When travelling, your brain doesn’t always assess risk logically. You might feel safer in a busy tourist area than in a quiet street, even if the opposite is true. This is due to cognitive biases like the availability heuristic, where recent news or stories influence your perception more than actual data.
To travel smarter, balance instinct with information. Before visiting a new place, check local safety advice from official sources, not just social media. Use tools like Google Maps to preview neighbourhoods and read reviews. And if something feels off, trust that feeling but also ask yourself whether it’s based on facts or fear. Awareness of your own biases helps you make safer, more confident decisions.
