Safe in the City

City life is definitely an experience everyone should get an opportunity to enjoy st some point. There are 24 hour food delivers, music venues that don't shut until the sun of the next day is high in the sky, endless means of entertainment and the ability to pack your social calendar for a full year in advance. It can be a fabulous life.

I've lived in London for the past 6 years, but I wasn't always drawn to the bright lights, street noise, and smokey crowded sidewalks. There was once a time where my favourite spot was the hay bail over the fence of my neighbors yard. In fact when I first arrived in Columbia, SC for my undergrad I was overwhelmed. (And Columbia is small town in comparison to London!) Part of navigating city life whether your just visiting or making a move is excepting some things are going to be different. You'll likely forget how dark dark really is and the same goes for quiet.

So here's some advice (and a few myth busters) of the best ways to navigate a city.

Moving around alone

Let's face it, you won't always have someone to go everywhere with you. In fact, travelling with other people isn't always best anyways. Whether it is night or day the key is to be present and aware of your surroundings. Look up where you are going before hand, map out your route, walk with your head high and try to stay off the phone.

Moving around with friends

The thought process "there is safety in numbers" is only true if everyone in your group is observing the above points. It's fun to be walking with friends chatting and realise you've completely not noticed how loud you've been or that you've lost touch with your surroundings. The key take away in both scenarios is to be aware and act confident.

On the phone

It's late, you're alone and you think "I'll just call a friend to chat on the walk." It might feel safer but it actually makes you more vulnerable. You become a target and you've also confirmed that you have something to take. You're probably starting to see a theme, but it's important to be present in your surrounds. I know it seems like common sense but our minds are prone to go to what's comfortable. Try not to be texting, following the dot on a map, listening to earphones or talking to friends on the phone if traveling alone (especially at night). Before getting off public transport I always put my keys in one pocket and my phone in the other.

Tiny tip : Keys can double as a defensive mechanism if needed. Just slide each key between each finger and waa laa! I've never had to use this trick but it's always nice to have a back up.

Tiny tip: Turning rings backwards on your hands can hide the value during your walk if you feel it might draw unwanted attention.

Your voice carries

It's true. Especially as Americans, our voices seem to be magnified. I've had more than one occasion when a stranger has walked up to me on a train, in a bar and on the street and been curious about where I'm from. Most of the time it's harmless but on a few occasions the person approaching me is aggressive. Avoid the unwanted attention and just keep your voice down. This is true for any nationality whether you're traveling abroad or in your home country. Just be smart (and aware)!

If someone approaches you to talk don't feel obligated. You can be kind, firm and remove yourself from the conversation without offending (which is key). Don't share too much information, keep your answers short and briskly move on.

Lastly on this topic, consider who you smile or make eye contact with in public. In some situations a firm stare can warn off unwanted attention. In other cases it can attract it. I've been amazed how my instincts kick in and my gut seems to know what's right.

Mind your stuff

On my first trip to London my travel buddy started pulling out all his cash on the tube to count it on the seats. *pause for effect* "200 euros, 500 pounds, 150 dollars." I know, right?! I was mortified!

If you have cash don't pull wads of it out to pay for something (or randomly count it)!

If you have a nice camera don't wear it around your neck if you're not actively using it. And when you are, just be aware of what's happening around you.

Keep your bags zipped, don't put valuables in outside pockets, if you're in a crowded area tuck your stuff under your arm (without looking too obvious of course).

I'm starting to sound like a broken record, but just be smart, present and aware!

Drink and the City

If you're out on the town then make sure you keep your wits about you. I learned when I moved to London the importance of "the pint". And how quickly a couple rounds with friends and put you in a state of lessened awareness. So, here's my helpful tips.

Know where you are in relation to where you need to end up at the end of the night. And keep track of it as the night goes on. If someone is trying to take you miles away then ask yourself if it's really worth it! How long would night transport take you to get back? How many bus/subway/train changes are required? How well do you know the area? How much is an uber? I'm pretty sure you get the idea! Don't try to walk home alone, especially if you don't know where you're going.

And don't forget, uber is your friend! If you feel unsafe find a well lit area and use the app! Also, look up the city's taxi policies before you go. Be careful just jumping into the back of a car that someone says is a taxi. Most cities have taxi safety information on their websites so you know what is legit and what is not.

People can be cruel

In the light of all the terror in today's society I don't think I can complete this blog without some mention (although I personally don't want to give the terrorist any satisfaction of thinking they can change my actions). If you see something suspicious - an abandoned bag, a person acting strangely, anything that gives you reason to question - report it! It's not your responsibility to investigate, but it is to let someone of authority know. You don't even have to stick around to see what happens. Just grab a cop, security guard, worker or dial and emergency number.

If an attack happens near you, remember you don't have to be the hero, stay calm and move quickly to a safe place.

The attacks across England, Europe and the rest of the world have been heart wrenching, but I refuse to have my actions, my life and my choices driven by fear. I love my big city life and no one can take that away from me. Don't let what's happening hold you back from a full experience.

Stay calm and carry on

The Brits have taught me what it really means to "stay calm and carry on" and it's a motto I think we should all adapt. They ability to keep perspective is one of the main reasons my heart overflows for this country and my fellow Londoners. Nothing in the city goes as planned. You'll likely always be 10 minutes late, or take a wrong turn, step in gum. Really anything can happen. The key take away is to stay calm and keep thinking!

So,I think it's important to mention here that none of the above is meant to scare you or suck the fun out of city life. It's only to make you aware of areas where you could be most vulnerable. As long as you stay present, act aware and confident and use your common sense, don't panic if things go a little haywire you will be just fine!

If you ever have specific questions about how to stay smart in the city then my contact details are on the site. I'm available to chat!