The fear of getting lost is the most common among tourists who first came to a foreign country. Well, it's okay to be afraid of this situation. But if this happens, then the most important thing is to focus. In this article, we give some tips to help you choose the right behavior strategy. Let’s dive in!
Step-by-step guide for those who get lost in a foreign country
1. Don't Panic!
If you're lost in a foreign country, try to keep calm. The most significant thing is not to panic and turn off emotions. Of course, it's quite difficult to take control of your emotions, but you should understand that panic won't help you return home and stress can make you get sick. The worst travel scenario. Remember one thing – you'll definitely be helped and everything will be fine. Just don’t aggravate the situation with useless actions.
2. Try to go back and repeat your route
When walking, pay attention to the city landscapes and local attractions. Any detail can help you remember the way home. Surely you took a lot of photos, they'll help you to remember the places where you walked. Pick a starting point that will guide you. Remember it so you can return to it. Use the landmark to explore your walk.
3. Don’t ask for help from random passers-by
Your main goal is to clarify your location and ask how to get home. But don’t turn to random passers-by. In an unfamiliar country, it's dangerous to tell random people that you're lost. A stranger can deliberately take you to a deserted place and cause harm. The best solution is to contact the sellers of the nearest stores, employees of government agencies, hotel workers, or security guards. Learn basic foreign phrases in advance, this will ease the situation. There are easy-to-use phrasebooks available for popular destinations including Central Asia and Eastern Europe.
4. Ask a guide or a passing tourist
Often on the streets of resort towns, you can meet organized groups of tourists, they're easy to distinguish from residents. Asking a tourist for help is a safe plan. It's great if their guide speaks your language or at least English. They'll help you get home. If you fall behind the tourist group when traveling alone, stay where you are and wait for the guide to return for you.
5. Call a taxi
It frequently happens that a person is lost among the many unfamiliar streets just because they're all similar. Therefore, if you find yourself in a part of the city that you don’t know, try calling a taxi. This is a sound idea, as taxis are considered safe transport. To return home, you need to know your residential address. Take care of this in advance – write down the address in the local language, and then the taxi driver will quickly take you to the desired location. And once again we remind you that everything will be fine and soon you'll return home.
How to Prepare so You Don't Get Lost Again
Forewarned is forearmed. This phrase is the most suitable for this situation. It's very important, being in a foreign country, to foresee all sorts of incidents. So, when going on an excursion or a walk, try to play it safe and just be extremely careful. What should be done before your next trip to an unfamiliar country to avoid unpleasant situations?
- Write down essential information (phone numbers, addresses, passwords from bank cards) in a notebook or on separate compact pieces of paper. Put them in different places, but most importantly not in a bag, but in the pockets of different clothes. This also applies to your documents and travel insurance. Information should be duplicated in case the bag is suddenly stolen.
- Be sure to write down the address and name of the hotel or apartment where you are staying. It's also advisable to write out the address of the nearest police department and consulate. And it's best if you learn this information by heart.
- Put a multilingual map in your traveling backpack. If the country you're visiting has its own alphabet, it's a good idea to get a map that shows the locations with both letters. This way, if you ask a local, they can easily figure out where you're going.
- Before traveling, extensively research the area. Conduct a rigorous pre-trip study on destinations to prevent getting lost. Consider transportation, dining options, and other factors. Remember that the more information you have about a place before you visit, the better, as you'll feel more secure and be aware of any unpleasant surprises, such as pickpockets. It's better to avoid appearing in some areas because they can be unwelcoming to tourists.
Smartphone Apps to Use While in a Foreign Country
- You can always download Google Maps to your smartphone and use it online or even offline if you don't want to grab an outdated printed map. Just make sure your smartphone is fully charged before leaving the house, or bring a portable charger to be safe. The map won't only prevent you from getting lost, but it will also be useful for locating more peaceful or picturesque routes.
- Use an eSIM when traveling so you are always connected and don't have to wait to get in range of free wifi. You can save on roaming fees and still use your phone, provided it is eSIM compatible. There are many options and plans available.
- Ensure you have a translation app such as Google Translate. If the country you’re in has a language barrier, this tool will help you communicate with locals.
Final Thoughts on Getting Lost in a Foreign Country
Here are some simple rules on how not to get lost in the city and what to do if you suddenly get lost. The main thing is not to panic and calmly assess the current situation, and a solution will be found. We hope these tips will help you when traveling the world and make you enjoy a wonderful holiday and new experiences.
