-Try to travel during daylight hours.

-Never hitchhike.

-Don't wear expensive jewellery on obvious display.

-Remember that handbags, clutch purses and bum bags can be easily stolen.

-Wear valuables (such as travellers cheques and credit cards) on a belt worn under the clothes and next to the skin.

-Consider carrying a 'dummy' wallet holding a small amount of cash. If you are directly confronted by a mugger, you can hand over the dummy wallet and avoid further distress.

-Choose train compartments that have a few people in them. Being alone in an empty carriage could make you vulnerable.

-Carry with you at all times the contact details of the Australian embassy. If the city doesn't have an Australian embassy, find out which other country's embassy is available to help you, such as the British embassy.

-If you are feeling particularly nervous in an unfamiliar city, notify your hotel manager of where you are going for the day, including details on when they should expect you back. If you don't return to the hotel on time, the manager can call the police.

-Do get an Australia cell phone rental so you can stay in touch and coveniently get important information during your stay.