We all hear about wilderness survival. There are even several shows dedicated to it. They’re all about building shelters in the woods, finding food, surviving the night, and fighting off predators. But the fact of the matter is that most of us will never find ourselves in that sort of situation. In fact, it’s becoming less and less likely with every passing day. Urbanization is real folks. More and more people are moving to cities and out of rural areas. So, if you’re going to be learning survival techniques, chances are you’ll need to learn them for a different kind of jungle…the concrete jungle. Take these urban survival tips to heart, because you will need them.
Whether you’re moving to a new city or going on vacation, there are numerous things you can do to make your time in the big city easier and safer. For example, when you’re walking down the streets of New York City, don’t stop if someone offers you their CD. Just don’t. Keep walking. Actually, walk fast. As if you know where you’re going. Even if you don’t. And if you’re really lost, don’t whip out a map in the middle of the street. Duck into a store if you can. And for goodness sakes, when you read the “beware of pickpockets” sign, don’t check your pockets for your wallet. You don’t know who put that sign there, and they could be watching you! These are 25 urban survival tips that will increase your street smarts!
If you are ever offered a rap CD while walking down the street, just ignore and keep walking

If you are a tourist, never stand out in the middle of the sidewalk staring at a map, especially if you are a big city with questionable crime rates. Duck into a shop instead.

While going around a new town, make sure you wear clothes that don't make you look like a walking wallet.

Always act like you have somewhere to go and go there quick, even if you don't know where you're going

If a charity offers you candy, remember your mom's advice - don't talk to strangers. It's usually a scam.

If you're ever in a new city, make sure you do at least these two things at every possible opportunity - use the bathroom and charge your phone

If you are riding on a train, don't make eye contact with the crazy person. If nobody is looking at you, you're the crazy person.

If every other store you pass is a liquor store or a check cashing store, leave that neighborhood quickly

If one of the cars on the subway is empty, there is a reason for that.

You know those kids selling M&M's for their basketball team? Well, there is no basketball team. There's only a few bad looking dudes in a van that drop those kids off around the city.

Get an umbrella with wind vents

Always aim to take the second to last subway train if you are out on the town. That way you're less likely to miss the last one.

Cab drivers are often the best tour guides. They can be amazing fountains of knowledge when it comes to off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods

If you see a sign that says "Beware of Pickpockets", don't pat your pockets to check for you wallet. You don't know who put that sign up and they could be watching you.

More ethnic parts of the city will have more affordable (and tasty) food

Public transport places are made to be navigated. Stop panicking and look for signs.

Lost your sense of direction? Just remember, satellite dishes are usually pointed towards the equator

If you are in an unfamiliar neighborhood, holding something to eat (chips, hotdog) automatically makes you look more local

Keep your head up and don't look around. It may seem harsh, but if you are not in a comfortable place, you may have to walk right past people who may only be asking for directions.

If you need to use a bathroom, fancy hotels are your friend

Wear neutral colors. And definitely don't wear red. Red is the easiest color for our eyes to pick up so you'll stick out like a sore thumb.

You don't have to be nice, but be respectful

If someone asks you for the time, tell them you don't have a phone or a clock.

Don't blast music through your earbuds if you're in a shady part of town. You need to hear what's going on around you.

If you can't find a place to spend the night, try the airport. They have bathrooms, water fountains, and maybe even sleeping areas.
