Savannah, Georgia, is a beautiful and historic city that attracts millions of visitors every year. It is known for its charming architecture, culture, and cuisine. But is Savannah, Georgia, safe for tourists?
How does it compare to other cities in terms of crime and violence? What are the best practices to stay safe and enjoy your trip to Savannah?
In this article, I will answer these questions and more. I will show you the facts and figures about Savannah’s crime rate, the safest and the most dangerous areas, the common scams and threats, and the tips and resources to protect yourself and your belongings.
By the end of this article, you will better understand Savannah’s safety situation and how to make the most of your visit.
So, if you are interested in getting into this journey, keep reading this blog until the end…
Is Savannah Georgia Safe?
The first question that many travelers ask is: is Savannah Georgia safe?
The answer is not so simple, as it depends on many factors, such as the location, the time, the activity, and the personal perception. Savannah is a large and diverse city, and like any other city, it has its share of crime and violence.
However, it is not fair to label the whole city as unsafe or dangerous, as many areas are very safe and peaceful and many people are friendly and helpful.
According to the latest data from the FBI, Savannah had a total of 3,559 violent crimes and 12,374 property crimes in 2019. Additionally, this means that the violent crime rate was 6.4 per 1,000 residents, and the property crime rate was 22.3 per 1,000 residents.
These rates are higher than the national averages of 3.7 and 21.1, respectively. However, they are lower than some of the other major cities in Georgia, such as Atlanta, Augusta, and Columbus.
The most common types of violent crimes in Savannah were aggravated assault, robbery, rape, and murder. Furthermore, the most common types of property crimes were larceny theft, burglary, and motor vehicle theft.
Most of these crimes occurred in the downtown area, especially in the west and south parts, where there are more poverty, drugs, and gangs. The eastern and northern parts of the downtown area and the suburbs and islands are generally safer and quieter.
How to Stay Safe in Savannah?
Now that you have a general idea of the safety situation in Savannah, you might wonder: how can I stay safe in Savannah? What are the best practices to avoid trouble and enjoy my trip?
Here are some tips and resources that can help you:
Plan Your Trip in Advance
Firstly, research the areas you want to visit, the activities, and places you want to stay. Check the reviews, ratings, and recommendations from other travelers and locals.
Therefore, avoid the areas that are known to be unsafe, especially at night. Use a map or a GPS to navigate the city and avoid getting lost or wandering into unfamiliar places.
Be Alert and Aware of Your Surroundings
Pay attention to the people, the signs, and the situations around you. So, avoid distractions, such as your phone, your headphones, or your camera.
If you see something suspicious, strange, or threatening, move away or report it to the authorities. Besides, trust your gut feelings, and do not ignore any red flags or warning signs.
Protect Yourself and Your Belongings
Do not carry or display any valuables, such as money, jewelry, passport, or electronics. Keep them in a safe place, such as a hotel safe, a locker, or a hidden pocket. Use a secure bag, such as a backpack, a crossbody, or a fanny pack, and keep it close to your body.
Do not leave your belongings unattended, even for a moment. Lock your doors and windows, and do not open them to strangers. Furthermore, use a reliable transportation service, such as a taxi, a bus, or a ride-sharing app, and do not accept rides from strangers.
Additionally, do not drink or use drugs, and do not accept any food or drinks from strangers. Do not get involved in any fights, arguments, or confrontations. And most importantly, do not break any laws, rules, or regulations.
Seek Help and Support When Needed
Lastly, if you are in trouble, need assistance, or have an emergency, do not hesitate to contact the authorities, such as the police, the fire department, or the ambulance.
The emergency number in Savannah is 911. Additionally, you can also call the non-emergency number, which is 912-652-6500. You can also visit the nearest police station, hospital, or tourist information center.
Moreover, you can also ask for help from the locals, such as the hotel staff, the shopkeepers, or the bystanders. Most of them are friendly and willing to help.
Top 10 Safest Places to Visit in Savannah
Savannah is a beautiful and historic city that has many attractions and experiences to offer.
However, some travelers might be concerned about the safety situation in Savannah, as it has some areas that locals call unsafe or dangerous.
Fortunately, there are also many places in Savannah that are very safe and peaceful, where you can enjoy your trip without any worries.
I will show you the top 10 safest places to visit in Savannah. These are the places that have low crime rates, high security measures, and positive reviews from other travelers and locals. Let’s get started!
1. Tybee Island
Firstly, Tybee Island is a barrier island 18 miles east of Savannah. It is a popular destination for beach lovers, who can enjoy swimming, surfing, kayaking, fishing, and boating.
The island also has a pier, a pavilion, a lighthouse, a museum, and a marine science center.
Tybee Island is one of the safest places to visit in Savannah, as it has a low population density, a friendly community, and a dedicated police force.
The island also has many hotels, restaurants, and shops that cater to visitors.
2. Forsyth Park
Second, Forsyth Park is a 30-acre park in the heart of the historic district. It is famous for its iconic fountain, which was built in 1858 and resembles the one in Paris.
The park also features a fragrant garden, a playground, a cafe, and a bandshell. Forsyth Park is one of the safest places to visit in Savannah, as it is well-maintained, well-lit, and well-patrolled.
You can enjoy a picnic, a stroll, or a bike ride in the park, or catch a concert or a festival that takes place often.
3. Wormsloe Historic Site
Wormsloe Historic Site is the former plantation of Noble Jones, one of the original settlers of Georgia. It features a majestic avenue of live oaks that leads to the ruins of the colonial estate.
You can also see a museum, a theater, a nature trail, and a demonstration area that recreates the life of the 18th-century Georgia.
Wormsloe Historic Site is one of the safest places to visit in Savannah, as it is in a secluded and scenic area, away from the city’s hustle and bustle.
You can appreciate Savannah’s beauty and history in a serene and secure environment.
4. Telfair Museums
Telfair Museums are the oldest public art museums in the South. They consist of three buildings: the Telfair Academy, the Jepson Center, and the Owens-Thomas House.
The Telfair Academy houses a collection of 19th and 20th century American and European art, including works by Mary Cassatt, Childe Hassam, and Robert Henri.
The Jepson Center showcases contemporary art and features a glass atrium, a sculpture terrace, and an interactive gallery for children.
The Owens-Thomas House is a historic house museum that displays the lifestyle and furnishings of the early 19th century Savannah.
Furthermore, Telfair Museums are one of the safest places to visit in Savannah, as they are in the east and north parts of downtown, which are generally safer and quieter.
They also have high security standards and professional staff.
5. Savannah Botanical Gardens
Savannah Botanical Gardens are a hidden gem that is located on the south side of the city. They are a 10-acre garden that features a variety of plants, flowers, trees, and ponds.
You can also see a rose garden, a camellia garden, a fern garden, and a children’s garden.
Savannah Botanical Gardens are one of the safest places to visit in Savannah. This is because it is surrounded by a fence, a gate, and a security system.
You can relax and enjoy the nature in a tranquil and protected setting.
6. Savannah College of Art and Design
Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) is a private university that offers degrees in various fields of art and design. It has several campuses and buildings in Savannah, as well as in Atlanta, Hong Kong, and Lacoste.
SCAD is one of the safest places to visit in Savannah, as it has a low crime rate, a strict code of conduct, and a comprehensive security program.
You can visit some of the SCAD facilities, such as the SCAD Museum of Art, the SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion and Film, and the SCADshow Theater.
You can also attend some of the SCAD events, such as the SCAD Savannah Film Festival, the SCAD Fashion Show, and the SCAD Sidewalk Arts Festival.
7. Skidaway Island State Park
Skidaway Island State Park is a state park that is located on Skidaway Island, which is 15 miles southeast of Savannah. It is a 588-acre park that offers hiking, biking, camping, fishing, and birdwatching.
You can also see a nature center, an observation tower, and a boardwalk.
Skidaway Island State Park is one of the safest places to visit in Savannah, as it is managed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
This ensures the safety and the quality of the park. You can enjoy the outdoors in a clean and secure area.
8. Savannah Children’s Museum
Savannah Children’s Museum is a museum that is designed for children and families. It is located in the historic Central of Georgia Railway Carpentry Shop building, which is part of the Georgia State Railroad Museum complex.
It features over a dozen exhibits and activities that are interactive, educational, and fun. You can also see a maze, a slide, a sandbox, and a garden.
Savannah Children’s Museum is one of the safest places to visit in Savannah, as it is supervised by trained staff and volunteers, who ensure the safety and the enjoyment of the visitors.
You can have a great time with your kids in a safe and stimulating environment.
Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is a Roman Catholic cathedral that is located in the historic district. It is the oldest Roman Catholic church in Georgia, and the mother church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Savannah.
It is a stunning example of French Gothic architecture, with its twin spires, stained glass windows, and ornate interior.
Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is one of the safest places to visit in Savannah, as it is a sacred and respected place, where people come to worship, pray, and admire.
You can visit the cathedral during mass times or take a guided tour of the cathedral.
10. Savannah National Wildlife Refuge
Last but not least, Savannah National Wildlife Refuge is a wildlife refuge located on the border of Georgia and South Carolina, along the Savannah River.
It is a 31,551-acre refuge that protects and preserves various habitats and species, such as marshes, forests, wetlands, and islands.
You can see animals such as alligators, deer, otters, bobcats, and over 300 species of birds. You can also enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, and photography.
Savannah National Wildlife Refuge is one of the safest places to visit in Savannah, as it is regulated by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, which ensures the conservation and the security of the refuge.
You can experience wildlife in a safe and responsible manner.
Wrapping It Up!
Therefore, the answer to the question of is Savannah Georgia safe is: it depends. Savannah is not a dangerous city, but it is not a crime-free city either.
It has its safe and unsafe areas, its good and bad times, and its risks and rewards. The key is to be aware, informed, and prepared, and to use your common sense and intuition.
Following the tips and resources I have provided in this article, you can stay safe and enjoy your trip to Savannah. Have a great time in Savannah!
Ankita Tripathy loves to write about food and the Hallyu Wave in particular. During her free time, she enjoys looking at the sky or reading books while sipping a cup of hot coffee. Her favourite niches are food, music, lifestyle, travel, and Korean Pop music and drama.
If you are an Australian national or you are someone visiting from another country, then it’s likely that you will want to visit one of the most famous cities in the world. The Great City Of Sydney is an incredibly interesting and friendly place to visit, and many people across the world have this very location on their bucket list right at this moment.
It is a city that you will constantly see on the television and talk about online and for many good reasons. There is so much to see in this particular city, so if you have planned any vacation time there, then it’s important that you don’t miss out on some of the top tourist attractions.
Begin With Sight-Seeing
You are quite fortunate in that there are several sight seeing Tours of Sydney that are available to you, but one piece of advice would be to make sure that you book well in advance because these are incredibly popular and they sell out in a very short space of time.
Once you have one of these tours under your belt, you might want to get a little closer to some of the more famous landmarks that we currently have. The following are just some of the top things that you should be doing when visiting the great city of Sydney.
Climb Sydney Harbour Bridge –
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that you really do need to take advantage of while in this great city and you can even climb the bridge at night. People have done it before and raved about how exciting it was and how they were able to see the whole city from the very top. It is a very safe thing to do, and the people who work on the bridge take health and safety very seriously indeed.
Go see the Opera House –
If you are into architecture, then the Sydney Opera House will blow your mind. It is a very unique building, and there is nothing like it anywhere else in the world. You can enjoy it from a distance or get up close, and you would be encouraged to try to take in a concert or some kind of performance while you are there.
Visit the many beautiful beaches –
There are so many to enjoy, and you can even take the ferry out to experience beaches that have been very prominent on the television in popular Australian TV shows. There is beautiful, clean sand as far as the eye can see, and it is the perfect place to spend an afternoon just relaxing and taking in the views.
Conclusion
The one thing that many people say about Sydney is that the people who live there are incredibly friendly and don’t be surprised if they ask you questions about where it is that you’re going to visit and maybe they will even give you some advice on some local tourist attractions that you might not be aware of.
This may be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for you, so it's important to make the most of it while you can. Well, that was all about the Great City Of Sydney and its marvelous destinations. Save this article for the next time you are traveling here!
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One of the most enjoyable jobs on the planet is being a tour guide. If you love to travel and enjoy sharing that love with others, as well as the knowledge you have gleaned about the destinations you are guiding them to, then you should consider building a career based on that passion, and become a tour guide!
There are lots of options out there, walking guides for the city sights, cruise and bus tour guides, and museum or special attraction guides. Finding work is fairly easy as there is always a demand, and when that tour operator payment gateway sends you your reward you will feel great knowing you earned it doing something that brought a smile to people's faces!
The best tour guides have a certain set of skills in place that suit their profession, here are some of the most important:
Knowledge –
A tour guide needs to know a lot about where they are taking their group, and what they are showing them. They should have an in-depth knowledge of the area and its attractions that they can share with their group in order to give them the best experience possible. They are always prepared to answer unexpected questions, and ready to give pertinent insights and recommendations. A knowledgeable tour guide is one the tourist never forgets, and they will recommend you to their friends.
Communication –
t's important for tour guides to have excellent communication skills, they should be able to speak clearly and informatively, with proper pronunciation in order to facilitate easy-to-understand directions and information sharing, and to avoid any potential misunderstandings. They should also have a loud enough voice to carry across a crowd without the aid of a microphone or bullhorn and be able to command the attention of many people at the same time.
Charisma –
Being a tour guide is very much a people-oriented profession, one must be able to share their passion for the experiences they are guiding people to, share information in an informative yet fun and engaging manner, and build a cheerful rapport with their group. A successful tour guide has enough charisma to bring repeat customers back, not just to see the sights again, but for the pleasure of their company!
Understanding And Empathy –
People sometimes experience difficulties, even when they are out on a pleasant excursion. A tour guide must be sensitive to the individual's needs, and be able to handle any problems their charge is having with sincerity, kindness, and grace, as well as be accommodating as possible. The best tour guides are quite simply put, nice people!
Flexibility -
Things don't always go as planned, and in the event of a course change, the tour guide has to be able to think on their feet and make adjustments on the fly. Always have a Plan B in place!
Check out the Tourism Australia website for more useful information for both guides and tourists. Good luck with your tour guide career
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Winter vacations come packed with numerous fun activities. If you like skiing, this is the best time for you.
The season is cold, allowing you to wear the warm clothes you have stuck away for a long time. You get to enjoy the warm coffee and cozy evenings. You can also enjoy watching the starry sky at night as you keep warm around a fire. Those who love being outdoors during the winter have the opportunity to plan a fantastic winter vacation.
A successful vacation begins with proper planning. So, develop a checklist and prioritize the important things. Part of planning is packing all the items you will need during your winter trip, and there are several things to remember.
Here Are Ten Important Things For Winter Vacation
This article will present ten must-have things for winter vacation. This checklist will allow you to plan your winter holiday and enjoy the experience.
1. Medicines
Carrying your medicines is a vital thing when going on a winter vacation. It is cold, meaning you could get the flu. Carry an anti-fungal cream, a cold and cough syrup, a balm for the headache, and flu medicines. Because of the abrupt change in temperatures, you may experience various issues, hence the importance of being prepared for minor illnesses. It is also crucial to carry your menstrual pads and tablets.
2. Thermal Wears
It is vital to carry high-quality thermal wear when going on a winter vacation. The thermals maintain the warmth in your body during severe temperature drops. They are must-haves when packing for winter travel. Remember, thermal wear protects the entire body. It is allowed if you feel you cannot wear more clothes over the thermals, and the thermal wear will keep you warm.
3. Winter Jacket
Winter jackets are the most essential items for a winter holiday. The jacket forms an outer layer over your sweater or thermal wear, insulating you from the cold. A great winter jacket provides warmth throughout the trip. It is a vital addition to the packing checklist. So, choose down jackets or army-type jackets for more comfort. If you want a carry-on bag only, it will be wise to wear some bulkier items like the winter jacket. This will free up space for other things. Furthermore, if you wear bulky items like boots and coats, you can bring more layers in the bag to keep yourself warmer.
4. Shoes
No matter the time of the year you are traveling, carrying several pairs of shoes can be challenging and takes up space in the bag. Especially when traveling in the winter, packing several boots will only take up most of the space in the bag. You are not going to spend the whole holiday indoors. That means you will need quality winter shoes for the vacation. Your holiday will involve walking around and traveling.
So, pack winter shoes with warm socks to keep your feet warm. Wear high winter boots for more protection if snow is in your destination. Select a boot that works when working on the snow and a clear road. If you must pack several shoes, stuff them with gloves, hats, socks, and scarves to utilize the space inside.
5. Gloves and Socks
Ensure your hands are warm throughout by wearing gloves. It is easy to ignore feet and hands essentials when packing for a winter vacation. If you don’t pack gloves and socks, you leave your hands and feet vulnerable to colds and infections. If you are going away with kids, ensure you carry woolen mittens to keep their tiny arms warm. By packing several gloves, hats, and scarves, you will change your daily looks without needing too much space in the bag.
6. Backpack
Choosing a quality backpack or suitcase to keep your items is also essential. It should be light and enough to accommodate all your belongings. Choose a travel bag with several pockets to keep your things organized and categorized.
It is advisable to avoid carrying a heavy load because managing it is tough, and you may miss the chance to have fun. Sometimes, you must pack bulky and thick items when traveling in cold weather. Fortunately, you can utilize packing cubes and compression bags to reduce the space hoarders in the luggage. These items can help maintain small luggage and keep your carry-on organized.
7. Sweaters
A winter vacation packing list is not complete without packing sweaters. They are crucial because they provide warmth by adding protective layers to your thermal wear and jacket. If possible, it is better to carry a thick sweater for more warmth.
8. Thermo Flask Or Water Bottle
Another crucial item on your packing checklist is a thermo flask or a water bottle. You will need to carry water or something warm like coffee in case there are no coffee shops in the area. Taking warm coffee, tea, or water in the flask will give you the warmth you need to relieve the cold.
9. Sunglasses
Sunglasses may be an unlikely option for winter vacation, but they are also essential for packing. The morning sun and snow cause a reflection that could damage your eyes. Furthermore, just because the sun is not hot does not mean it doesn’t have UV rays. Therefore, sunglasses are essential items on the travel checklist.
10. Scarves And Caps
Make sure your head and neck are well-protected from the cold. So, you need to pack some caps and scarves for this. Carry monkey caps since they provide warmth for the head and neck. Even though they may seem unattractive, these caps are the best to protect the whole head region from the cold. Ensure you also pack woolen scarves for the same purpose.
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Enjoy Your Winter Vacation
Going on a beach vacation during summer may be the easiest to pack. You only pack light-weight clothes, a swimsuit, and flip-flops, and you are good to go. However, packing for a winter vacation comes with some challenges. For starters, you must carry everything you need to keep yourself warm. You may also have a space problem because most winter clothes are bulky, and you must squeeze them in the carry-on. However, having a checklist is helpful since it helps you pack enough items in the bag.
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