If this is your first Christmas abroad and alone, in this post you will find my best tips so you don’t get the Christmas holiday blues.

I’ve been an expat living and working in a number of countries around the world and I have spent Christmas abroad more than once. It was my first Christmas abroad that I spent alone in London that I remember the most. I spent it alone because I didn’t organise anything in advance. And to be truly honest, I was glad when the day was over.

As I spent many more Christmas’s alone while living abroad, I was determined to ensure the next time when Christmas rolled around, I didn’t have to spend it lonely. Because I think travelling solo and being lonely are two different things. And the first Christmas I had abroad alone was lonely.

Since that time I have discovered ways to surviving Christmas when travelling or living abroad alone.

 

Surviving Christmas When You’re Travelling or Living Abroad Alone

 

1. Plan Your Own Christmas Day

 

If like me, Christmas Day and the holidays are a big thing full of family, presents and great food. The thought of spending Christmas alone not doing these things can be depressing.

My first Christmas alone was spent in London. My flatmates were heading home to their families in different corners of the UK and my Aussie flatmate decided to go skiing in Switzerland.

As Christmas Day approached, and I hadn’t organised anything I was starting to feel sad with so much Christmas joy going on around me. I was missing my family and was scared I’d sink into depression being alone on Christmas Day. This is when I decided to continue my Christmas traditions, even if I would be doing them alone. So I went shopping, bought my favourite Christmas food and a present to wrap to give myself.

And my first Christmas living abroad alone went like this. 

I bought Christmas foods and worked out a menu I would make myself for lunch. Then I bought myself a special gift, a new top actually, and wrapped it. I also ensured I had plenty of coins to ring my family. Yes, in the 1990s we had to put coins into a phone in those red phone booths London is known for.

I still felt uneasy about the day as I bid farewell to my flatmates then work mates as they headed off for the Christmas holiday. Christmas Day arrived and I made it as special for myself as possible on the day. First, I slept in. Gave myself a present – and it was just what I wanted by the way! Cooked a fabulous lunch. Had a snooze on the couch. Went out sightseeing. Nothing much open of course, but I enjoyed walking the quiet streets of London. Made a phone call home. Then home, to enjoy leftover lunch for dinner before watching Christmas shows on TV. My first Christmas abroad alone wasn’t too bad after all, because I planned it.

 

2. Embrace New Traditions

 

My second tip to surviving Christmas when you’re travelling or living abroad alone is to embrace new traditions. Yeah, if you are living and working abroad you will be discovering new cultures. Why not discover and embrace the Christmas culture of the country you are in. You may never be back there for Christmas again so find out the traditions of that country and discover them for yourself.

Discovering this new Christmas culture will help you to forget about your usual Christmas’ at home. Imagine my Christmas’ in Australia. Usually hot and after opening presents, the day was often spent jumping in and out of the pool. Sometimes there was a trip to the beach. So imagine when I had my first Christmas in the snow! I went to Austria and it was magical. I got to go to many Christmas markets and get the vibe of having a ‘white Christmas’.

If the country where you are doesn’t celebrate Christmas, why not, NOT celebrate also and treat it as just another day. Of course you can create your own Christmas – when in Rome!

 

3. Treat Yourself to a Christmas Lunch

 

Just because you will be alone doesn’t mean you have to eat alone. Many places open for Christmas lunch on Christmas Day. You just need to plan ahead by finding out which establishments will be open. They will often have a set menu of Christmas foods. And don’t worry about going on your own because many people do. So if you want some company just while you are enjoying your lunch, I would definitely do an internet search of establishments close to you to find out if they will be open on Christmas Day for lunch. And book yourself a seat in advance. Remember, Christmas is a time for giving, so treat yourself! 

 

4. Keep in Contact with Family and Friends

 

Communications have improved immensely so no matter where you are on Christmas Day keep in touch with family and friends. You could easily FaceTime your family or friends and literally be in the dining room with them on Christmas day.

Don’t forget to consider time zone differences as you don’t want to be ringing when nobody is up yet. Plus you don’t want to be ringing at an extremely busy meal preparation time so their meal doesn’t burn! I would usually call my family in Australia from the UK on Christmas Day morning so I would catch them before dinner. This worked out well.

 

5. Volunteer at Christmas

 

One way to not spend Christmas alone when you are living abroad or travelling is to volunteer. Giving back at Christmas time is a great way to remind yourself you have a lot to be grateful for. There are many shelters for people experiencing homelessness and orphans who would greatly appreciate a little bit of help on Christmas Day. Fancy making and serving meals and help cleaning up afterwards while mingling with other volunteers and those needy, try volunteering. And you will probably receive a free Christmas meal for your services. 

 

6. Work at Christmas

 

Another way not to spend Christmas day alone is to work. There are plenty of restaurants that will be open that require staff. I have done caring work myself for many years and have worked on a number of Christmas Days in aged care facilities, and in client’s homes. They appreciate having someone to spend Christmas Day with, even if it is only for a few hours. And it kept me busy and I didn’t think about my traditional Christmas I was missing at home. And you may discover there are many others trying to survive Christmas on their own.

 

7. Celebrate an ‘Orphans Christmas’

 

While on my working holiday in the UK, I lived with a number of other working holiday makers from different countries. Mainly from Australia, Canada, Greece and New Zealand. As we were all single travellers living and working abroad, we decided we would have our own Christmas together. We talked about the foods we would have at Christmas and decided on our menu. I really enjoyed the Greek dishes in particular. Each of us making a dish from our home country. We even did a Kris Kringle present giving and I still cherish the broach I was given. I still wear it on my winter coat – not that I wear it very often in Australia! And it reminds me of this great Christmas I spent abroad.

 

8. Get out of Town

 

As I mentioned, I had an Australian flatmate who went skiing in Switzerland for Christmas. What I didn’t know at the time was he didn’t want to be alone for Christmas. This is why he went to a place where he would be occupied snowboarding all day.

I followed suit and for my second Christmas living abroad I did a ‘Top Deck Tour’ through Europe. I met a bunch of great people on the trip. We each did a Kris Kringle for someone on the tour and there were some very creative Kris Kringle’s given from the fabulous European Christmas markets we visited.

Our Christmas Day was in Austria in a chalet so we had a white Austrian Christmas! Or check into some accommodation such as a backpacker hostel where other solo travellers will be, and who may be looking for some company on Christmas day. Maybe even book yourself into a nice hotel for a couple of days as a treat. So get out of town and do something different for Christmas.

 

9. Have a Day to Yourself

 

If none of my above suggestions work for you this Christmas there is nothing wrong with a treat of having a day to yourself. There is no hard and fast way to surviving Christmas when travelling or living abroad alone. Time to do things, can be a great treat to yourself. Time to yourself to read a book, cook, watch TV, pamper yourself or shop online till you drop! If you are after treating yourself by shopping why not update some of your travelling gear.

 

10. Ignore the Whole Day

 

My final option for surviving Christmas when living abroad alone is to ignore the whole day. If you don’t celebrate Christmas that should be easy, but if you do, treat the day as just another day, because it will be over soon.

 

Are You Ready to Survive Christmas When You’re Travelling or Living Abroad Alone?

 

I hope so! Have you ever spent Christmas abroad? I’d love to know how you beat and Christmas holiday blues and made it special! Let me know in the comments following.

 

Get under a table during an earthquake

 

When you go on vacation, it’s usually because you want to escape the drudge of day-to-day life and do something new and exciting. People don’t usually expect that ‘new and exciting’ thing to be a natural disaster like an earthquake or tsunami. The good news is that the chances of you experiencing an earthquake or tsunami in Japan at the exact time you choose to visit are pretty low, but the chances aren’t zero.

Fortunately, even ten minutes’ worth of preparation will have you in a pretty good place to face any challenges that might come your way. With that in mind, here are some things that you can do in case an earthquake or tsunami strikes while you’re on holiday in Japan. Or other countries that can be affected.

 

Start Preparing for an Earthquake or Tsunami While Packing Your Bags

 

Before you even set foot on a plane, packing just a few emergency essentials can go a long way to making you feel safer and more prepared in case an earthquake or tsunami happens. These five measures aren’t good for just natural disasters, either; they’re the kind of thing you want to prepare any time you’re going on holiday.

 

1. Pack a Travel-Size First Aid Kit

 

While a first aid kit might not be as useful for more serious injuries, getting small cuts and scrapes from falling debris is very common. Even the most basic kit will allow you to disinfect such scrapes, which may seem like a small thing at the time – but even small injuries can cause a lot of trouble for you down the road if they get infected. Better to take care of such things as soon as you can with a handy-dandy first aid kit.

 

2. Cold, Hard Cash (Converted to Yen or other currencies)

 

This also applies as basic travel advice, because sometimes – especially during an emergency – you may find that your credit card is worthless, and you need to pay in cash. Exchange some of your home country’s currency into yen (about 10,000 yen should cover any basic, short-term emergencies) at your local bank or airport.

 

3. Rain Poncho

 

Japan just doesn’t do light sun showers, and it can rain at almost any time during the year. Pack a compact, travel-size poncho in your luggage – or, alternatively, stop at a local 100 yen shop upon arrival where they’re available for cheap.

 

4. Download Yurekuro Call, the Disaster Alert App

 

Japanese cell phones automatically receive notifications shortly before disaster strikes. To make sure that you get the same alert, download Yurekuro Call from either the AppStore or the Google Play Store. It won’t give you a lot of notice – usually only a few seconds – but it’s enough time to find a place to take cover. See what other disaster alert apps there are in the country you are travelling. In Australia I use the emergency app for the state I’m in. For instance, Vic Emergency app. This app alerts me to bushfires, floods and car accidents.

 

5. Have Travel Insurance

 

It goes without saying that having travel insurance will help to cover expenses if mishaps or accidents happen. Ensure you choose a policy that covers you for natural disasters. World Nomads has a number of travel insurance policies.

 

Earthquake in Japan? Some Tips to Follow

 

Duck and Cover if caught inside during an earthquake

 

A lot of the rules you follow during an earthquake in Japan are no different from any other country. These are the basic rules you need to keep in mind:

 

1. Duck and Cover

 

One of the biggest dangers during a major earthquake comes from falling debris. To protect yourself, duck under a table or desk. Get into a crouching position and cover your head with one arm while you use your free hand to hold onto a table leg.

Other options are to stand in a doorway and brace your arms against the frame. Or, if you’re in bed, hide under your blanket and cover your head.

 

2. Stay Away from Big, Heavy Objects

 

If you can’t get under a table or in a doorway – or you’re outside and there simply aren’t any – make sure to stay away from big, heavy objects: bookcases, dressers, dish cabinets, etc. If they’re not properly secured to the wall, they could topple over and hit you, or dump whatever they’re holding on top of you.

 

3. Put on Some Slippers and Don’t Forget the Aftershocks

 

After a big earthquake occurs, there are often aftershocks, so don’t think you’re out of the woods once the main shock is over. If you’re not wearing them already, protect your feet by putting on shoes or slippers.

Be careful as you exit the building and stay away from walls and buildings. There’s a possibility of buildings collapsing, and you don’t want to be close to the fallout. Stick to the middle of the street as much as possible. If you feel an aftershock while you’re outside, crouch down and cover your head.

 

4. Get to an Evacuation Site

 

As a country that experiences frequent earthquakes, Japan has a lot of evacuation sites for people to go to during such times, usually parks, schools, and temples. If you’re in Tokyo, you can look up which evacuation site is closest to you on this map. Just use the drop-down menu for the ward that you’re in. This site also has a list of maps for other major cities, including Osaka and Fukuoka.

 

Can’t Forget about that Tsunami – How to Stay Safe if One’s Coming

 

Run to higher ground if a Tsunami is coming

 

To prepare for a tsunami, there are really two things to keep in mind: first, how to recognize that a tsunami is coming before it actually hits, and second, where to go to keep yourself safe.

 

1. If the Water Disappears, Run for the Hills

 

If you’re at a beach and the tide suddenly disappears, that is the number one warning sign that a tsunami is coming. However, unless you’re in Okinawa, you’re probably not on the beach. Most of Japan’s tourist attractions are further inland. Fortunately, the Yurekuro Call app mentioned above sends out warnings for all types of disasters, including tsunamis.

 

2. Avoid Rivers as Well

 

Japan is lined with rivers, and these can flood as well in the event of a tsunami. Because of that, you want to be sure to avoid rivers and bridges as much as possible.

 

3. Get to a Tsunami Evacuation Site or Whatever High Ground You Can Find

 

As mentioned, Japan has lots of evacuation sites – but not all are good for tsunamis since some are way too close to sea level. If a tsunami is happening, make sure to look for a tsunami-specific evacuation site, also called tsunami hinan basho (津波避難場所). If you’re not sure where the closest one is, just find the highest place you can get to. Bigger tsunamis can reach up to 10 meters in height, so you really have to prioritize “going higher” over “going farther.”

 

Final Words on Staying Safe During an Earthquake and Tsunami

 

While getting caught in a disaster is never fun, being prepared is the first step to increasing your chances of making it out okay. Having been through a few earthquakes and tsunami warnings myself, I know, when it happens, I think of the above tips and act accordingly. Have you been through an earthquake or tsunami? I’d love to hear in the comments following.

 

Some Japanese Holiday Inspiration

1 Month Japan Itinerary
Japan Working Holiday
Day Trip to Mount Fuji
Japan Digital Nomad Visa
Experience a Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony
How to Spend 3 Days in Tokyo

When you are a long-term traveller, expat or digital nomad, it isn’t always easy to find an insurance provider that covers your unconventional lifestyle at a reasonable cost. But I believe I have found one. If you have heard about SafetyWing and are looking for a review of them, look no further. I’ve done my research and reviewed SafetyWing and want to share my opinion about this new kid on the insurance block with you. Here goes. 

 

Do Digital Nomads and Long-term Travellers Need Insurance?

 

Short version. Yes, you definitely do! You just don’t know when you might get sick, have an accident and need emergency treatment, have your tech items stolen or have your travel plans cancelled. Most of us just can’t pay thousands of dollars from our pocket to cover these times. This is why you should have an insurance policy that covers work and travel. But it can be difficult to find an insurer who will cover you for everything when you are a long-term traveller or digital nomad. This is where SafetyWing comes in. They have designed a policy specifically for digital nomads.

 

What, or Who is SafetyWing?

 

SafetyWing is an international travel medical insurance that is specifically made for digital nomads, remote workers, travelling freelancers and entrepreneurs or anyone living abroad and travelling long-term. SafetyWing was founded by three Norwegian friends, all digital nomads themselves, who realised that there was no insurance out there, that covered the special needs of this target group. They decided that since the digital nomad lifestyle is constantly growing in popularity, and with a number of countries introducing specific digital nomad visas, it is about time to change that. And so they founded SafetyWing.

 

What does SafetyWing cover?

 

SafetyWing Insurance is designed to meet the medical and travel needs faced by Digital Nomads and other remote workers while they are outside of their home country. So you are covered if you are suddenly in an accident or fall sick and need medical assistance. Also, for unforeseen things that can happen when you are travelling including travel delay, lost checked luggage, natural disasters and personal liability. For full details of coverage check out the Nomad Insurance (Travel and Medical) and the Remote Health Insurance (health).

What does SafetyWing NOT cover?

 

It’s great to know what you are covered for but also very important to know what SafetyWing doesn’t cover. Like most travel and international health insurance providers, SafetyWing doesn’t cover things like routine check-ups, pre-existing conditions or cancer treatment. Also, trip cancellation and adventure sports are not covered, so if you want to be covered for these you will need to look at other travel insurance policies that do cover those such as World Nomads.

 

How much does SafetyWing cost?

 

SafetyWing is so far the cheapest international health and travel insurance I’ve seen. Currently, while writing this, the price for Travel Insurance was $40 for 4 weeks while health insurance was $125 a month.

These prices are excluding USA coverage. As with every insurance plan, you will have to pay more if you want to travel to the USA, simply because the medication is more expensive there. In case you do want to travel to the USA, no worries. You can simply book it on top of your plan for the weeks you want to go there.

 

Why is SafetyWing so cheap?

 

Now you may be asking yourself why is SafetyWing cheaper in comparison to other insurance policies. Basically, there are three reasons I have found. Firstly, SafetyWing has only one health insurance policy for all. Secondly, there is no middleman. You are buying your policy directly from SafetyWing. And lastly, they focus on the most important and basic health coverage. By not offering coverage for high treatments like cancer, they manage to keep their rates as low as possible.

 

How does the payment work?

 

SafetyWing operates on a subscription basis which is very handy for digital nomads. You pay every 4 weeks until you cancel the policy. As most of us long-term travellers and digital nomads don’t know how long we will be travelling for, this is a great way to ensure you don’t accidentally run out of coverage. And you can start your coverage with SafetyWing anytime, even if you are already travelling. 

 

Which countries does SafetyWing cover?

 

SafetyWing allows you travel to more than 180 countries worldwide, which is pretty much everywhere. Do consider as with any digital nomad health insurance, the monthly rate increases if you are traveling to the USA. This is because medical care is very expensive there. And yes, SafetyWing covers you even when you visit your home country. You can stay up to 30 days at home for every 90 days of coverage. If your home country is the USA, you are covered for 15 days for every 90 days of coverage.

 

What do I do in case of an emergency and need to claim?

 

First of all, don’t panic. Think of the situation you are in and how to resolve it. So if you have had an accident ring the local authorities and ensure your get a report. If sick go to a doctor or the hospital. Or if you have had your gear stolen report it and get a report. And keep all recipes too. Then file a claim directly with SafetyWing.

 

Conclusion SafetyWing review

 

SafetyWing gets a big YES from me. The policy covers the most important aspects an expat, long-term traveller or digital nomad needs when traveling. Plus processes to claim are very simple and straight forward. The subscription concept of paying every 4 weeks is very handy. SafetyWing is definitely a fantastic choice so head over to their website SafetyWing for your next trip or even if you are on the road already and need some coverage. And don’t let their cartoon looking website deter you, they are very professional.

 

Travelling to different countries is exciting. Just the thought of travelling exhilarates me as I think about the places I will see, the things I will do, the food I might eat and the culture I will experience. But there is also a scary side to travelling abroad and that is, no matter how hard we try, we are tourists in another country. And have you wondered how to not look like a tourist? Well I have many times. This is why, when I travel, I try to not look like a tourist because I feel I am safer, and you can feel safer too so you can enjoy your holiday. From my first-hand experiences here are my top tips to help you to not look like a tourist. To be an invisible tourist or holiday maker, if there is such a thing, when you travel abroad.

 

Why it’s not great to look like a tourist?

 

In reality, you can’t enjoy all you want to see and do on a holiday abroad without looking like a tourist. No matter if you are a solo backpacker, travelling with your partner or friends or perhaps your family with kids, it’s not great to look like a stereotypical tourist. Let me explain.

 

• Your safety is at risk: Yep, unfortunately tourists can be targets for unsavoury types like robbers who know you will be carrying cash and other valuables on you. And they don’t care if you are hurt while they rob you.
• You become a target for scammers: Unfortunately, when you obviously look like a tourist on holiday it can make you a target for scammers. Scammers have no hesitation in approaching tourists to offer them a great deal which they will never deliver.
• Can seem disrespectful: Standing out in the crowd, being loud and wearing inappropriate clothing shows you have not bothered to learn local customs and etiquette.  This can look disrespectful to some locals.
• Different treatment: Dressing how you want and not respecting local customs can see you treated differently, usually negatively. And this can mean you will be treated differently in stores and restaurants where you can be ignored or charged more!

 

How Not to Look Like a Tourist

 

Read on for my best tips on how to avoid looking like a tourist.

 

1. Blend In by Dressing Appropriately

 

Spot the tourist!

 

Trying to blend in is the biggest tip on not looking like a tourist I can give you. On saying this, it is hard to blend in when you have blonde hair and fair skin in a country where the locals have black hair and dark skin! I experienced this when I first visited Japan. Being a tall blonde lady amongst shorter people with dark hair, I definitely stood out. Nevertheless there are ways to blend in.

If you truly want to blend in to a crowd the best way is to not wear clothing that draws attention to yourself. Yes, I love New York too, but I doubt I’d be wearing a bright pink t-shirt around town advertising this! Do some research on your destination as to what people wear. Also, take cues from what the locals are wearing and perhaps you will need to buy some clothing. It will help you to blend in. Some examples:

• wearing brand and designer clothing can scream ‘tourist’ in some countries. On saying that, I am often wearing my favourite The North Face jacke.
• don’t wear skimpy clothes. Like shorts or show your mid-rift as this can lead to ‘staring’. During my travels I’ve seen people spat at, particularly females because they weren’t dressed appropriately.
• do some research on what people wear in different countries. Save the Hawaiian shirt for Hawaii or a fancy dress night. In Europe, people dress smartly – well isn’t Milan, Italy one of the fashion capitals! While in Los Angeles it can be acceptable to wear track pants and branded joggers but not so in other American cities. As it is mostly hot in Australia the norm is for people to wear shorts and t-shirts. And in the UK, people dress rather conservatively, particularly when working in an office on a UK working holiday. So do your research. Ask the Internet. What do you wear so you blend in to not look like a tourist in Europe, a tourist in America, a tourist in Asia or any other country or region.

 

2. Cultural and Religious Dress Regulations

 

As well as blending in, you need to consider dress regulations for different cultures. Females particularly need to consider countries with religious sites that require females to cover up. Either by ensuring your legs are covered or your head and shoulders are covered. This is why I travel with a scarf so I can cover my head and shoulders when entering religious sites. This was the case when I visited Turkey, it was a requirement to have my head covered when entering mosques. I also wear slip on shoes as some places of worship in Asia and the Middle East require you to take your shoes off before entering. And I keep my legs covered if required also and always travel with a pair of long legged pants or a sarong.

 

READ MORE: Here are some quick links to some of my best packing lists.

Packing for a Working Holiday
European Summer Packing List
Packing for a Hostel Stay
Beach Holiday Packing List

 

3. Book Central Accommodation

 

You may be wondering why I have included booking central accommodation in how not to look like a tourist when you travel abroad! Well, booking accommodation close to the centre of a city means you are close to most of the main tourist attractions. This means you won’t have to travel all over town to see them using maps and apps. As mentioned, maps can show you are a tourist, or a local who is potentially lost. And not having far to get to places of interest may mean you won’t need the tourist maps. However, you cannot always stay in central accommodation. Some cities are so large like London, New York, Sydney and Tokyo that you can stay in the suburbs and use local transport to get around to see the iconic tourist sites.

To find accommodation I look for accommodation deals and these may not be central. Depending on the type of accommodation I am looking for I book a bed in a hostel through HostelWorld, a hotel room through Booking.com and a lot of the time I housesit to save on accommodation costs through Trusted Housesitters. House sitting is one of my favourite ways to blend in to life in another country.

 

READ MORE: 

What to look for before booking a bed in a Hostel
Booking accommodation through Booking.com
Housesit and Never Pay for Accommodation Again

 

4. Store Your Luggage As Soon As You Can

 

I know it can be hard when travelling to not be seen with your luggage at some stage however, I would store it as soon as you can. Leave it in your hostel or hotel room or utilise places such as lockers at train and bus stations. I suggest you use accommodation websites and apps to see what security services, ie. lockers are on offer at the accommodation. Then leave your belongings in a safe place so you can enjoy where you are. Ensure you know where your luggage is at all times and also ensure you have it securely locked. On saying this, once in Germany while waiting to book in to our accommodation we went to McDonalds for a bite to eat. A couple of guys came up and started talking to myself and my friend. While talking they were moving and moved us so we couldn’t see our backpacks. This is when a third person took my friend’s backpack. She lost everything but was lucky she had her essentials like passport and money in her small messenger bag that was on her body. So yep, the moral of this story is to be aware of your surroundings and store your luggage in a safe place.

 

5. Buy Attraction & Tour Tickets in Advance

 

Sometimes when you get to a tourist attraction there maybe other people lined up to buy an entrance ticket. After all, you won’t be the only tourist in town! I waited over an hour one time to get in to the Louvre in Paris! Long queues are not uncommon when visiting Europe, particularly in the summer months. And this can attract unsavoury types only interested in ripping off holiday makers with their scams. One way to avoid the long queues is to buy a ticket in advance. My favourite site for booking a ticket for attractions is GetYourGuide. They have literally hundreds of options available to discover different tourist attractions. And one of my favourite tickets to buy is the ‘jump the queue ticket’. This is because I don’t need to stand in line to buy a ticket, because I pre-purchased one I can walk to the top of the queue and get entrance to the site much quicker than waiting in line to buy one at the venue.

 

6. Get Rid Of The Printed Map

 

No need for maps – get the app instead!

 

Thank goodness for travel map Apps. Gone now are the days where travellers would carry a paper map with them to find out where they were going. However, I have seen some people still using them to plan their day. My kids would say ‘this is how people got around in the olden days’! Yep. True. If you still use one (like I do sometimes), study it before setting off. Keep it hidden until you actually need to use it. Looking like you know where you are going helps you to blend in. Unsavoury types can target you when they see you with a map as they can think you look like a tourist. Another option is take a local hop-on hop-off bus that yes, will be full of tourists. Taking such a bus allows you to see where different sights are. Once you have your bearings you can go back to the sights looking like you know where you are going!

 

7. Don’t Flash Your Cash Around

 

To avoid looking like a tourist, don’t flash your cash around. Cash is a magnet for robbers. Therefore, refrain from displaying massive wads of cash and other valuables like credit cards. Robbers love these. Only carry enough cash to last you for the day. Yeah I know, it is hard to know how much you will need for the day but take a bit, maybe $50 or so. And yes, some places only accept cash. Definitely keep your valuables hidden until needed. If you have booked accommodation in the centre of town like suggested, you could easily walk back to your accommodation to get more! There are a variety of ways to take your money overseas as you travel, so consider all the options.

 

8. Have A Good Attitude When Travelling

 

Having a good attitude to where you are can help you to blend in. Basically I would ensure I behave appropriately. I wouldn’t stand at a beautiful sight and say in a loud voice negative comments and compare it to home. I suggest you embrace everything and be accepting of what you are seeing and doing. You are more likely to be warmly welcomed and possibly strike up conversations with the locals which could provide you with a slice of local life and create a friendship. Still, be wary.

 

9. Ditch The Giant Camera & Camera Bag

 

Of course you want to take photos of special moments of your travels. With phones offering great cameras you may want to use your phone rather than using a camera or perhaps invest in a compact camera. I purchased the Canon IXUS 185 Digital Camera – it is a little beauty. But I don’t always take it out with me. Sometimes I forget. That’s when I reply on my phone and it takes pretty good photos. However, if you like to travel with a big camera I would try to have it out of the way until it is needed, such as in your daypack. So depending on its size, ditch the giant camera and camera bag if possible. Carrying this item is like travelling with a target on your forehead which says ‘I’m a tourist and I have an expensive camera’.

 

10. Dump The Selfie Stick

 

how not to look like a tourist with a selfie stick – ditch it!

 

When I first started travelling selfie sticks weren’t a thing. If I wanted a photo of myself in front of a site, like Buckingham Palace I would ask someone to take the photo for me. There were plenty of tourists around who were happy to take my photo in return for me taking one of them!  I’m showing my age now! If possible, just like your camera, keep your selfie stick hidden until needed.

 

11. Do As The Locals Do

 

You want to see all the sights of the place you are in, right? Well a hop-on hop-off tourist bus or a tour are great for doing this. And I love taking this bus, particularly in a new city. However, unsavoury types can target you at the hop-on hop-off points. Don’t be afraid to go on tours which highlight you are a tourist. Where possible travel like the locals do. Utilise local transport of buses, trains, trams and ferries. And eat where the locals eat to get a more immersed experience. And hopefully this will help you to blend in.

 

12. Learn The Local Lingo and Customs

 

It is very useful to learn some of the local lingo of the country you are visiting. It can prove very helpful particularly when you need to communicate with the locals and the locals do appreciate it. Simple things to know include how to say hello, goodbye, thank you, how much and get lost. And knowing particular customs and respecting them, such as females needing to cover their head with a scarf when entering a mosque will show you have respect for such a custom and help you to blend in so as not to look like a tourist. Because you won’t be seen as an ignorant tourist, you will be seen as a respectful tourist, and possibly a local living in the country! If not a local, an expat who is living and working abroad on a working holiday visa or perhaps a digital nomad visa.

 

13. It’s How You Act In Public

 

As you travel the world you will find that sometimes it is very hard not to stand out because of your physical appearance. But sometimes it’s how you act which can be your downfall. Therefore, know where you are going (or look like you know), only get your camera, map and selfie stick out when needed. Dress like the locals and smile and communicate effectively. Try not to get yourself in to situations such as drinking too much and then walking home along quiet and dark streets. You can do reckless and sometimes dangerous things when intoxicated in unfamiliar territory. And unfortunately, people can take advantage of you.

 

14. Bonus Safety Tips So You Don’t Always Look Like a Tourist

 

• Wear your bag, such as a messenger bag, draped diagonally over your shoulder. This helps make it less likely for someone to run past or ride past on a moped and snatch the bag off your shoulder. Or wear your daypack on your front, rather than on your back.
• Use RFID blocking tools in your luggage.
• Don’t put your wallet in your back pocket of your jeans. Once in Istanbul I was walking in a group and a group of boys began throwing a ball around our group. While we were being drawn in to the game one of my travel companions had their wallet stolen.
• Always cover the screen as you type your pin in to an ATM. And be very close to it when the money comes out as I have seen people lean over and grab the money and run off.
• I know you want to enjoy a local drink and the food, but don’t over indulge in alcohol, then walk home in dark streets as you could be targeted.
• Have travel insurance to cover your holiday. I use WorldNomads for my general holidays including skiing trips and SafetyWing to cover for longer term travel.

 

Are You Ready to Not Look Like a Tourist When Travelling Abroad?

 

I hope these tips help you to not look like a tourist on your travels, even though at times you will look like a tourist. And that your travels are safe and problem free as you try to blend in to the world around you. I’d love to hear any of your tips on how not to look like a tourist in the comments below. However, if you don’t mind looking like a tourist carry on as you are and enjoy your travels no matter what.

 

Civil wars, country vs country wars, famine, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, fires and terrorist attacks are just a few of the things happening in countries around the world at any given time. And, these things can affect you travelling safe. Not everything is preventable and sometimes you are in the wrong place at the right time. From my years travelling the world, I have encountered some unsafe situations, so, before I travel anywhere I have devised a list of tips for safe travel, which I give some thought to. And now, I am passing on my best tips for safe travel to you.

My tips for safe travel are divided into two sections. The first section has safety tips to consider before you travel, and the second section has safety tips for when on the road. And the tips can be adapted to all sorts of ways to travel. No matter if you will be doing solo travel, family travel, travel with a friend, in a couple or within a group we always need to consider our safety. And it doesn’t matter if its a day trip, a weekend escape, a 2 week beach holiday or a 1 month country itinerary there will always be, albeit in the back of your mind, your safety.

 

Safety Tips Before You Travel

 

During the planning stage for any holiday many things can cross your mind. What will you wear on the plane? How will you do laundry? What meals you can cook in your hotel room, if there are cooking facilities at all? How will you stay fit and healthy while you travel? Will you take a backpack or suitcase? Should you travel with a powerbank to power up your tech devices? I could easily go on. Sometimes we may not consider our safety during our travels, but you should. So factor into your trip planning thoughts some actions to stay safe during your travels?

 

1. Research your destination

 

The more research you do of your destination, you can better plan how to stay safe. Of course you want to visit the tourist spots, but cameras and maps identify you as a tourist. This is why researching your destination is a good idea. Research things like how are you going to get around? And what do you want to see and do? Once you know these things you can work out your plan of being a tourist without actually looking like a tourist. This will help you look like you know where you’re going and what you’re doing (even if you don’t). Investigate using apps with maps of your destination on your device.

 

2. Plan your accommodation

 

Research the types of accommodation available. Booking your accommodation in particular in advance is the safest option. If you wait until you arrive you may not make the safest choice in desperation to lay your head somewhere. I like to stay in a variety of accommodation when I travel and usually match the type of accommodation to my trip. If I’m having a week long beach vacation I might choose an all inclusive resort to stay at, like I did when I visited Cancun, Mexico. If I only want to get some sleep for a night I may book a budget hotel room or a bed in a hostel. Either way I choose accommodation based on a number of factors. How close to the major sights of the city I’m in. Is it close to public transport? Are restaurants nearby? Read more on how I choose a hostel or how I choose a hotel to stay in for my safety and for all the services I need. And I use trusted websites and apps like HostelWorld, Booking.com and TrustedHousesitters to book my accommodation.

 

3. Plan your transport

 

Consider your safety on the transport options you choose. When carrying lots of luggage or sorting kids while you travel can sometimes distract you from what is around. So pre-book that airport transfer to your hotel. Or know about the public transport options and how much they might cost to avoid having to get out your valuables in front of strangers. I always try to plan to arrive during daylight hours as there are more people around.

 

4. Share your plans

 

Another safety planning tip I offer is to share your plans. Tell family and friends by leaving with them a detailed itinerary including contact details of places you will be staying. Possibly even a copy of your passport – just in case it is every lost or stolen.

 

5. Packing

 

Just a quick word on packing for your trip. You will need to pack things suitable for your trip. Different things are needed when packing for a 2 week beach holiday compared to packing for a working holiday abroad. A safety measure to consider is the dress code of the country or countries you will be visiting, particularly for women. For instance, in some countries it is required women cover your head before you enter a mosque. So consider dress codes when packing because the last thing you want is to be abused for not wearing appropriate clothing. I often travel with a sarong or large scarf for this very reason as both help you to cover up.

 

6. Buy Travel Insurance

 

My last safety tip I offer is to purchase travel insurance. Yes, you really do need travel insurance. You just don’t know what might happen, you could lose your luggage, find yourself in a natural disaster or need to be hospitalised while travelling. Your travel insurance should cover you for things like this and reimburse you for out of pocket costs – hopefully 100%. There are many on-line providers so shop around and get a policy that suits you and your aspirations. I recommend WorldNomads Travel Insurance for general travel insurance including extreme sports. And SafetyWing for longer term travel insurance. I have taken out insurance with both of them a number of times. However, I do suggest you get a few travel insurance quotes from different providers before you make that final purchase.

 

Safety Tips for When on the Road

 

While travelling, you need to consider your safety. Your life could depend on it!

 

blend in – don’t look like a tourist – limit use of maps

 

7. Blend in

 

Looking like a tourist means you may attract unsavoury types so try to blend in. Which, can be pretty hard if you have fair skin and blonde hair in a country where people are predominantly dark-haired and dark-skinned, or vice versa. Unfortunately, there are some unscrupulous people in the world who like to target travellers. So not looking like a tourist when you travel abroad, but an invisible tourist is a good idea. This is particularly apt if you will be a solo female traveller. Unfortunately, solo female travellers can be harassed with unwanted male attention. Some solo female friends often wear a wedding ring to deter males.

Blending in can also mean wearing appropriate clothes. Although it might be normal to wear shorts and a t-shirt at home some countries have dress codes and it is advisable to adhere to those. Not adhering to dress codes makes you stand out and could trigger unwanted attention. And on t-shirts, we often like to wear t-shirts with logos of where we have been or are from. Limit these as these make you stand out!

 

8. Know where your valuables are at all times

 

You should be conscious at all times of where your valuables are. Firstly, it is advisable to only travel with what you need, (passport, credit cards, money, devices, etc.). You will need an appropriate way to carry these. A small bag will suffice or try a money belt which could be worn around the neck or waist. Ensure you don’t expose this when a lot of people are around. Always have funds for the day readily available. Be wary not to put wallets in back pockets as they can be snatched.

If you don’t want to carry your valuables with you all the time find a secure spot to leave them. Many hostels/hotels have lockable lockers/safes where you can leave your items.

 

9. Be careful of the way you carry bags

 

Unknowingly, how you carry your bag can be a safety issue. Bags can easily be slit open without your knowing sometimes. A suggestion is to wear the bag with the bulk of it in front of you. This will be hard with a large backpack so take it off and leave it in front of you so you can watch it. If carrying a handbag drape it diagonally over the body with the purse part in front. This can be uncomfortable but slinging it over the shoulder could see a moped driver grab it from you as they can do it so quickly they will be gone with your valuables before you know it. Definitely don’t leave your luggage unattended particularly with anyone you have recently met.

I like to wear a messenger bag or cross body bag during the day as I sightsee. It is the right size to fit in my valuables and has the RFID blocking technology.

 

10. Be wary of your surroundings

 

Now I’m saying don’t drink while travelling, but when travelling you may over indulge in local experiences. This is why you should ensure you know where your valuables are and also be wary of your surroundings. Because if you have had too much to drink you may become disoriented and/or lose control and not be able to protect yourself and/or your valuables. And drink spiking can happen so watch the bartender make your drink.

Also be aware of your surroundings and adhere to any signs such as ‘danger ahead’. Or ‘crocodiles – do not swim’. ‘Beach closed today’. Think of your own safety and those you are with and follow the signs.

 

11. Check in regularly

 

My last tip on this list of tips for safe travel is to check in regularly. It is a good idea to have at least one designated friend or family member who you will check in with. This could be with a brief call, a text message or a post on social media to show you are safe. It can be a good idea to register your contact details with the local Embassy/High Commission/Consulate in case anything happens to you or at home so you can be located.

 

What to Do if Something Happens

 

If something happens to you while travelling abroad hopefully you have phone numbers handy to contact for help.

Safe travels.