky to be sharing a dorm with someone who likes rooting through your bags. Don't be stupid though by leave expensive things around the dorm, out and on show otherwise there is a high chance you won't see them again! Lock away your valuables either in lockers in the dorm or ask hostel reception to keep them secure for you. Some hostels will have very weak security, no security door at the entrance, and sometimes no locked doors on rooms - they could allow any stranger to walk into the hostel and have a field day walking into empty dorms, stealing anything they can. So if possible remember to secure valuables and if possible - stay in hostel dorms that have a door that locks.

Independent Journey Recommends.....Websites

Planet Wise - http://www.planetwise.net/
"Travel safety training courses."

FCO, Know Before You Go - http://www.fco.gov.uk/travel/
"Avoid dangers and risks by checking government information on how safe it is to travel to countries worldwide."