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 Travel solo - while you're there

I once went shopping in Delhi with a woman who thought everyone was staring at her. They weren't, but she was hyper-aware of all that went on. As a result, she looked uneasy, staring suspiciously at everyone. Trying to blend in is not easy, I know, but it is best to be look around you, and walk with confidence rather than cower. Obviously, don't wear a headset on the street. You need to be hear as well as see your surroundings, plus it is a good idea to enjoy your foreign setting.

In cafes, enjoy people watching. You're in a new environment, watch how people interact. If you are in a tourist area, observe the other tourists, try and guess where they are from. But stay vigilant. Keep your bag on your lap or hook it over your knee. Never drape it across the back of your chair.

When it comes to taxis, use only official cabs. They often come in a uniform colour such as yellow, black, silver. They may be more expensive but they are generally safer and more trustworthy. Most taxis are metered and check that the driver turns it on. If he says it isn't working or the journey will be cheaper without it, I strongly suggest you get out and find another cab. If you have roaming on your phone, use your map to ensure the driver is taking you the best route. I suggest you sit in the back seat of the cab, sitting in the front seat can seem overly familiar. If the country you are visiting has a different alphabet, such as Russia or China, ask the hotel for a card with name and address on it in the local script, this way you can show it to the taxi driver rather than be reliant on your own garbled pronunciation. In India, you can book a taxi for a half-day or full day to take you to multiple destinations. At each stage, the driver will drop you off and wait in parking . The joy of this system is that you don't have to find which taxi is yours, he will watch and find you. If the taxi driver has been good, then please give him a healthy tip, it can make a difference to their lives.

Don't get distracted



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