HOW TO AVOID BEING ROBBED WHEN YOU TRAVEL
Being stolen from is the absolute worst! Luckily, for the most part. If you are aware of your surroundings and cautious, nothing will likely happen. In my experience, I’ve been robbed more times at home in Canada than when I was traveling. Never will I leave valuables in my vehicle again. Unfortunately, a lesson I had to learn the hard way. Relax, you probably won’t get mugged in the first place. Of course, some countries/areas will be more dangerous than others. Looking into travel advisories and information online before you leave is a good start. I found the best way to get the lo-down on what’s happening is to hit the streets when you arrive at your destination. Talking with locals or ex-pats first hand is the best way to get a lay of the land and areas you should avoid. People may advise you not to travel at night, which you could consider depending on the circumstances. When I traveled to Costa Rica, many areas had terrible road conditions. People advised not to take on big trips at night because of the potholes. The last thing you want is to be stuck on the side of the road, especially at night. Getting into an accident has the potential to put you in a vulnerable position. In this case, making plans to travel during the day was the obvious choice. Whether you are out during the day or you prefer the nightlife. Here are some tips and tricks that are sure to weigh the odds in your favor.
YOU ARE NOT BRITNEY SPEARS
The best advice I can give on this topic is to resist dressing like you are about to walk the red carpet. Galavanting around wearing expensive jewelry and designer clothes makes you a target. Leave your 5g watch and diamond earrings at home. If you plan on going out drinking at night, tone it down! Whenever possible, be humble try not to go around flexing. The chances of being robbed go up at night and in crowds naturally. Maybe you’re thinking, but I need to look good. Hey, you do you! Just be careful. Like I said, being aware of your surroundings is always a good thing. Getting waisted is a favorite pass time among many people on vacation. But be mindful not to let it get out of control. You may find out who your real friends are in the morning. If you aren’t planning on leaving your resort, you shouldn’t have any issues. I don’t recommend this approach, though, for you miss out on so much culture and the real guts of a place.
Mexico has been a staple for me; I love it there. I spent over four years in Mexico. Two percent of that time, I stayed at a resort. I have no horrifying stories to tell you. I’ve stayed at air bnb’s, rented houses, hostels, hotels, back of tattoo shops (where I worked). You name it; I explored all the cheapest options possible for living and never felt unsafe once. Unlike Canada and the States, air bnb’s in Mexico can start at around ten dollars a night. This app is a cheap option if you plan to look for a place to rent or stay for a short time.
LIGHT IT UP
Weed is decriminalized in Mexico, but NOT legal! Smoke it where you are staying or on a friend’s property. Please do not smoke while driving; it’s a terrible idea. It is best to use Uber or get a taxi when you go for a night on the town. I found Uber is usually better priced and at a controlled rate. Taking your rental car for a night on the town is just tactically a horrible plan of attack. Keep in mind rental cars are easily spotted. It might as well say tourist on the side of your vehicle. Whenever you can blend in or not stand out as a tourist is always a great deterrent. I usually try to buy a bike right away and get around that way. However, it may not be a viable option for someone who only stays a couple of weeks.
Another thing to note is if you have a wristband from your resort, take it off when you’re going into town. Wristbands are easily spotted and immediately translate that you have money. Also, make sure that the doors are locked when you are driving at night. I have never personally experienced this. Although, I’ve heard of people getting hit at stoplights before. RVs are not popular down south, so if you consider driving to Mexico in an RV, Be aware you will stick out like a sore thumb. A better choice would be a van or truck set up.
LAWS THE LAW
Stash your debit/ credit cards when you go out at night. Doing this can aid you in avoiding a hefty bill, trust me. Only bring what you plan on spending out with you. Utilize your stash spots bras and socks are brilliant places to stash that extra do. Obey local laws and regulations when traveling. Partaking in illegal substances is not recommended. Be cautious if you choose to purchase party favors or accept offers. If you have to go, you have to go, but don’t be popping a squat wherever you want. I’ve never seen anyone get busted for peeing in public in Canada. Sure it’s illegal, but not enforced. Avoid relieving yourself in public when you are in another country. It is best to abide by the laws of the country. Be aware of military checkpoints if you are driving through Mexico. They will either wave you through or stop you when you approach these. When they stop you, they will want you to exit your vehicle. Then they will carry out a full inspection of your car. If you arent carrying any drugs or weapons, they will clear you. So make sure you are on the level or at the very least look like you are.
BE KIND
Make friends with locals, go out of your way, do something unexpected. Don’t worry if you don’t speak the language. There are people you can connect with ex-pats and fellow English speakers alike. These people live there full time and have already figured everything out. When you make a grand gesture, people automatically treat you differently. As it goes, the more folks who like you will have your back too. But it’s all about spreading love and helping people out just because you want to, right! Being genuine and making an effort to learn the language goes a long way. You will be amazed at the difference it makes on your travels. Put yourself in their shoes for a moment. When a person is new to your country, do you appreciate they have taken the time to learn English? Do you notice when foreigners know about your culture and how you live? Yes, of course, you do! Your first impression of this person is more positive right away. It is a two-way street, as you could have probably guessed. It is worth picking up the language, even a vague understanding of some essential words and phrases. Something beyond hello and thank you. You show the local people that you have made an effort, which is enormous. You could literally pick up hello and thank you at the airport walking in. So don’t think knowing two words is going to get noticed. I am personally not great at retaining languages. It has taken me a fair amount of time to hold a conversation in Spanish. It is not about how much you know; it is about exhibiting effort was made on your part. It makes a massive difference in how you are perceived.
DON’T BELIEVE THE HYPE
A huge misconception is that it’s so much more dangerous. Regarding Mexico and Central/ South America, for the most part. Every time I tell a story about living abroad, people always seem to express this concern about these areas. Don’t believe the hype! There are some terrible humans out there, anywhere you go. When enough people are in one place, no doubt there will be some bad apples. That’s just science. Of course, I have experienced robbery while traveling. When I traveled to Greece, I got robbed on the subway. A fatal mistake I made was not taking a taxi from the airport. Taking public transit with suitcases is not the best plan. Keep in mind that the people begging for money may also be looking for your wallet. Pickpocketing on public transport is super common in Europe. They will even cut your purse straps right off your shoulder. You should note that the last time I visited Greece was during a major economic crash. Highly doubt this makes any difference, for people do this for a living, and an economic impact doesn’t make a difference for someone who steals from others.
SHIT HAPPENS
Everywhere you go, there is potential for something to happen. Unfortunately, bad things go down worldwide, even in your backyard. The risks vary depending on the situation; above all, be cautious and alert. Now where you are going and walk with purpose. It is more than being in the wrong place at the wrong time. I’ve had some tough times while living abroad and always found someone willing to lend a hand. Or every garbage person, there is a gem. Always go with your gut! f you have an off feeling about someone, move on. Make sure to take all the necessary precautions, but don’t live in fear. I can only assume that people fear Mexico, central/ south America because of the media. I’m not saying that your friend didn’t get robbed, but the chances are so much higher when you act a fool. Op that collar, flash your green. I’m telling you people are noticing and their taking notes. If you know karate, then maybe you’re good from my own experiences and findings on the subject. Enjoy your vacation! People are generally decent and helpful, from my experience. Fuck all this fear-mongering bullshit; get out there, travel!
