Research your destination in advance before traveling, particularly when traveling abroad. You can see if there are certain neighborhoods or areas to be avoided, and how well-accepted Americans may be in their country.
Do your best to arrange lodging in a good central location with plenty of foot-traffic. Steer clear of booking a room on a lower floor when possible, which is more often targeted for break-ins.
Don't ever answer your hotel/motel door without checking through the keyhole and also asking who it is-even when you're in a good establishment and/or expecting room service. When feeling any uncertainty, employ the security chain to peak into the hallway while still remaining safe.
Avoid walking alone at night, particularly in large cities or in dimly lit neighborhoods. Take a cab when possible in such a situation, calling from a hotel or restaurant if need be, and wait inside until it arrives.
Be cautious when meeting new people, even those who seem very friendly and completely harmless. If agreeing to meet them later for dinner, for example, make sure it will be at a public place and not their home or your hotel room.
Keep the bulk of your cash in a money belt, hotel safe or other secure area, with a token amount of money still in your purse or wallet. Should you actually be accosted by a mugger, calmly offer up the token amount of money and don't resist, especially if they are armed in any way.
Try to resist sleeping in subways or other public transport while traveling solo, which will leave you more prone to an attack or robbery. It's also best to skip wearing gaudy jewelry or overly provocative clothing, which might attract the wrong element.
