From decoy wallets to code words for escaping dodgy situations – martial arts expert reveals 10 ways teens can stay safe on trips away without their parents

The first trip a teenager takes without his or her parents is an experience he or she will remember for a long time.

But it can also quickly turn into sadness and anger if safety precautions are not taken. Even the most picturesque locations can be plundered by scammers and thieves.

Luckily, martial artist Matthew Collins has some advice to help teens enjoy their adventures — and avoid wasting time filling out police reports.

Matt is committed to helping young people – he teaches 1,400 young students a week across England as CEO of Samurai Kickboxing and wrote a book entitled Eleven Life Lessons: Empower Your Child to Be Safe and IndependentAccording to Matt, the book shows parents how to make their child happy, confident, resilient, independent and safe.

Matt continues his work here. He doesn’t hold back and shows teens how to get through the holidays and come out with a smile. He shows them how to carry ‘fake wallets’, how to plan escape routes and how to use secret code words to escape shady situations…

Be smart with your phone – keep it in a safe place

Matthew, from Jersey, says: ‘Using your phone in public can make you a target. Be discreet when looking at maps or making calls. Keep your phone tucked away in unfamiliar places, especially busy places like markets or tourist attractions.’

Choose clothes that suit you

‘Don’t stand out as a tourist,’ warns Matthew. ‘Flashy clothing, jewellery and expensive gadgets scream “easy targets” to opportunistic thieves. In environments where you are vulnerable, dress like a local, or at least modestly, and keep valuables out of sight to avoid attracting unwanted attention.’

Group – but not always

Matthew advises: ‘Be aware that your own awareness is likely to decrease when you are in a large group. Sometimes it is safer to split up into smaller groups’

Matthew says: ‘While travelling in a group can make you safer, this is not always the case. Be aware of how the group may present itself to those looking for an easy target – how individuals behave and what they do. Be aware that your own awareness is likely to be reduced when you are in a large group. Sometimes it is safer to split up into smaller groups or even be alone if the group is behaving badly.’

Learn the lay of the land

The martial arts expert advises teens to “familiarize yourself” with a “new place” before they arrive. He explains: “Check online guidebooks, read up on local customs and be aware of potential scams targeting tourists. Knowing the culture and relevant safety tips for your destination can help you avoid any uncomfortable or unsafe situations.”

Watch your money

“Don’t show your money!” warns Matthew. He advises “splitting up cash and cards” and “keeping them in multiple locations on your person.” The expert adds: “If possible, pre-load a funding card to reduce your need to use ATMs. Carry a decoy wallet with a small amount of cash to avoid bigger losses if you are targeted.”

Beware of scams

Avid traveler Matthew (pictured above in Utsunomiya, Japan) advises teens to ‘know your exits’ at cafes and restaurants

Matthew says, “Understand the scams that are common in the area you are visiting. Places with lots of tourists can be breeding grounds for scammers, so be alert! If something seems too good to be true, it probably is!”

Organize yourself

Matthew urges teenage travellers to ‘keep digital copies of important documents such as passports and travel tickets’, adding: ‘If you lose them, this can save you a lot of time and hassle.’

Eleven Life Lessons: Empowering Your Child to Be Safe and Independent, published by Authors & Co.

Know your exits

The author says: ‘Whether you’re in a café, restaurant or even a train, choose your seat wisely. Sit with easy access to exits, face the room and keep your back to the wall. In buses, planes or cars, aisle seats are often safer. Always know where you are in relation to escape routes.

‘Make a mental note of where the exits are in your accommodation and test that they open and are accessible. This simple habit can save you valuable time in an emergency and give you peace of mind in unfamiliar environments.’

Make an emergency plan

“If you’re traveling with friends, agree on a meeting point in case you get separated and your phones don’t work,” says Matthew.

The martial arts expert continues, “Agree on a ‘safe word’ to use if either of you feels uncomfortable, and agree to leave the situation immediately if it is used. It’s also a good idea to know where to get help, such as the police station.

‘In a country where you don’t speak the language, this can happen, for example, in visitor information centres or in places where other foreigners hang out, such as cafes and tourist attractions.’

Stay in touch

The expert says: ‘Make sure someone knows where you are and what you are doing. Share your travel route with your family back home. A virtual SIM card keeps you connected, which is especially useful in emergencies.’