TRAVEL TIPS: Staying Safe on Travel Days

Here’s some real talk on staying safe during travel days, especially when you’re in places with higher crime rates.

I’ve got a whole list of life lessons for these kinds of adventures, but let’s start with the transit basics.

First, why the focus on travel days? Well, for me - this day is critical. You’re out and about with everything you hold dear and rely on for your journey. I remember my first solo travel. I was 17 years old, en route to Durban.. I did not have a credit card, and I had hidden all my cash in my bra (cringe- I know).. and lo and behold IT FELL OUT! OK. Panic. Move forward - many travels later - and these are the rules I live by on travel days.

1. Always, and I mean always, keep your golden trio—your wallet, phone, and passport—close to your body. In a pinch, these are your lifeline in any foreign land, and losing sight of them just isn’t an option.

2. Now, about that wallet. Do yourself a favor and split your cards up. I distribute mine between different bags. It’s less likely that a thief will take everything, so don’t put all your eggs in one basket.

3. And here’s a pro tip: don’t ever put those precious items in the trunk of a taxi. Experience has taught that you might find yourself in a situation where you need to abandon the car. No one wants to be in that scenario, much less with all your things locked in the trunk!

4. Once you’ve reached your destination, find a good hiding spot for your passport and half of your credit cards. In the unfortunate event of a break-in, burglars usually hit the obvious places first. So get creative!

Most people will tell you to steer clear of high-crime countries altogether, and if you’re not adventurous, then definitely take that route. But if you’re like me, curious and undeterred, you won’t let a chance of crime hold you back. These tips aren’t about fear; they’re about empowerment, ensuring your travels are memorable for all the right reasons.