The lone traveler

As some of you may know I took a short break to Amsterdam on my own and Id like to talk about some of the risks and ways to keep safe.

Firstly keeping you passport and money safe.
I made sure before I went that I had my money belt,this is very important as I also keep my passport,flight ticket and at least a couple of hundred Euros,by doing this I know whatever happens I can get home.
Also I only keep 100 euros in my wallet just in case I get mugged.

I also carry a fake wallet,in this I carry 20 euros and a fake credit card,the reason for this is if you do get held up you give over your fake wallet which hopefully gives you time to get out of dodge.

Also don't keep anything of value at the top of your backpack and try and lock it if possible as pickpockets will try to open it and take your belongings and if you think that won't happen to you remember these people do this as there job so are very good at it.


Awareness.
I got told that if you are walking alone and see some dodgy looking characters not to make eye contact,well I disagree with this for the simple reason that if you walk with your head down or show fear you make yourself a target and remember they are looking for weakness just like wolves do when picking their pray.
Also I like to make them aware that I have clocked them,I don't stare but make sure they know I have seen them.

There are a few other things I do when traveling alone.
I make sure I have studied a map of the area that I will be visiting and I make sure I know of any bad areas to avoid.

Never walk down unlit alleyways,avoid even walking by them.Avoid unlit areas.
Walk confident,don't look like a tourist,by this I mean don.t wear a bumbag[fanny-pack],don,t have a camera around your neck or on show,don,t stand in the street looking at a map,don't look lost even if you are lost.

Never drink or get stoned to the extent that you are out of control or lose your awareness of your surroundings.
Remember that if you do go for a drink you are on your own and folks will notice this so try to look like you belong,say hello to the bar tender and make conversation,be friendly and polite,you will be surprised at how many new friends you will make by just looking happy.

Another good tip is watch the locals,see were they go to eat and drink as this will keep you away from the tourist traps and save you money.

Getting home.
Familiarise yourself with the airport when you land so that you know exactly were to go on your trip home,the same goes for the train station,buy your return train ticket a few days before you come home and make sure it goes in your money belt with your other items.
Also when you get your return train ticket go check out the platform you will go from in advance.

Oh and don't forget to checkout local laws,a good example of this is folks think cannabis is legal in Amsterdam,well its not but it is tolerated so don't walk about with a Big Fat Bob marley in your mouth as this may attract unwanted attention from the local police.

Remember walk tall,be aware,be polite and keep safe.

Happy travels.