During all of the planning for my twelve month career break I have been so lucky to have overwhelmingly positive support from friends and family. Most people who know me know of the amount of travel I’ve already accomplished and the types of places I go. Still, there are those that baulk as I name some of the destinations I intend to visit, and I’m often told that I must be very brave. Using the below safety tips, I have always remained safe.

1. Don’t flash any valuables around. I wear a cheap watch and plain earrings when I travel, and leave all other jewellery at home. I also pack my camera away once I’ve taken the photo/s I want, and don’t leave it hanging around my neck for all to see as I wander along.

2. Try not to look at maps in public. When first arriving at a destination I study the map of the area surrounding my accommodation so that I can begin to familiarise myself when I go and wander. Nothing screams vulnerability like a tourist looking lost with map in hand. This usually works for me, though I did once get lost in Yangon and found myself in an area where I was the only foreigner. As people looked at me strangely I kept my head high like I knew where I was going, and popped into a small shop to pull out my map. I had found myself 8 blocks off course!

3. Split money, debit/credit cards etc in different places, and don’t carry it all at once. I only take what cash I think I’ll need for the day, plus a card should I need to withdraw more. Some people recommend taking an expired credit card in a 2nd ‘fake’ wallet, to hand over if robbed, but I’ve never tried this, and have never had the misfortune of being robbed.

4. Lock valuables in your backpack in your room when out. Any additional cash I have, backup debit/credit cards and electronic equipment, I always lock inside my backpack, in my locked room/locker when I’m out.

5. Trust your instinct. If something feels dodgy, it probably is. If you have a bad feeling about someone, trust that feeling.

6. Don’t get drunk with strangers in a strange place. Keep your wits about you. There’s plenty of opportunity to still have fun, go out drinking and dancing, and make new friends, but ensure that you know exactly how you’re going to get back to your accommodation, and aren’t left wandering in an unknown city while intoxicated. I always carry the name and address of my accommodation in the local language, so I can jump in a taxi if I need to.

7. Be culturally sensitive and dress modestly. I have honestly found that most people I’ve met in the world are friendly and willing to help if you need it. You’ll be much more respected and able to make connections with locals if you’re showing that you respect them and their culture. Hot pants in a Muslim country is a big no no, as I once saw at the Pyramids in Egypt.

8. Scan all important documents (passport etc) and email them to yourself. That way you will always have accessible copies if you lose the originals, which makes it easier to arrange replacements.

9. Don’t walk around alone at night in dodgy areas. Would you do this at home? I wouldn’t, and I apply the same ‘street smarts’ while travelling that I would at home.

There are plenty of other tips that are recommended but that I’ve never found necessary. I can’t stand wearing a money belt, I find them uncomfortable and sweaty, and I don’t see the point in wearing a fake wedding ring to hide behind the false security of a fake husband. Just applying the tips above, and some common sense , should be enough to keep me safe. It has worked so far.