Safety is key when exploring unfamiliar cities and countries.
Unfortunately, sometimes scary situations can arise, for example when you feel you are being followed.
It’s easy to panic in such scenarios, but certain steps can be taken to stay safe, reveals author Paul O’Donnell in his book Man Up! 367 classic skills for the modern man.
In the book, which is a collection of solutions to everyday problems, the American author explains how it is possible to lose someone when they are followed.
First, O’Donnell suggests examining your suspicions and seeing if you’re actually being followed.
Certain measures can be taken to protect yourself if you feel you are being followed abroad
He writes: “Behave a little erratically – stop to look at a shop window, a house or a garden – and see if your rooster is trying to keep up with you. If the person you suspect is following you stops (a shop window is a handy mirror to keep track of the person), walk through and stop again; If he or she stops again, you will probably be followed.”
O’Donnell also recommends walking halfway down a street before turning and slowly walking the other way. This way you can confirm if the stranger is definitely following you and you can also take stock of their appearance.
He says: “If your tail wags with you, note the person’s age, hair color and height (measure visually with a building door or street sign) so they can be identified to the police if necessary.”
O’Donnell says if you’re driving and suspect your car is being followed, you should take similar steps to definitely determine if you’re being followed. If the car behind mimics your actions, you can bet your guess was correct.
He says: “Turn on your right turn signal, slowly around the corner, then straight ahead. If you’re still in doubt, take two right turns and pull a U-turn center block. Gradually slow down on the Autobahn until you reach 40 mph; anyone who doesn’t follow you will catch up with you in 60 seconds.’
Once you’ve made it clear you’re being followed, O’Donnell says there’s one thing you should definitely avoid.

If you think your car is being followed, make two right turns and pull a U-turn center block. If the car behind mimics your actions, you can bet your guess was right

man up! 367 Classic Skills For The Modern Guy by Paul O’Donnell outlines solutions to problems people face in everyday life
He says: “If you feel the person following you is a threat, no matter what you do, don’t go home; you don’t want them to know where you live.’ Given that logic, it’s unwise to return to an Airbnb or vacation rental you’re staying in until you’ve ripped off your stalker.
Instead, the author recommends that you “drive or walk to the nearest police station or police car and explain your suspicions.”
He also suggests going to a crowded place like a mall or department store to blend in with the crowd.
Travel safety advisor JC Lightcap – who wrote the Travel Safety Handbook – has more tips for getting rid of a suspected stalker. He told travel advice website 1000 Travel Tips that when you’re in a hotel lobby or busy restaurant, look for security guards who can contact the police for you. You can also get into a taxi to put some distance between you and the pursuer.
Lightcap added, “Whether it’s in person or by phone, you need to notify the police and provide as much information as possible: where you saw them, how many, what they looked like, and anything about how they work that might help with identification and capture. “the individuals.”
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James is an author and travel journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a love for exploring new cultures and discovering unique destinations, James brings his readers on a journey with him through his articles.