Dog
06-01-2009, 06:13 AM
In general, most of the danger associated with traveling involves petty thievery or at worst, muggings. On the other hand, there are still places where foreigners face life-threatening danger, like terrorism, kidnapping, or religious/racially motivated attacks.
What's the most dangerous place you've been to, and what precautions do you take in both places with minor and serious dangers?
As of now I've just had to deal with petty bullshit, though in a month I'll be going to Eastern Europe, which is probably one of the most dangerous places for me to travel.
Anyways, for Western Europe it's pretty simple:
1) Keep 50-100 Euros/Pounds under the sole in your shoe for emergencies.
2)When walking into a busy square, scout out the vendors beforehand and steer clear. Some, probably most, are just out to make an honest (but probably over-priced) buck, but there are also some that just peddle bullshit. One guy was "selling" fucking string "bracelets", and by that I mean he had a bunch of red and blue strings, would strike up casual conversations, tie them around people's wrists, and then ask for a donation.
The worst thing about the squares isn't really the vendors (ultimately you can just politely tell them to fuck off), but the fact that you can easily get distracted, thus leaving yourself vulnerable to potential thieves.
3) As for avoiding thieves: Keep your wallet in your front pocket and check it frequently. Keeping a hand in your pocket in a crowded area can be a good defense.
What's the most dangerous place you've been to, and what precautions do you take in both places with minor and serious dangers?
As of now I've just had to deal with petty bullshit, though in a month I'll be going to Eastern Europe, which is probably one of the most dangerous places for me to travel.
Anyways, for Western Europe it's pretty simple:
1) Keep 50-100 Euros/Pounds under the sole in your shoe for emergencies.
2)When walking into a busy square, scout out the vendors beforehand and steer clear. Some, probably most, are just out to make an honest (but probably over-priced) buck, but there are also some that just peddle bullshit. One guy was "selling" fucking string "bracelets", and by that I mean he had a bunch of red and blue strings, would strike up casual conversations, tie them around people's wrists, and then ask for a donation.
The worst thing about the squares isn't really the vendors (ultimately you can just politely tell them to fuck off), but the fact that you can easily get distracted, thus leaving yourself vulnerable to potential thieves.
3) As for avoiding thieves: Keep your wallet in your front pocket and check it frequently. Keeping a hand in your pocket in a crowded area can be a good defense.