There’s been a recent terrorist attack in Bangkok, and many travelers are worried about it. However, this isn’t a threat that’s exclusive to Thailand or Asia. If you live in any major city around the world (be it London, New York, Hong Kong, etc) you’re always at risk.

Terrorists, mass shooters, civil unrest, and crime are all modern threats. And you’d better be prepared to deal with them.

Today’s article focuses on how to survive a terrorist attack, but you can use these same tactics to escape other threats too. This is just general good advice worth following. Without further ado, here are some things to consider.

Learn Some Basic Survival Skills

No, this doesn’t mean joining a militia or becoming a prepper. Developing basic survival skills is as easy as reading a few books or taking a simple class.

Take a First Aid lesson in your town. It’ll prepare you in case you (or someone nearby) gets hurt. Also, learn some real and practical self-defense (either boxing or Brazilian Jujitsu). You’ll probably never use it. But, in the event you do, it will save your life.

Other skills can be learned through books. Here are two worth reading:

• 101 Deadly Skills – This is a book all about surviving hostile situations like terrorist attacks and civil unrest. It’s written by an ex-Navy Seal and 100% worth reading.
• Visual Guide to Lock Picking – This is a useful skill to learn. If there is a terrorist attack or disaster, you can always sneak into an empty building to hide.

Be Aware Of Your Surroundings

(Streets Like This Are A Hotbed For Pickpockets)

Paying attention keeps you out of trouble. Don’t walk around wearing headphones, and always be sure to observe your surroundings when stepping into a train or into a shopping mall.

Basic vigilance can keep you safe. It’s a great skill to hone, even if there’s no threat of a terrorist attack.

Observing what’s going on and staying alert reduces your chance of getting pickpocketed, and it protects you from other petty crimes. Plus, you’ll always know where you’re at, making it easier to navigate around town.

Be Properly Equipped For A Bad Situation

A few smart investments can greatly increase your odds of survival. Buying some simple tools or equipment is something like an insurance policy. It protects you in the event that something terrible happens.

Some items (I like owning a length of 50 foot rope so I can climb out the window if my apartment catches fire) are better bought once you land. Other items are worth bringing with you, just in case.

Here are a few tools to help you:

• Wear closed-toed shoes – Remember Die Hard? When Bruce Willis didn’t have any shoes on, the bad guys broke a bunch of glass because it would cut up his feet. I know flip-flops and sandals are comfortable, but wear a pair of regulation shoes when you’re out in public. They’ll protect your feet from debris.
• Buy a combat flashlight – This is an innocuous little light that’s awesome for blinding and stunning enemies. Set the light to “strobe,” blast it in someone’s face, and they’re out of commission for a few moments. Order on off Amazon and throw it in your travel bag.
• Invest in a tactical pen – This will protect you from a terrorist attack or common criminals. In many countries, carrying a knife is illegal for foreigners. Buying a tactical pen (this is an excellent choice) enables you to legally carry a self-defense tool out in public.

Closing Thoughts On How To Survive A Terrorist Attack

It’s pretty unlikely that anything bad will happen to you while traveling abroad. I’ve visited dozens of countries, and felt reasonably safe in all of them.

That said, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Learn some basic survival skills like First-Aid or how to escape an earthquake. And stay vigilant while you’re out in public (this is just good practice anyway since it eliminates the threat of pickpockets or grifters). Lastly, invest in a few simple yet functional tools to help protect yourself if there is a terrorist attack or other situation.

P.S. Since writing this article, the USA has seen a string of mass shootings. You can follow the same principles from this article to keep yourself safe at home.