I want to start off todays blog with some tips about staying safe while going out into the bar scene when on the road.
When traveling abroad, it’s all too tempting to getting involved in the culture and, naturally, drinking is a big part of many places!
Spring, summer, winter or fall, no matter where you go or what time of year it is, people like to have a good time. Unfortunately, there are also people who like to take advantage of those having a good time as well.
So what’s one thing you can do besides becoming a hermit crab stubbornly stuck in its shell and refusing to come out and play?
Prepare & educate yourself! Take a look at my tips below to help your friends and family keep peace of mind while you’re out and about traveling, making friends & partying abroad!
Tips for Staying Safe While Partying Abroad
Get Rested Up
One thing you need to remember before you go out dancing ‘til dawn is that you should make sure you prepare yourself beforehand!
There’s no since in being exhausted before you arrive to the club because, believe me, you’re going to need your energy if you plan to be pulling an all nighter!
Plan your day accordingly. Use the morning for activities, take the afternoon to rest up (whether it by lounging at the beach or simply just walking around to explore the town you’re in).
If you’re really wanting to rest up, you could even foot the extra expense and stay in a hotel somewhere but that’s totally your call!
Pick a Good Location
Location is key to not only being safe, but to having a good night out! When traveling by myself and searching for a bar to down a few brews, I usually always look for the same signs:
- Fellow travelers
- Busyness of the area
- Whether the location is considered safe/not safe
With this in mind, I then calculate exactly how and/or what I should drink that night. If it’s an unknown location and I’m by myself, I might down a beer or two. Nothing more. If it’s a very popular area and I’m amongst friends, then I’m down to have quite a few more. 😉
Keep friends Close
Going hand-in-hand with picking a good location, you must keep your friends and fellow backpackers close! You know that term “there’s safety in numbers”? Well it’s popular for a reason, because it’s true!
If some thief is looking to take advantage of someone, they are most likely going to opt-out for the single drunk traveler by themselves, not the intense group of friends traveling with 4-10 people!
In the rare case that you or your friends do become a target, it’s always a good idea to carry travel insurance. It’s very easy to get and it only takes a few minutes of your time to get approved online. Something that should be done while preparing for any trip abroad!
Traveling solo as I do and nervous about making new friends? Then take a look at the post I wrote about on how to make friends while staying in a hostel.
Drink in Moderation & Drink Wisely
Another thing to keep in mind while going out (whether it be back home or abroad) is to always drink in moderation. Nobody enjoys babysitting the alcoholic who drank to the point that they’re totally sauced and unable to comprehend what’s going on around them. I’ve been there, done that & won’t do it again because, quite frankly, that’s a good way for your night to start going sour!
Additionally, to keep yourself from being drugged, always pick your drinks wisely. Personally, if I’m going out I never order hard alcohol because it can easily be drugged and I don’t know which liquor or what the liquor-to-mixer ratio is. Try to follow the following:
- Always order beer (make sure it is opened in front of you).
- Never take your hand off the drink or place it down anywhere.
- Avoid drinks bought for you by strangers.
- Avoid Shots.
Follow these simple rules of thumb and you’ll be automatically set on a safer night out!
Never Go Home Alone!
When the bar is closing down and it’s time for you to go home, never go home alone! Always remain with a close friend or, at the very least, a fellow traveler.
I would estimate that a great majority of incidents that occur would be just after a bar closes down. Most of the people coming out are highly intoxicated and a prime target for petty theft.
The bottom line is, keep yourself out of harms way and use common sense to ensure the best vacation possible!
What are your tips for having a safe night out on the town?
So many good tips here! When I travel I don’t go out so often anymore but when I do I always try to follow these advices!
Thanks kami, it’s always good to play it safe (in these scenarios anyways) lol
I’ve never been much of a partier when travelling but I totally agree with all of these … never go home alone is probably the best… been there done that and not very recommended!
I hear you there!
I’ve definitely learned that as I’m in my 30s now, I can’t seem to handle shots very well anymore! Haha. I stick to beer or cocktails and avoid the shots unless I want to be passed out somewhere, which obviously I don’t! 😉 Great tips!
Haha true that Lauren. I’m only 26 but have had my fair share of time taking shots. I’m more of a beer guy now as well…with the occasional pina colada of course! lol
Great tips Ron for all travellers, but especially female travellers for the last point. I did that one and got into a very awkward situation. Learned my lesson!
Well, I’m certainly glad you didn’t get taken advantage of Hannah! It can be fun, but you’ve always got to watch your back in this world nowadays! 😉
Great tips, Ron! Definitely a few pointers for people heading out on the town 😉
Thanks Sammi!
Great tips Ron – absolutely to the point to drink in moderation & drink wisely – you’re in an unfamiliar environment where so many things could go wrong should you become intoxicated to the point of stupid. Read a story about an Australian women in Canada who got drunk, passed out in the snow, and woke up with the most severe case of frostbite anyone had ever seen. She’s lucky she had her hands!!
So yes, tips for partying safely abroad are well needed!! Thanks!
Wow that’s pretty intense. Only one more reason to keep your wits about ya and use common sense when traveling (and even when you’re back home)!
Really good set of tips. I am not a huge party-er at all but things like not accepting drinks from strangers or leaving your drink unattended are soooo important! If I am drinking hard liquor (on the rare occasions) I’ll always have it with water! Works well 🙂
Couldn’t have said it better myself Alli! 🙂
I usually eat plenty food if I drink, because otherwise I can embarrass myself and I also feel sick.
Lately I started to drink beer with lemon juice so this way I can drink all night long without any problems.