I’ve explored the main streets and back streets of places such as Detroit, New York City, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., Havana, Marrakech, Bogotá – and Cornwall during day and night. I’ve never been mugged, never felt threatened.

Here are the guidelines that I work by, in rather random order. Some of these techniques might work for you too.

Dress so that you fit in with the locals. When I was in Bogotá I wore what most of the back street locals tend to wear: well worn jeans, a shirt than has almost forgotten what colour it used to be and shoes that were in dire need of a shine.

I carefully fold my well-studied, liberally highlighted street map so that it fits into my pocket. I refer to it only when I can be discreet about it.

Keep moving. When I stop, I make sure it’s in a safe place, i.e. near a cop on point duty, or in a doorway recess. When in Bogotá, I rented a bicycle for two days. I never stayed still long enough to attract the attention of any potential predator.

If two men (or women) approach you and one demands your attention in any way, the other may be up to no good. Keep both in front of you and a wall at your back

When making a purchase from a street vendor, don’t dig out a wallet that contains all your money and credit cards just to access the small amount of money you need to buy the bauble. Have the amount of money you’d be willing to part with readily available. The rest I keep it under the insole of my shoe. My passport remains inside a zippered shirt pocket that is concealed by the flap of the outer pocket.

Never act as if you’re lost, but if you are lost, find a safe spot to study your map and ask for directions. Coffee shops, museums, libraries or office buildings are among the many readily available ‘safe spots’.

Learn how to mumble a few casual greetings that locals are wont to use. Who knows, some tourist (or local) might take you for a local. Don’t be afraid to smile (and mean it). Supposedly, in Colombia the word for ‘visitor’ is the same as the word for ‘friend’.

If you don’t feel at ease as a tourist, try being a traveler. It has worked for me ever since I didn’t have to come home as soon as the streetlights came on.