Whether you are the kind of traveler that prefers touristy activities or living how the locals do it, many people opt for one universal experience: a night out on the town. Going out, drinking, dancing, and meeting people can be fun, and even more so in a culture-rich city that you have never been to. However, partying is not always the safest of activities, so you should still plan ahead to make sure that your evening (or early morning!) goes as smoothly as possible.
Figure out your packing
Before you leave home, make sure you pack something you will be comfortable wearing. You might be tempted to bring dozens of different outfits—what if something gets ruined, or what if you want to change ten times a day?—but you probably do not have that much room in your suitcase. You still want to look stunning in your future Instagram photos, though, so how do you pack lightly, yet dress well?
Stylist Kate Young from New York advises minimizing the number of shoes you bring, which are bulkier. Everyone can consider exercise sneakers, daytime walking shoes, and sandals; heels or heeled sandals are an option for anyone who wants them. Take along shoes that work for multiple purposes instead of packing one pair for every possible occasion.
Light Azazie evening dresses are a potential clothing option. Ms. Young notes that any combination of white, black, charcoal, or navy is suitable for urban settings. Remember that it’s a waste of space if you are going to wear something less than three times over the course of your trip, and make sure the materials are appropriate for the climate you will be visiting.
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Figure out your way home
You probably know your home city like the back of your hand, but despite the number of pictures you have Googled, you do not understand the intricacies of the city you are traveling to. Are their bars within walking distance of your hotel, Airbnb, or hostel? Will you be safe walking between them? Is there a public transportation system in place? If so, make sure you learn its schedule and routes beforehand and obtain a necessary usage pass. Ride-sharing services like Lyft and Uber might be available, so familiarize yourself with any local pick-up locations (some cities have pre-determined spots) before you are too lost or inebriated to find your way around.
Don’t go alone
Never go out partying alone. This may seem like a no-brainer on your honeymoon, but there are still opportunities for you and your partner to split up (even momentarily) during the trip. Maybe your new husband wants to wake up at 4:00 am on your Hawaiian honeymoon to watch a college football game down at the bar or gets stuck in a long restroom line while you’re out and about. Whatever the reason for sitting solo with a drink in hand, be extra cautious when you’re on your own internationally.
Make sure you inform someone else (whether another traveler or a trusted individual back home—your hotel concierge might be a practical bonus person) about where you will be at all times, too. Even if you find a group of locals who are willing to show you their favorite spots, you do not know them well enough to take care of you in case something goes wrong. You are far too easy to take advantage of when alone, especially in a city you do not know (and you may not even speak the language).
Stay alert
On a related note, always keep your eyes open and your ears peeled for suspicious activity around you. Pickpockets exist everywhere, but travelers are often sought-after targets for theft. Do not walk around town with too much cash on you, and make sure you know precisely who to call if you notice your credit card missing. Try to blend in: thieves are more likely to target unsuspecting travelers who are obviously from another country than locals who know how to protect themselves.
If you are out partying, avoid drinking so much that you lose your wits. Refrain from trusting friendly locals or other international visitors too quickly: some con artists have learned to befriend travelers to the point where they feel comfortable leaving their belongings unattended. Even if someone seems like a genuinely kind person, it’s best to err on the side of caution. Don’t worry about being rude.
Remember the essentials
What applies at home also applies everywhere else. Never let your beverage out of your sight, eat something before you leave (and throughout the evening), pace yourself, and drink plenty of water. The drinking age might be lower in a different country, so if you are younger, educate yourself on the effects of alcohol and how to consume it safely. It’s a dangerous world out there, and it is much more challenging to navigate if you are in an unfamiliar location.
Going out for a night on the town in another country can be fun, but there are additional preparations and safety precautions to keep in mind. What do you make a point to do when partying while traveling?
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