Watch the crowd

Be aware of your surrounding by constantly keeping a close eye on your bags, the people around you, and avoid getting rubbed against from anyone. I find people who are to close and who happen to be keeping a close eye on you or suddenly bump into you, are up to no good.
When I was living in Dublin, Ireland there was a moment in a shoe store, were I thought this lady was keeping a close eye on me, but I just assumed that she just knew I was tourist. However, once I put my purse down to try a pair of shoes on she quickly grabbed my bag and ran. I started running after her, but the store security guard grabbed me and mentioned to not even bother chasing her. I found out last that night that often tourists will chase the individual and get stabbed or over all get badly hurt. So I quickly learned my lesson, trust your gut and keep you eyes wide open at all times.

Carry a safety device

Before I left for my first big backpacking adventure my father got me a personal alarm. It was not like any regular alarm. This thing made one hell of a noise if you pull on the trigger. It’s a small square shape device, with a hand held string attached to it. If you pull the string fairly hard the device will literally scream and blow your ear drums, trust me its loud. I once by mistake pulled the string on a train and I swear everyone on the train was not only staring at me, but they were all covering their ears tightly. I think it’s a perfect device for solo women backpackers, who need a safely net.

Avoid showing your money

So this really goes for any backpacker, never show your money out in the public eye. Even if it’s only a few bills, you will have those few individuals staring and thinking of ways to take advantage of the situation. Try to bring your money out in front of a clerk or somewhere safe, where you know people can’t see you.

Ladies don’t bring Bling

So yes, there will be times you want to look good for going out on the town and hitting up a few bars/clubs, but trust me wearing jewelry is not worth it. A thief can easily injure you from pulling at your necklace from your throat or even grabbing your arm to get a bracelet. If they want that item that you are wearing, oh they will get it some way or another. I find, wearing something simple but pretty with no jewelry is the best way to avoid any of that trouble. Plus when backpacking we never look as good as we can. Its just part of the adventure.

So these are just a few easy tips to know, but over all just be smart when you backpack. If you are aware of your surroundings and know how to carry yourself well….well you should be just fine.

As a traveler I seen many tourists carrying their money belts outside and exposing it, or even trying to hide it under a rack of clothing, but no matter what it is still very visible. So there are a few pro and cons towards this method.

Pros:

♦A slim pouch to hide the most important valuables against your belly is perfect for a long bus ride or a plane journey. To ensure no pick pocketing, while on the road. I have seen many times over again individuals snatching bags from under the seats, over top shelves, and even on people’s laps. It can be very common for backpackers to have items stole on trains, while they are asleep.

♦A money belt acts like a wallet, but just a slim one at that. I find if you want to ensure not misplacing it or getting any of your valuables stolen, have a few money belts. Have the most important items on your belly and separate the remaining items in other money belts within your travel gear. This is to ensure if one of these money belts is lost, you have a back up one to keep you going for a while. Plus not everyone knows what a money belt looks like, so they more like to be hidden without anyone realizing what they really are.

Cons:

♦The number one con I find with money belts, they can be very uncomfortable. If you are traveling in a warm climate, they seem to stick to your belly or make your clothes all sweaty.

♦Money belts are designed to be slim, so you can’t put a lot of valuables in them, unless you want to make your money belt obvious. Which is why I would recommend more then one belt.

♦Some local people have no idea what a money belt is, but when it comes to backpackers well its no secret there. So carrying it around in public is not the smartest idea.

♦There are many different types of money belts, but the ones with neck pouches aren’t the safest ways to go about keeping your items safe. They are dangerous due to the string around you neck and they can more uncomfortable due to the pouch sitting on your chest bone.

Generally these money belts aren’t horrible to use, but you just need to know when is a good time to use them and when not to. Since they aren’t 100% secure. I use a little something different as a money belt. Take a look at this and let me know your thoughts? It is called a pocket capsule and it is perfect for cards of any kind and cash for a day trip. Most people have no idea what it is and it looks like a business card holder. I find it perfect for a daytime wallet. You can purchase these at any backpacking gear store and they are pretty cheap.

Qantas Airlines

All Australia’s know how to travel when using their leading airline. Quatas is a budget, low – cost airline that has many benefits. If you want to travel to a few countries and make it over to Australia, there is a very good chance you will get a free stop over somewhere. Yes, I said it FREE stop over! This is one reason why I love this airline, and not to mention it is safe!! You won’t feel like are going on a 6 pillar, 2 seater aircraft.

Cathay Pacific

I hear from friends how strict the Cathay Pacific airline crew is, but also how efficient they perform. Hong Kong world known, most prestigious airline is a five star rating. But, since we are backpackers this airline can be a little expensive, however if you are taking a long journey over to Asia I say take this airline!

Singapore Airlines

Booking last minute and looking for something cheap, this is one to pick. It also has the best quality, food, and friendly attendants. Yup, I said food. You maybe surprised but it’s true Singapore airlines has amazing food!!!! I am not one for plane food, well like most people but I like this plane food.

British Airlines

I have always loved the classy feeling of leather seats. It sounds funny, but really I feel more high class. So the reason why I picked this airline is because every year they try to reach their reputation to the top five, no matter how many crazy marketing ideas they try. It is funny, but it’s true. However, this airline is safe, comfortable, friendly , so really I would choose this airline to reach your destination in Europe.

I only picked four, but really what other better airlines are out there. These airlines can be a little picky in regards to the price, but they are safe and before we backpack we do need to reach our destination!!