Experience has taught me to take certain precautions, and not just on the street. Luggage and hotels

I have been accused of being old-fashioned, but I always travel with a suitcase. Backpacks are great for treks and getting around town, but they are easy prey for a knife-bearing thief. They can be slashed open in luggage racks, and easily ripped into in hotel rooms. They can also be slashed from behind while being worn.

I rarely use hotel safety deposit boxes, preferring to lock my valuables in my suitcase. In 10 years of travel I have never once had my suitcase broken into or removed. It also means your stuff is more accessible. The suitcase must be the hard shell type, and have both a key and combination lock. On the street

Many travellers choose to carry their valuables in a highly visible money belt. This is begging for trouble. First, it advertises the fact that you're a tourist. Concealed money belts are a much better bet. But you still have to access them in public - not such a good idea - and they can be wretchedly uncomfortable in the tropics. It's best to go out with just enough cash for the day. Leave passports, traveller's cheques and credit cards back at the hotel unless you specifically need them.

Getting around

As much as possible go by taxi, especially at night. Taxis, of course, are not always safe themselves. Locals can usually let you know which taxi company is the best to use. When out walking, try not to linger - especially near corners. I was guilty of this one time in Nairobi, unsure of which road to take. I ended up getting the top pocket of my shirt ripped off, happily losing nothing in the process.

I have also learnt not to walk on the built-up side of pavements. Muggers often lurk in doorways. Don't be afraid to run. If some fishy looking dude approaches, it's best to simply bolt. Uncool, yes, but who can stay cool at the wrong end of a blade? Also, get into the habit of occasionally glancing back, to see if you're being followed. If you think you are, then cross the street. If your shadow follows, cross back again. One time in Rio I had to do this three times. Then I doubled back and simply ran. Cool!

Confronted

It's worth bearing in mind that most robbers have your goodies - not your bodily demise - as their target. Many are happy just to get something, anything. Don't argue with a weapon. Hand something over, and hope no more is asked for. Scams

There's no end to the ingenuity of thieves. In Buenos Aires in particular you may be approached and told you have some muck - usually mustard - on the back of your shirt. Such a fuss is made of it, you're apt to forget about your valuables, which are deftly removed by someone creeping up behind or, in my case, crawling between my legs. I saw him just in time.

Kids will sometimes mill around you, do the distract-and-hassle thing, and take what they can in the process. When this happens, you really need to lash out physically, as I did once in London, and scream blue murder. This can be enough to frighten them away. It worked for me. Don't respond to overtures of friendship on the street: "Hey, haven't we met before?" And don't accept an invitation to visit a private home. Solo travellers are the main targets for this one. An innocent-looking party will befriend you, and suggest you meet their family. You can find yourself in deep strife. You'll usually be offered a spiked drink. This happened to me in Manila. Once I realised my predicament, I acted super naive, telling some dumb story while I edged innocently over to the door, then bolted. Wow, that was a close one! Yes, I have managed to survive. Many of these safeguards have now become second nature. And I hope they stay that way.