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Backpacking around the world is a fun and really great experience. Europe, Asia, Africa, South America; they all have something different to offer to the traveler. There are so many great opportunities waiting for you. Ancient and Medieval history to be learned, Baroque art to see, and architecture from every time period. Every place has a little something special for you and you can’t wait to start exploring. Once you have selected a place or region to visit and you have purchased your plane ticket, you are a matter of steps off a plane from your destination. You must be pretty excited and eagerly packing your gear in a duffel or backpack. So what’s the next step? Plan ahead and stay safe. One of the scariest things about traveling anywhere is the unknown factor. This idea that you don’t know the culture, the language, and the daily practices of a foreign place can make this whole thing seem really intimidating. But don’t worry there are some basic rules of thumb to keep in mind and prepare so that you don’t have to feel out of place and scared.

Here is a list of 10 things you should do to stay safe when you travel

1. Common sense
This is a biggie and believe it or not many people forget to use it. If something doesn’t feel right to you, go with your gut.
2. Let people know where you are going
This way there is someone at home watching out for you if anything goes wrong where you are. Also if something happens at home someone knows how to get a hold of you. And if you are traveling for an extended period of time, consider registering with your embassy or local government.
3. Blend in
If you know you are in a place that doesn’t look too kindly to Americans, don’t wear a t-shirt with USA written across it. If you are in a remote village, don’t wear your mother’s best pearls.
4. Keep it at home
And speaking of not wearing mom’s jewelry, keep anything at home that might draw unnecessary attention to you.
5. Carry important info on you
Documents (visas, permits), passports, insurance cards, contact numbers and information; these are all important to keep on your body at all time.
6. Know your surroundings
Perhaps keep a lookout of nearby landmarks or things you can identify to your hostel or hotel. Where are the nearest emergency stations?
7. Stay in control of yourself
Don’t drink too much in a place you are unfamiliar with, especially if you don’t have a sober buddy.
8. Buddy up
At night especially if you are a female have at least one other partner with you.
9. Learn the rules
Some places have customary expressions or gestures that you want to familiarize yourself with.
10. Physical Safety too
In addition to keeping yourself safe from others, educate yourself on where you are to keep your body safe. Don’t assume the water is okay to drink or the meat on the counter just came out of a fridge.

As long as you play it safe, be a little reserved in your judgment, and have a positive outlook, you will be fine. If you are nervous, stick to larger cities and stay close to police stations possibly. Maybe look up a list of the safest cities to stay in Europe. What is important to realize is that every place, even the cities back home, have parts that are safer than others. And it is important to remember just to be smart and look out for yourself so you can have the best time on your great trip.