Traveling alone has its pros and cons. If you are feeling ill at ease, you may want to seek out a few others. One experienced traveler says, "I'd stake out a comfortable chair in my hostel's common room, and find someone to chat with." You may wonder if this is a good idea?
If you are a female solo traveler, you may find that men follow you. One time in Karachi I was walking along and noticed someone lurking nearby. I approached a British couple who were walking just a few steps ahead of me and mentioned the lurker, then asked if they wouldn't mind walking with me for awhile. They were agreeable and said, "Of course, walk with us," and I started walking with them. As soon as the guy saw me meet up with others, he went away.
Don't be hesitant to just walk up and say "help me" -- usually people will. I have found this very true in Turkey.
I figure if it comes down to being mugged or being embarrassed, I'd prefer being embarrassed.
Of course, traveling as a part of an organized tour group doesn't guarantee safety. If you haven't done your own homework yourself about your country of destination you could be asking for trouble. Often people who join organized tours have nothing to prepare themselves, no directions and they walk around with cameras around their necks and are reckless with money when they shop. It's like they're begging the locals to rob them. It's good to be informed before you go out.
Turkey is not as safe as it used to be but it is still safer than most places when it comes to street crimes. With the exception of large urban centers such as İstanbul and İzmir, street crime is relatively low in Turkey. You need to be careful in İstanbul, however! Petty street crime is most common in tourist areas such as Taksim Square, Sultanahmet and in the areas around the Grand Bazaar and Spice (Egyptian) Bazaar. Usually stalkers work in pairs or groups and can be male and female.
Carry only what is needed. Usually you can leave your passport in your hotel safe, as a lost or stolen passport can disrupt your travel plans and is expensive to replace.
Most street crimes include pick-pocketing, purse snatching, and mugging -- just like any other large metropolitan areas throughout the world.
Beware of some sort of diversion such as an argument, a fight or someone bumping you. Often such a stir is caused to commit the crime. Another strategy is to try to begin a conversation with English or French-speaking foreigners. The individual will try to befriend tourists and then drug them, using tea, juice, alcohol, or food.
One Today's Zaman reader shares his experience:
Dear Charlotte, a friend and I were walking down the street in Sultanahmet and a young Turkish fellow who was standing outside a café invited us in for tea. We stayed for an hour and had tea and chatted. He seemed nice enough. He invited us to go to a bar near by for a drink. You can guess the rest… Our drinks were drugged and we were robbed. I am young and adventurous but I learned my lesson the hard way. Think twice before accepting what seems to be a kind gesture. Since my experience I have taken wrestling lessons so I can defend myself better. From Wrestler.
Dear Wrestler, thanks for sharing your story. I've heard similar stories where tourists are invited to visit clubs or bars, and then presented with inflated bills for a few hundred dollars or more, and coerced to pay them by credit card or to withdraw cash from a nearby ATM to cover the charge. It's hard to tell about people sometimes.
If you are traveling or planning a trip here are a few tips for staying safe during your vacation:
-- Learn all you can about the local culture where you are going.
-- Find out if certain styles of dress are frowned upon.
-- Try to discover if certain neighborhoods, bus routes, or subway stations are notorious for petty crime.
-- Learn a few key words and phrases in the local language (e.g., those that might get you out of a sticky situation).
-- Best to avoid being flashy. In some places iPods, cell phones and certain clothing styles are the norm. In other places, they can make you stand out.
If you feel afraid, trust you instincts. Always be in tune with your instincts. If you think a situation is bad, it probably is. Just be on your toes.
There is nothing like a good trip -- the experience of a lifetime!
Please keep your questions and observations coming: I want to ensure this column is a help to you, Today’s Zaman ‘s readers.
Note: Charlotte McPherson is the author of “Culture Smart: Turkey, 2005.” Email: c.mcpherson@todayszaman.com
