More applicable to women, traveling the world can be a dangerous feat for many today. Certain areas are, of course, more dangerous than others, but there are still common fears that can unfold in any community around the world. Though women need to be more careful of male aggression in unknown places, there are people who are ready to bait any clueless travelers on an international excursion.

If you want to be a safer traveler today, here are the top tips for making it happen:

1. Thorough Research:
   If you’re using Airbnb, don’t just guess which areas are safe and which are not. What are the best neighborhoods to avoid? Do some background research before you make your decision. You don’t want to be scared to walk in and out of your Airbnb – that’s no fun.
2. Keep Valuables On:
   Yes, that means possibly wearing a fannypack. You need to safeguard your items, especially on public transportation if you accidentally fall asleep. I would recommend wearing a fannypack with your passport and other valuables on it, so people are deterred from dipping into it given its front and center location on your body.
3. Travel Light:
   The less you have to worry about, the less of a target you are to people scoping you out. If you try and backpack across Europe with 3 unmanageable suitcases, people will take notice, and peg you for an inexperienced traveler with items they can steal. Instead, try and keep everything in a big backpack, with a fannypack on the front of your person.
4. Watch Alcohol:
   Being inebriated puts you into an unaware state. Before you hit the bars, get to know your surroundings, stay accommodations, and transportation options available to you.

Don’t be scared to travel! Follow these tips for making the most of it.