carolrose
Contributor
Have a laid back attitude and be prepared to adjust to the local way of doing things instead of expecting everything to bend to you. You stand out a lot more as someone who is uncomfortable and 'foreign' by standing on ceremony about nonsense.
Carry yourself with confidence and be open. Look people in the eye and don't be afraid to actually smile at them and attempt to talk to them even if there's a language barrier. I work in a neighborhood where I absolutely don't fit in based on surface appearances, but I'm very comfortable and happy there because I roll with it. Also, people are a lot more likely to look out for you if you make an effort to establish a positive relationship with them.
If you are leaving valuables in your car somewhere to go exploring, stash them under the seat before you get to where you're going. If anyone is checking out a parking lot to break into a car, you're fairly well advertising if you spend 10 minutes stashing your goodies once you're there.
If you're a female traveling alone don't drink too much and just like at home, watch your drinks and don't accept a drink from a stranger that you didn't personally see the bartender pour.
Pay attention to your surroundings--situational awareness is good in real life just like in diving. And just like in diving, if you want to abort any activity for any reason, even just a gut feeling that something is off---follow your instincts.
Carry yourself with confidence and be open. Look people in the eye and don't be afraid to actually smile at them and attempt to talk to them even if there's a language barrier. I work in a neighborhood where I absolutely don't fit in based on surface appearances, but I'm very comfortable and happy there because I roll with it. Also, people are a lot more likely to look out for you if you make an effort to establish a positive relationship with them.
If you are leaving valuables in your car somewhere to go exploring, stash them under the seat before you get to where you're going. If anyone is checking out a parking lot to break into a car, you're fairly well advertising if you spend 10 minutes stashing your goodies once you're there.
If you're a female traveling alone don't drink too much and just like at home, watch your drinks and don't accept a drink from a stranger that you didn't personally see the bartender pour.
Pay attention to your surroundings--situational awareness is good in real life just like in diving. And just like in diving, if you want to abort any activity for any reason, even just a gut feeling that something is off---follow your instincts.
