Travel & Culture - Staying Aware and Safe in New Places (Intermediate)

Activity 1: Let's Get Started! 🤔 (Warm-up)

Let's discuss personal safety and awareness while traveling!

What are some general safety precautions you take when exploring an unfamiliar city or area, day or night?
How can technology (e.g., smartphones, apps) contribute to your safety and awareness while traveling? What are potential downsides?
Describe a situation where being particularly aware of your surroundings helped you avoid a problem or made you feel more secure while traveling.

Activity 2: New Words & Phrases 🗣️ (Vocabulary)

Here are some key terms and phrases for discussing safety and awareness in new environments at an intermediate level.

1. Situational awareness (noun phrase): Being conscious and observant of your surroundings and potential threats or unusual activities.

Example: "Practicing good Situational awareness is crucial, especially in crowded tourist areas."

2. Precaution (noun): An action taken in advance to prevent something dangerous or unpleasant from happening.

Example: "As a Precaution, she informed her hotel of her hiking plans and expected return time."

3. Blend in (verb phrase): To look or seem like you belong with a particular group of people and not be easily noticeable as an outsider or tourist.

Example: "Dressing modestly and trying to Blend in can sometimes deter unwanted attention."

4. Emergency contact (noun phrase): The name and phone number of someone to call in case of an emergency.

Example: "It's wise to have a local Emergency contact and the number for local emergency services saved in your phone."

5. Trust your instincts (verb phrase): To rely on your gut feeling or intuition if a situation or person makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe.

Example: "If a street looks deserted and makes you uneasy, it's best to Trust your instincts and find an alternative route."

6. Petty crime (noun phrase): Minor, non-violent crimes like pickpocketing or bag snatching, often common in tourist areas.

Example: "Be vigilant against Petty crime by keeping your valuables secure and out of sight."

Activity 3: Reading - Exploring with Caution 📖

Read this story about a traveler prioritizing safety in a new city.

Chloe was excited to explore the historic district of the city she was visiting. Before setting out, she took a few Precautions. She researched the area online, noting any neighborhoods that were advised to be avoided, especially after dark. She made sure her phone was fully charged and had the local Emergency contact numbers saved. She dressed in a way that would help her Blend in with the locals rather than stand out as an obvious tourist, hoping to deter any potential Petty crime like pickpocketing. She also decided to leave her expensive jewelry in the hotel safe.

As she walked through the bustling streets, Chloe practiced good Situational awareness, paying attention to the people around her and keeping her bag secure. At one point, a narrow alleyway looked like a shortcut, but it was poorly lit and deserted. Chloe decided to Trust her instincts and stuck to the main, well-populated streets, even if it meant a longer walk. She also made a mental note of where the nearest police station or information center was, just in case. By taking these simple steps and remaining observant, Chloe felt confident and secure, allowing her to fully enjoy the beauty and history of the new place without unnecessary worry.

Questions about the Story:

Answer these questions:

What were two Precautions Chloe took before exploring the historic district?
How did Chloe try to Blend in, and why did she think this was important?
What does "Situational awareness" mean in the context of Chloe's walk?
Why did Chloe decide not to take the shortcut through the alleyway? Which vocabulary phrase describes her decision-making here?
What kind of crime was Chloe trying to deter by being discreet with her belongings?

Activity 4: Role Play - Discussing Safety Tips 🎭

Let's pretend! One person is Liam (Experienced Traveler), and the other is Maria (First-time Solo Traveler).

Maria: Liam, you've traveled so much. I'm a bit nervous about my first solo trip. Do you have any safety advice?

Liam: Absolutely, Maria. The most important thing is to maintain good Situational awareness. Always be mindful of what's happening around you.

Maria: That makes sense. What kind of Precautions should I take before I even leave my hotel?

Liam: Always let someone know your general plans for the day, and have an Emergency contact number for the local area, as well as one back home. Also, try to Blend in with your attire; flashy tourist gear can attract unwanted attention.

Maria: Good point about trying to Blend in. What about protecting my belongings from Petty crime?

Liam: Keep valuables secure, perhaps in an anti-theft bag or hotel safe. Don't display expensive electronics unnecessarily in crowded places.

Maria: And what if I feel like a situation is unsafe, even if I can't explain why?

Liam: Definitely Trust your instincts. If a place or person makes you uncomfortable, remove yourself from the situation. Your safety comes first.

Maria: This is really helpful, Liam. Having an Emergency contact and remembering to Trust my instincts are key takeaways.

Liam: Exactly. And don't be afraid to ask locals for advice if you're unsure about an area. Most people are happy to help ensure visitors have a safe experience.

Let's Talk About It:

After you read, talk about this:

What did Liam say was the most important thing for Maria's safety?
What advice did Liam give Maria about her belongings to avoid Petty crime?

Activity 5: Let's Practice - Safety Planning ✍️

Help Alex (Traveler) complete his part of a conversation with a Hotel Concierge. Use words and phrases from Activity 2!

Concierge: Good morning, Mr. Alex! Planning your day of exploration?

Alex (Traveler): Yes, I am! I want to visit the old market, but I want to take some first. Is it generally safe for tourists?

Concierge: Generally, yes, but like any busy market, it's good to be aware. Maintain good and be mindful of your belongings to avoid any .

Alex (Traveler): Good advice. I'll try to and not look too much like a tourist. Do you have an number I should have for this area?

Concierge: Yes, the local police number is 112, and for general emergencies, it's 999. It's always good to have those.

Alex (Traveler): Thank you. I always believe it's important to if an area feels off.

Concierge: Absolutely, that's very wise. Enjoy the market, and stay aware!

Show Answers! (Activity 5) ✨