How to Stay Safe in High-Risk Destinations

Stay Safe in High-Risk Destinations. This is the kind of post i write when i’m feeling extra mortal. jan 31 2026, 2:45pm-ish in my delhi hotel (the AC finally decided to behave but now the wifi is having an identity crisis), and i’m sitting here wondering why some part of my brain still thinks places with “kidnapping risk – high” sound like a fun weekend. i’ve been to a few spots that hovered on the edge of Level 3 or straight-up Level 4 (not naming names because i don’t need more stress), and while i made it out fine, i also had moments where i genuinely thought “this might be how i end up on the news.” so here’s my very human, probably incomplete, “please don’t die” guide. not expert advice. just one anxious idiot sharing what worked.

step 1: accept that you’re being dumb (and prep harder than you ever have)

high-risk isn’t “edgy adventure”—it’s real shit: crime, civil unrest, terrorism, zero hospitals that can help you, maybe even “arrest for looking foreign” vibes. if travel.state.gov says Level 4 Do Not Travel, 99% of people listen. if you’re the 1% going anyway (family, work, sheer stubbornness), own it and over-prepare like your mom is watching.

• read the full advisory on travel.state.gov. not just the color—read the why (K for kidnapping, C for crime, etc.) and the specific no-go zones.
• check other governments too (UK, Canada, Australia) because sometimes they disagree and one might have better intel.
• STEP enrollment. do it yesterday. free, gets you embassy alerts, helps them find your body—I mean, find you.
• insurance that actually covers war zones/high-risk (most normal policies laugh at you). medical evacuation can be $100k+.
• emergency contacts list: trusted person back home gets your full itinerary, embassy phone, local emergency numbers, your blood type (yes i’m that extra now).

before you even land: the paranoia checklist

• don’t broadcast. no insta stories “off to [red zone city] lol wish me luck” until you’re safely back. social media = free target list.
• pack boring. no flashy jewelry, no expensive camera dangling. dress like a local mid-range version (research norms—long sleeves in conservative spots).
• money split: cash in USD hidden in different places, cards in RFID sleeves, small daily carry only.
• tech: local SIM day 1, offline maps downloaded, power bank, portable charger brick, personal alarm/door lock.
• learn escape phrases: “help,” “police,” “hospital,” “american embassy” in local language. google translate offline pack.
• vetted transport/hotels only. no random airport guy yelling “taxi cheap!”

once you’re there: daily “don’t be an idiot” rules

trust. your. gut. if the street feels wrong, uber. if the guy is too friendly too quick, polite no and leave. i’ve walked away from “helpful” strangers who probably weren’t helpful.

• blend: walk like you know where you’re going (fake it), head up, no staring at phone in middle of sidewalk.
• avoid flashpoints: protests, big crowds, night streets unless busy/lit. unrest escalates stupid fast.
• transport: apps with live tracking (share location), no unmarked cars after dark.
• hotels: central if possible, 24h reception, check door/chain/window locks immediately. tell front desk vague plans (“meeting friend at cafe”).
• out and about: carry minimal—copy of passport, small cash. real passport in hotel safe.
• communication: check in daily with home base (even “alive” text). keep phone charged.
• if shit gets weird: don’t argue with authority, stay calm, ask for embassy. have embassy number memorized.

random things i do that might be overkill but whatever:

• fake wedding ring sometimes (deters certain creeps)
• never accept open drinks/food
• know nearest hospital/embassy on map
• hidden cash stash in sock/under insole (gross but works)
• no solo night walks. just don’t.

honestly… how to stay safe in high-risk destinations is mostly “don’t go unless you have to,” but if you do, it’s about reducing variables and listening when every instinct screams run. i’ve had close calls that still wake me up sweating, and i’ve also had days where i felt fine because i followed my own dumb rules. if the advisory is screaming no, maybe listen this time. or at least prep like hell.