Hey there, fellow travelers! Today we’re in the “hostess city” of Savannah, Georgia. While we love to share fun travel recommendations like where to eat and what to see in a city, we also want to share practical travel tips to help you travel safely. So, today, we’re six safety tips for travel in the USA. You may hear a lot of stories about crime in the US, but it’s actually a very safe place to travel. But, as with any destination, there are a few things to look out for, and these are the six things I do when traveling in the States.
#1 Taxi Ripoffs
The number one thing to look out for when traveling in the States is when you take a taxi cab. It’s so easy for a taxi driver to rip off travelers because you don’t really know where you are, or where you are going. Las Vegas taxi drivers are notorious for this. There are a few things you can do to avoid getting scammed by the taxi. Call your hotel and ask them how much a taxi should cost from the airport, and how long it should take. (Some hotels have a free airport shuttle.) You can also use mapping apps on your phone as you are in the taxi to check that the driver is taking the fastest route. Make sure you get the name and number of the taxi you are in; if you lose something or have an issue after your ride, this information is critical. (Lyft and Uber are now available in most places, so you can avoid this issue all together as the price is pre-determined.)
#2 Theft in Hotels
A big complaint we see is travelers having their medication stolen from the hotel room. The United States has a huge prescription drug abuse problem, and people can make a lot of money selling stolen prescription drugs. Always keep your medicine in a safe place, which could be the safe in your room. (This is also why you should never put prescription medication in your checked luggage.) Most hotel employees are great at their jobs, and won’t cause an issue, but there’s always a chance you could have a bad apple.
Read: Five Things to Never Put in Checked Luggage
#3 Being in the Wrong Place at the Wrong Time
There aren’t a lot of crime scams that specifically target tourists in the US, but it’s possible to just end up in the wrong place at the wrong time. Your hotel can help you avoid this by telling you which parts of town to avoid, and if there are areas you should only visit during the day. Some of the country’s best tourist sites are wonderful during the day, but best avoided after dark.
#4 Aggressive Beggars
Although the US is a very rich country, there is a large homeless population, especially in larger cities. Yes, it’s sad to see, but in recent years, they have gotten a bit more aggressive and it can be unnerving to be on the receiving end of this aggression. If you see someone acting particularly aggressive, just avoid them. Cross the street, turn around or pop into a nearest shop for a bit. If you can’t avoid them, just keep walking.
#5 Credit Card Scams
Always keep an eye on your credit card. US restaurants don’t all have the mobile card machines that you see in other countries, so the server usually has to take your credit card back to a cash register to swipe it. Try to keep an eye on your card when they have it, to ensure it doesn’t make a side trip anywhere else. If you are really uncomfortable or have an uneasy feeling, you can always ask to accompany them along with your card. Always double check your bill, too, to make sure no additional charges were added.
Watch: Tipping in the USA
#6 Car Theft
Car break-ins are one of the most common crimes in America. Do not leave any valuables in your car, especially overnight. Bring everything into the hotel, and if you have to leave anything in the car, make sure it’s out of sight. Even if it’s just a few bucks or a phone charger, don’t take the risk of having your car broken into.
Bonus Advice
In the extremely rare event that you are mugged or carjacked, just give the thief whatever they want. Your life is not worth a car, a wallet or a phone. Things are replaceable, but you are not, so don’t put up a fight. (This applies all over the world, not just in the USA.)
These are the things that we look out for when traveling in the States. It’s a pretty safe country, so we don’t worry too much, but it’s always good to be aware of the issues. I hope these safety tips for travel help you feel more comfortable about your visit to the USA. Most likely, you won’t have any issues at all, and you’ll have a great trip to the States. For more travel tips and advice, check out these blog posts and videos:
