Safety In Crowds: How To Keep Your Family Safe

There are many circumstances when you are traveling that you may come across a busy crowd. In this post, we’ll address those fears of losing your child in group of people or being a victim of a pickpocket. Safety in crowds is possible, and I’ll give you the essential tools to lower the possibility of disaster.

Going to fun festivals, exciting music events, running into a horde of tourists at a popular attraction are all possibilities when traveling. You can try to avoid busy places, but sometimes it is just not possible.

Plus, sometimes experiences that involve crowds can be some of the best travel memories that you make. After traveling for over 20 years, these special occasions are some of the moments that truly stand out for me.

Keep reading to find out how to keep safe in crowded tourist areas, so you can have a safe and memorable vacation. 

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. Please see full disclosure here.

This article is part of a series on the first time traveling internationally and how to have a safe trip abroad. Check out the link below for more travel safety tips.

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Staying Together – Safety In Crowds

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.

However, child safety in crowded areas is trickier. I love a fun event, like a music or cultural festival and I want my kids to have these experiences too. So, I don’t avoid them, but I do take extra precautions so that they don’t get lost in the horde of people.

Here are some crowd safety tips to make sure it is easy to find each other again if you do get separated. 

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, neon green or hot pink!
2. Write your phone number on your child’s arm in ink 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. It all depends on the situation, though.
   • If it is cold, and they have a jacket with a zip pocket, put a piece of paper with your number in there, and it won’t get lost. 
   • If it is a hot day, write your phone number in ink on the child’s arm. Then, to make sure it doesn’t rub off, cover it with clear nail polish.
   • Another option is to have bracelets made with your contact information on them. Have your children wear them during the event.
3. Make sure the kids know to go to a security guard, staff member or other mom for help if they get separated from the group.
4. Choose a meeting spot that is easy to find and recognizable. If you get separated, agree to meet there. 
5. Buy AirTags and attach them to your child’s clothing. If you get separated, you should be able to see where they are from your phone.
6. Download the app Life360. This app uses GPS tracking of your cell phone. You can create a family group and have everyone in your party in it. It will tell you where everyone is on a map. I use it all the time to track my kids!
7. Make sure you charge your cell phones and you have service.
   • If traveling internationally, invest in an e-sim, like Airlo. With an e-sim you have data on your phone and can track each other using AirTags or other apps that function through Wi-Fi and data.
   • If your phone is locked, contact your service provider to see about international plans.
   • 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
8. 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. 

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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 below are for how to stay safe in crowded places.

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. 

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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. They are professionals. You won’t even feel it.

For safety in crowds, use these crucial tips when traveling with your belongings 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, in your bra or in a money belt. Check out this nice looking money belt from Osprey. Never carry anything in your back pocket.
3. Wrap a rubber band or hair tie around your money and credit cards that you have in your front pocket. This way it is harder for someone to take it out because of the friction. It isn’t foolproof, but it is an option.

I hope you are able to use these tips for safety in crowds. Having fun at a cultural or music festival is a great experience when traveling. It’s even more fun when you are safe and prepared!

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