Rules For Commuting and Traveling to Risky Locations

I spent the past few months traveling a lot to less than safe locations. I also began commuting more and more to New York City, which is getting stranger and more dangerous.

I had to react to a few sketchy situations a couple of times, and I leaned on experience and a few rules I have given myself over the years to get me through the problems. Experience is a good thing to have, and the rules are things I have learned and built into the planning as things that either give me a direction, a thing to never forget, and sometimes a small and simple collection of do’s and don’ts.

The rules are not static and they are not dogmatic. As always, the situation dictates the action, so you have to remain dynamic.

  1. Always have an escape plan
  2. Build contingencies and keep the plans simple
  3. Be paranoid, but friendly
  4. Stay on target and be efficient
  5. Stay light and fast
  6. Understand your rights for the locations you are going
  7. Go quietly


1. Always have an escape plan

Things often go wrong, and when they do, it's fast. The first and more important thing you always have to plan for is how to exit. Whether it’s actually extricating yourself out of the location, or knowing when to call it because it’s getting too dangerous, having an escape plan is a priority.

Know the place you're traveling to. Know the location you’re staying in. Gather information about risk, law enforcement, the location of your embassy or consulate, and safe places where you can regroup.

Get a simple plan ready. Visualize it and know it well.

2. Build contingencies and keep the plans simple

Plans always fail, especially the escape plans. Build contingencies and alternative plans, and prepare your PACE (primary, alternative, contingency, emergency) communication plans with someone.

As you go through your day, create something similar the GOTWA:

  1. G: Where I'm Going
  2. O: Others I'm taking
  3. T: Time of my return
  4. W: What to do if I don't return
  5. A: Actions to take if I'm hit or Actions to take if you're hit

Make sure things remain simple, that way you can remember them and act on them even under stress.

Remember, luck is the residue of preparation. You are responsible for your safety.

3. Be paranoid, but friendly

Always assume you are a target. Don’t trust the people you meet. Be nice but always assume they are up to no good. You don’t know if they are criminals and you, by being associated with them, are now also considered a criminal. You also don’t know if they are there to help you or take advantage of you. Be nice, but assume the worst.

4. Stay on target and be efficient

If you are traveling for work, or even for pleasure, this means you have something to do. Focus on that and do it the best you can; then get out. Efficiency is key. Work smarter, keeping your eyes on the target.

Do not forget to look at the sides. Things going wrong usually come from the places you don’t see.

5. Stay light and fast

Light equals speed equals safety. The lighter and nimbler you are, the better you can move, and the more you can pay attention to your surroundings.

If you don’t use it everyday, or wear it during the trip, or eat it, leave it behind. Don’t forget to keep the critical things in your pockets: phones, IDs, and anything else you might need in an emergency.

6. Understand your rights for the locations you are going

When things go wrong, you need to know what you can and can’t do, especially regarding law enforcement and the location’s expectation of rights.

All countries have different laws. Some don’t even have laws. Same with cities and what you can carry on your person. Know where you are going and what do in cases where you are arrested.

7. Go quietly

Keep it to yourself. Don’t be loud. Don’t be on your phone. Leave the flashy watch home. Be mindful of how you behave. Do not attract attention to yourself. Focus on understanding your demeanor and what others see. This helps minimize your signature and you become less likely to be targeted.

Move with purpose and blend in.


More

Aside from this rules, which are more personal than anything, I recommend you read A Practical Guide to Staying Safe While Traveling and Commuting (PDF) by Modern Adversary, and Dangerous Travels, by Grant Rayner.