The temptation is humongous: you hear about a fantastic place for late-night partying in a city you’re visiting for the first time. You get an after-dark booty call from a hottie who invites you to a neighbourhood that doesn’t have the best reputation. You want to take a stroll in an area that you’ve been told is a good place to meet guys—but that’s all you know about the area.
Firstly, think twice about these temptations. When you’re travelling in an unfamiliar destination, anything can happen, especially at night. Depending on the country, city and neighbourhood, the risk might be anywhere from 1 percent to 95, but there’s always risk.
But you really, really, really want to check it out. Okay, okay. We’ve got some strategies to, as insurance companies put it, mitigate risk. Nothing is foolproof—please don’t take this advice as permission to be reckless—but some precautions are better than none. These are some of the lessons we’ve learned both while on the road and from savvy friends.Before you even get on a plane, buy travel insurance that will cover theft and injury, and ensure that you will be able to return to your home country safely. Share the policy number and contact information with your travel companions, if you are travelling with others, and also with someone back home.
Before you leave
If you’re headed out at night, especially if you’re going out alone, make sure someone knows where you’re going and any other details that might help them track you down if you don’t return at the expected time. Send the address to a friend, jot down a note to leave behind in your hotel room, pass along the contact information of whoever it is you’re going to meet. Don’t know any names? Screenshot the photo and handle of the person or people you’re going to meet.
Minimize your exposure
When choosing what to take with you in riskier environments, ask yourself: If someone stole this from me, would my trip and/or life be ruined? If the answer is yes, leave it behind. If you have multiple payment cards, just take one—and only if you’re sure you’ll be using it. If you have a wad of cash, take just enough to get you through the night. Take a copy of your passport or ID, not the real things. If you can’t bear to leave your smartwatch behind (and TBH it can be a handy way to pay, so you can keep your pockets empty), consider wearing sleeves that will keep it covered.
Dress not necessarily to impress
Dress to fit in. In a big city, that might mean long pants and a shirt with sleeves. In a resort area and/or tropical place, shorts and a tank top. If you’re going to a leather party, sure, you’re going to want to wear a harness at the event. But if you’re passing through public places on the way there, it’s a good idea to cover your sexiness with the type of clothing that locals will be wearing. Whatever the local uniform, put it on.
Stow your stuff
At gatherings that are dark and crowded (in a good but also nervous-making way) consider putting your money and phone in your socks. That means bringing and wearing socks that will do the job. A fanny pack can also work, as can a leather armband with storage for cash or cards. You always want to focus on having a good time, not managing your valuables. We know people who have been pickpocketed on the dance floor.
Have a plan for getting around
Walking more than a few blocks at night in some places, like in large Latin American cities, for example, can make you a target. Consider using a rideshare service. When a driver accepts your request, take a screenshot of the driver’s profile, and when the driver arrives, take a photo of the licence plate. Send the images to someone you trust. Always check the plates of the vehicle against the driver’s profile before getting in—there are “ghost Uber drivers” that will pick up drunk, high and inattentive people waiting for Ubers in order to rob them or worse. If the rideshare service has safety features, like allowing someone else to track your route, use them.
Look confident, even if you are not
Walking around at night might be exactly what you want to do—who are we to judge? Always, always, always pay attention to your surroundings. Are there other people around? Do they seem to be ignoring you because you fit in, or are they showing you exactly the kind of attention you’re looking for? Are they relaxed and having fun? Do you feel relaxed and comfortable? If the answer to any of these questions is no, then you might want to leave the area as quickly as possible. Don’t freak out and run. Walk calmly, but with purpose, toward a busier area or a nearby business, if anything is open. You want to give the impression that you know exactly where you are and where you’re going. A demonstration of confidence and purpose is your best defence—we know you know how to put on a show.
Keep valuables out of sight
Don’t pull out any valuables while on the street, including your cellphone. If you need to check something on your phone, find a safe spot to stop, perhaps putting your back up against a wall so no one can sneak up behind you. Ducking into a business also works. One friend told me how a cyclist swooped up behind him and grabbed his phone out of his hands. Don’t get too absorbed in what you’re doing on your phone. Did we mention that you should always, always, always pay attention to your surroundings?
The police might be your friends… or not
In many places around the world, the police are not your friends. In some countries, they will seek out foreigners and try to shake them down for cash, especially if the foreigners are in situations that involve drunkenness, drugs and, we’re sorry to say, sex. If you feel it’s to your advantage to approach the police at night, try to do so with other people around who can witness the interaction. If you need to file a report or make a casual inquiry, do so at a police station during daylight hours.
