Stay safe while you're abroad

Let your hair down, but not your guard. We've got some simple precautions for staying safe while you're away.

Overall, travelling in developed nations is generally quite safe – you should rarely have to worry about violent crime or special security risks (though of course check with the Foreign Office website before you go if you’re unsure about a destination). The main threats facing travellers to these areas are scam artists and thieves. Solo travellers, as well as women and gay and lesbian travellers, also have specific safety concerns.

• Druggings: These scams are unlikely but do happen, especially on trains. A new ‘friend’ slips something into your drink or food and then steals your valuables while you’re unconscious.
• Fake cops: They’ll often appear at the end of teamwork cons involving currency changers or arguments about money. If approached by someone claiming to be a police officer who wants to settle a fine on the spot, offer to go with them to the nearest police station.
• Flat tyre ruse: While driving you stop to help someone with a flat tyre (or someone stops to help you change your tyre – which they've just punctured in the car park). As you change the tyre, an accomplice empties the interior of your car.
• Swapping banknotes: You pay for a taxi fare or a train ticket with a larger banknote (for example, €20). The taxi driver or ticket seller deftly palms it and produces a €5 note, claiming that you actually paid with the smaller denomination. Travellers will often accept their word out of confusion or because they’re in a hurry.
• Touts & unofficial guides: Be wary of people directing you to specific hotels or shops – they'll usually be collecting a commission. Friendly locals who offer to show you around tourist sites may demand a hefty payment afterwards.

• When going out, spread your valuables, cash and cards around your body or in different bags. A hidden money belt for your essentials (passport, cash, credit cards, flight tickets) is a good idea, but carry a day’s worth of cash in your wallet so you can keep the rest hidden. Don't flaunt watches, cameras and other expensive goods. A small daypack is good to use, but make sure it can’t be easily opened from behind. While out at cafes and bars, loop your bag's strap around your leg or chair leg while seated.
• Pickpockets are most active in dense crowds, especially in busy train stations and on public transport, and can steal your wallet or camera in the blink of an eye. A common ploy is for one person to distract you while another whips through your pockets. Beware of gangs of dishevelled-looking kids waving newspapers and demanding attention, but remember also that some of the best pickpockets are well-dressed and blend into the crowd.
• Parked cars, particularly those with foreign number-plates or rental-agency stickers, are prime targets for petty criminals. While driving through cities, beware of thieves at traffic lights – keep your doors locked and the windows rolled up high to prevent quick grabs from thieves on scooters.
• In case of any theft or loss, always report the incident to the police and ask for a copy of your statement – you’ll need to provide this to your travel insurance company with your claim.

• Women travellers continue to face more challenging situations than do men, most often in the form of unwanted attention and sexual harassment. In some countries, staring from men may be much more overt than you’re accustomed to, and although it is almost always harmless, it can become annoying. If local men are pestering you and ignoring them isn't working, tell them you're waiting for your husband and walk away. If they continue to bother you, call the police.
• Gropers, particularly on crowded public transportation, can also be a problem. If you do feel someone start to touch you inappropriately, start yelling and make a fuss – this is usually enough to embarrass him into fleeing.
• In Muslim countries, where women's roles are clearly defined and unmarried men have little contact with women outside of their family unit, women travelling alone or with other women will attract attention. This is rarely dangerous, but you'll still need to exercise common sense. Dress conservatively, avoid direct eye contact with men and avoid walking alone at night.

• Discretion in most locations abroad is the key. Although homosexuality is acknowledged and often even legally protected in many destinations, public attitudes can remain conservative, especially outside of the major cities.
• Many big cities worldwide have thriving gay scenes, though, and some resorts have specific regions that are popular as gay holiday destinations. Look online for gay and lesbian websites in your destination that can offer advice on local laws and attitudes: Spain, for example, has legalised same-sex marriages, and same-sex relationships are recognised in Croatia, Slovenia and France, but homosexuality is officially illegal in Morocco.