California is a dream travel destination for millions of tourists from around the globe. Its majestic national parks, fascinating history filled with movie stars and beautiful beaches make California an irresistibly alluring travel destination.
Yet California is not without its share of issues, particularly for tourists visiting on vacation. Tourists are especially susceptible to petty crime so it is wise to be on guard while travelling through this state.
Avoid walking alone at night.
Although it is generally safe to walk alone during the daytime, violent crimes like muggings are more prevalent at night – this is particularly true in urban areas with higher crime rates.
Avoid walking through isolated or dark areas and opt for sidewalks and pathways whenever possible. Wear reflective gear at night if you will be out where cars may pass by; especially if this will be your mode of transport.
Even in cities known for their safety, walking alone at night requires using the buddy system. Keep close watch over your belongings and never leave costly items unattended; also make sure that there is enough cash on hand in case you need a taxi ride or public transit.
Don’t leave expensive belongings unattended.
Muggings may occur occasionally in California, though they’re generally rare. But property crimes like pickpocketing have become an increasing threat in tourist areas and public transportation networks, like when you go swimming with dolphins, especially during times when large crowds congregate in tourist-heavy zones or on public transit lines. Therefore, it is advisable to carry only small amounts of cash when leaving your hotel room; make sure your purse or backpack are always kept zippered shut for maximum protection.
As part of your California travels, it is also recommended to avoid wearing flashy jewelry and flashy accessories that draw attention. Doing so could give thieves the impression you possess many valuable items which could be stolen. Also avoid leaving belongings unattended on public transportation and in crowds during rush hours when possible.
Don’t leave your car unlocked.
California cities such as Los Angeles and San Francisco with high crime rates should take special precaution to secure their vehicles at all times, and store any valuables safely within. Unfortunately, theft often happens here.
Although violent crimes in California don’t usually impact tourists, property crimes like burglary and robbery can occur in major urban areas of California. To stay safe against this possibility, only bring along essentials in your wallet, and don’t wear anything expensive such as jewelry or shoes that could attract criminals.
Other travel tips for California trips include designating a sober driver, staying in contact with friends at home and being wary when driving on California’s busy freeways. Furthermore, make sure that you drink plenty of water to stay hydrated during your journey!
Don’t drink and drive.
Drinking and driving should always be avoided in California for its dangers and legal implications, but particularly because this increases your risk of an accident.
Ultimately, if you decide to drink, make sure you have an experienced designated driver or take taxi or Uber service to and from your destination. Taxi scams do occur so make sure your driver turns on their meter properly and provides change!
California can be an intense state, so prepare to encounter fast drivers on our massive ten-lane highways. Additionally, be mindful that some areas were severely impacted during the Covid-19 pandemic and might require extra precautions for health reasons.
Don’t text and drive.
Although California offers low crime rates and is relatively safe for tourists, it is still wise to refrain from texting while driving – including taking advantage of car sharing programs like Uber or Lyft.
Pickpocketing may not be as prevalent, but to stay safe it’s wise to only bring along a minimal amount of cash and store the rest in your hotel room. Furthermore, flashy jewelry or watches that might draw thieves’ attention should also be avoided to minimize risks.
Although California driving can be fast and aggressive at times, you should always obey traffic laws when driving – including using turn signals and staying in the correct lane.
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