Crowd Safety When Traveling: How To Keep Your Family Safe

There are many circumstances when you are traveling that you may come across a crowd. There are so many fun festivals to attend abroad, exciting music events, or you might just run into a horde of tourists at an attraction. You can try to avoid busy places when traveling, but sometimes it is just not possible. Plus, sometimes experiences that involve crowds can be some of the best travel memories that you make. I know they have been for me. Below I outline some tips for crowd safety when traveling that will keep you prepared, safe and happily enjoying your vacation. 

This article is part of a 6-part series on how to stay safe when traveling. Did you miss the last 5 articles? Check out the links below:

How To Stay Connected When Traveling Abroad

7 Ways To Keep Money Safe When Traveling Abroad

Staying Healthy When Traveling

Accommodation and Hotel Safety

Safety Tips For Using Public Transportation 

Some of the links on this post are affiliate links. When clicking on the links and booking travel, I receive a small commission with no extra costs for you. Please note, I only recommend brands I actually use and trust.

Staying Together In A Crowd

One of my biggest fears when in a big crowd is that I will get separated from my kids or the people I’m traveling with. With adults it is much easier to navigate. Just make sure you have your cell phone charged and with you, but with kids it’s a little more complicated

I love a fun event, like a music or cultural festival. I want my kids to have the experience too, but I don’t want them to get lost in the horde of people. Here are a few ways to make sure if you do get separated, that it is easy to find each other again. 

1. Dress your kids in the same clothing and/or very bright, distinguishable clothes that are easy to find in a crowd. Think bright yellow or pink!
2. Write your phone number on your child’s arm or on a piece of paper and put it in their pocket. Having it written on the child’s arm is usually best, so that they don’t have to worry about losing the paper, but it all depends on the situation. If it is cold and they have a jacket with a zip pocket, you can easily put a piece of paper with your number in there and it won’t get lost. 
3. Choose a meeting spot that is easy to find and recognizable. If you get separated, agree to meet there. 
4. Make sure you charge your cell phones and you have service. If traveling internationally, invest in an e-sim, like Airlo, and make sure you have Whatsapp downloaded on your phone with everyone’s numbers in it. You can use the data to call or text each other. Learn more about e-sims and other ways to stay connected when traveling internationally here: 7 Great Ways To Stay Connected When Traveling Abroad
5. If the crowd starts to get too busy, link arms. You can also hold hands, but it is much easier to lose hold of a hand than a linked arm. 

Keep Kids and Yourself Safe

If the crowd starts to get unruly, there is a possibility that things can get dangerous for you or your kids. These tips for crowd safety when traveling below will help keep you and your loved ones safe when in very busy crowds. 

1. Have everyone wear closed toe shoes. If you are planning on being in a very busy crowd, it is better that you protect your toes with shoes. If someone steps on you, it won’t hurt as badly. 
2. Don’t wear loose clothing or dangly jewelry that could get caught up on something or someone. 
3. Be vigilant. If the crowd is starting to feel dangerous, walk the opposite way. If that is too difficult to do, link arms and walk perpendicular to the crowd. This will be the quickest way to get out of it and access a side street or the edge of the crowd. 
4. Don’t drink too much alcohol and always stay hydrated.
5. If you have small children, lift them high onto your shoulders so that they can see and feel more relaxed. This will also help them breathe easier. 

Keep Your Belongings Safe in a Crowd

Pickpockets love a crowd. People are easily distracted and constantly bumping into each other making it easy to quickly grab that cell phone or a wallet. Use these tips for crowd safety when traveling with your things in a busy place. 

1. Only bring the necessities with you. This includes your cell phone, one credit card, one piece of identification (not your passport), and only the cash you need for the event. 
2. Carry your stuff in your front pocket, crossover body purse or in a money belt. Check out this nice looking money belt from Osprey.
3. Wrap a rubberband around your money and credit cards that you have in your pocket. This way it is harder for someone to take it out of your pocket because of the friction. It isn’t foolproof, but it is an option.

I hope you are able to use these tips for crowd safety when traveling so that you don’t need to worry when you are out and about. Having fun at a cultural or music festival is a great experience when traveling. Even more fun when you are safe and prepared!