An Essential Guide To Staying Safe When Travelling By Foot

There are plenty of ways to travel from place to place these days but are any as reliable as the traditional travel by foot? Walking will help ensure you stay fit and healthy even if it’s just short distances, but no matter where you’re travelling to you will need to take extra care to ensure you stay safe.

Like any form of travel, walking does come with its own risks, but we can help you ensure you always stay happy, healthy and safe no matter where you’re walking to. So, without further ado let’s take a look at some tips anyone who enjoys traveling by foot needs to know.

Wear Comfortable Shoes

If you’re walking long-distances or are a regular walker then a comfortable pair of flat shoes are essential. You’ll get proper support and be able to make a quick getaway if you need to, walking especially at night can be dangerous and sometimes the only option you’ll have is to run away and a good pair of shoes will help ensure you can actually do this.

Be Alert

People enjoy walking for all sorts of reasons it’s healthier for one, but it does come with risks so one rule to remember is to always remain alert and be vigilant. It doesn’t matter where you’re walking either it could be a foreign country or your local neighbourhood you should always remember to stay alert and keep your eyes open for possible dangers.

When you’re outside walking dangers can take many forms from environmental hazards like potholes, traffic accidents and even street crimes like bag snatchers. Which is why it’s essential you stay alert at all times this might sound easy but even veteran walkers can get easily distracted.

This is especially true if you listen to music or podcasts on your phone while you’re walking, you can easily get so tied up in what you’re listening to that you simply ignore obverse warning signs. So, make sure you keep the volume low and stay focused on your journey.

Make Sure Someone Knows Where You Are

This is particularly important if you’re walking long-distances, you never know what could happen while you’re walking around so make sure somebody knows where you are and what you’re doing. If you’re going sightseeing, for example, make sure you have an arranged time to be back by, you should always ensure your phone is charged as well so people can get in touch with you.

Trust Your Instincts

Veteran walkers will likely have already learned to rely on their gut instinct, sometimes you can just sense when something isn’t right. Sure, you might be worrying about nothing but it’s always better to trust your instincts if you think something isn’t quite right while you’re out walking.

If you’re walking in a location that does have a high crime rate, then carrying a deterrent like a personal alarm would also be advisable. Another tip to remember is to always look and act confident, people who look nervous or anxious will stand out and be easy pickings for criminals.

Plan Your Route

This is particularly important if you’re walking around a place you’ve never been before or are planning on walking at night. You should research any locations carefully, so you know what safe routes to take. You should also try to avoid secluded areas like alleyways and fields whenever possible. Even places like parks can be very dangerous at night so make sure you take everything into account when planning your route.

Avoid Walking Alone At Night

Safety in numbers might sound cliché but it’s true criminals will often target individuals who are walking alone, especially at night. So, if you can arrange to walk with a friend or even better a group of friends then you’re more likely to stay safe and avoid possible harm.

Keep Valuable Belongings Hidden

One mistake many walking enthusiasts make is that they keep valuable belongings in plain sight, walking around brandishing a luxury smartphone is going to attract unwanted attention sooner or later. Women, in particular, are at risk when it comes to crimes like bag snatches, so using a backpack or messenger bag will help ensure your belongings are more secure while you’re walking about.