Personal safety is something we all think about from time to time especially when we find ourselves in what appears to be a dangerous situation. We all tend to relax somewhat when we feel the danger is low. It goes without saying that areas of any country are dangerous at times and when we travel we visit areas which we may not be familiar with and which may include grave danger. 

Unfortunately, we may find ourselves in a situation where we are in sudden and unexpected danger. It doesn't matter much if you are elderly or big and fit if someone suddenly pulls a knife or gun on you in a strange land. You have a problem. 

Staying out of the situation in the first place is the best advice. There are many ways to do this. Traveling in groups often helps and traveling alone often places you in a very vulnerable position. 

There are some things you can do. Carry a good quality whistle. ACME of England makes them. Their Thunderer or Torando 2000 models are very effective. Carry a personal alarm.

I carried a Buck knife in a leather belt clip several years back and on at least one occasion it prevented some very tough looking folks to getting too close. Today with strict airport security traveling with a knife is impossible unless you have it in your checked luggage. I won't suggest you carry a weapon because there are too many variables and one suggestion won't apply to all situations. IN certain situations I think it would foolish not to have some weapon to defend yourself and the example I will use is the offshore sailor who may be miles away from Law enforcement and find himself face to face with a modern day pirate. Not having a weapon in that case severely restricts your options and decreases your level of safety. At the Canadian border we frequently see our American visitors reminded that they cannot bring handguns into Canada and dozens of them are confiscated and mailed back to them every year. 

Normal common sense is your best defense. Your radar needs to be turned on. Don't allow yourself to slide into a dangerous situation with people you don't know. Apply local knowledge -people will be glad to tell you which areas of the city to avoid and why. Some areas are safe during the day but quickly change at night as a different group of people comes out. 

Respect local customs and keeping a low profile is usually the safest approach. Wearing clothing that identifies you as a tourist is not usually the wise thing to do. In some areas they can tell right away anyway but why broadcast the fact. Buy a local hat or shirt rather than wearing your Canadian Beer Drinking shirt or hat with your country's flag on it. And whatever you do while in a foreign country don't try and fly your flag!  It's their country not yours and when they see a foreign flag flying in their country usually they resent it. 

At one time people would sew a Canadian Flag or Maple Leaf on their backpacks thinking it would give them protection. It might in some areas and it will not in others so think about it first. 

And whatever you do don't take your rolex or expensive jewels with you. Bad idea. They scream out "rob me!" Buy a cheap timex for your trip. I recently bought a surprisingly nice and very accurate casio that sets itself automatically by satellite on sale for less that $20 and it keeps perfect time and looks great too. If somebody steals it it won't be the end of the world. If they get my Rolex Explorer its bye bye to several thousand dollars and I would be sad. For a long time!

Accidents may happen anywhere in your home country or when you travel. Road accidents are surprisingly common everywhere when you look at the stats with over 2800 people a year dying in Canada and one driver in 6800 dying in the USA. A serious traffic accident while on vacation could ruin everything. Be sure you check out our travel medical resource page because although insurance cannot prevent an accident it can make the outcome of that or a sudden medical condition much better for you, your family and your finances.