is it safe to travel at night

Traveling at Night: The Pros and Cons Revealed

Are the best adventures found under the moon’s gentle glow? Or are the dangers lurking in the shadows too great a risk to take? These questions have long puzzled travel enthusiasts who yearn to uncover the mysteries of nocturnal exploration. In this article, we will dive into the exhilarating world of traveling at night, examining the pros and cons that come with venturing into the unknown after dusk. Whether you are a thrill-seeker seeking new horizons or a cautious traveler weighing the potential risks, this exploration of nighttime travel will provide valuable insights into the fascinating realm of moonlit adventures.

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Is Travelling at Night Good?

Traveling at night can be an enticing prospect, with its allure of mystery and the promise of unique experiences. But is it really a good idea? Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of traveling at night and explore whether it’s a worthwhile venture.

Traveling at night opens up a whole new world of possibilities. Here are some reasons why it can be a great option:

• Making the most of your time: Traveling at night allows you to utilize the nighttime hours effectively. By getting to your destination while others are asleep, you can wake up refreshed and ready to explore, maximizing your daytime hours.
• Safety on certain modes of transportation: When it comes to planes, trains, ships, and buses, traveling at night is generally safe as long as you take necessary precautions. These modes of transport are often equipped to handle nighttime travel with proper lighting, security measures, and trained personnel.
• Better weather conditions and improved performance: Nighttime travel can offer better weather conditions, especially in hot and humid regions. Cooler temperatures can enhance aircraft and vehicle performance, resulting in smoother journeys. Plus, clear night skies can provide excellent visibility, allowing you to enjoy stunning views or catch a glimpse of the breathtaking night skyline.
• Avoiding crowds and traffic: Traveling during off-peak hours typically means fewer crowds and less traffic. This can make your journey more pleasant, as you won’t have to contend with long queues, congestion, or the hustle and bustle of peak travel times.

“By traveling at night, you can enjoy more peaceful and serene surroundings, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of your destination.”

While there are definite advantages to traveling at night, it’s essential to consider the potential drawbacks. Here are some cons to be aware of:

• Safety concerns: Safety should always be a top priority, especially when traveling at night. It’s important to follow a familiar route, stay in well-lit areas, and inform someone about your destination. These precautions can help mitigate potential risks and ensure your well-being.
• Sleep disruptions: Good sleep is crucial for overall wellness and enjoying your trip to the fullest. However, poor sleep during travel is common, especially when adjusting to different time zones or sleeping in unfamiliar environments. Taking steps to improve your sleep during transit and throughout your trip is essential to prevent fatigue and maximize your enjoyment.
• Added risks of flying at night: While flying at night is generally safe, there are a few additional risks to consider. Reduced visibility, unpredictable weather conditions, and potential delays can make nighttime flights slightly more challenging than daytime ones. Choosing airlines with a good track record and on-time performance is advisable, particularly for nighttime flights.
• Traveling alone at night: Traveling alone at night, especially in unfamiliar surroundings, can pose certain risks. It’s important to exercise caution, avoid isolated areas, and let someone know your whereabouts. Female travelers, in particular, may want to consider joining women-only travel tours for added safety and peace of mind.

“By taking necessary precautions and being mindful of potential challenges, you can navigate the cons of traveling at night and still have a remarkable experience.”

In conclusion, traveling at night can be a rewarding and exciting endeavor, offering unique advantages such as making the most of your time, enjoying better weather conditions, and avoiding crowds. However, it’s crucial to prioritize safety, ensure good sleep, and be aware of potential risks. By approaching nighttime travel with thorough planning, adaptability, and a mindful attitude, you can embrace the wonders of the nocturnal world and create unforgettable memories.

Have you ever wondered when is the best time for night travels? If you’re an adventurous soul like me, you know that some landscapes are at their most enchanting under the moonlight. Whether you’re planning a hike under the stars or a midnight road trip, timing is everything. Don’t miss out on the incredible sights and experiences that await you. Discover the Best Time for Night Travels at this link and start planning your next nocturnal adventure now. Remember, the night is full of wonders that are waiting to be explored.

Is it safe to travel at night on planes, trains, ships, and buses?

Yes, as long as necessary precautions are taken, traveling at night on planes, trains, ships, and buses can be safe. It is important to follow safety guidelines provided by transportation authorities and stay vigilant while traveling.

What are the advantages of traveling at night?

Traveling at night can offer several advantages. Firstly, it allows you to make use of the nighttime and enjoy the daytime in a new location. Secondly, better weather conditions, improved aircraft performance, and good visibility can enhance the travel experience. Lastly, traveling at night can also be a way to save time and avoid congestion during peak hours.

How can I stay safe while traveling at night?

To stay safe while traveling at night, it is recommended to follow these precautions: 1. Stick to familiar routes or well-known areas. 2. Stay in well-lit areas and avoid poorly lit or unfamiliar surroundings. 3. Inform someone about your destination and itinerary. 4. Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts. 5. If possible, travel with a companion or join group tours for added safety.

Is it important to prioritize sleep when traveling?

Yes, good sleep is essential when traveling as it promotes wellness and allows you to make the most out of your trip. Poor sleep during travel is common, but there are concrete steps you can take to improve your sleep both during transit and throughout your trip. These include establishing a regular sleep routine, creating a comfortable sleeping environment, and avoiding excessive caffeine or alcohol intake.

Are there any risks associated with flying at night?

Flying at night is not inherently dangerous, but it may pose a few more risks than flying during the day. Some risks can include reduced visibility, fatigue in pilots or crew members, and limited accessibility to emergency services. However, airlines and aviation authorities have strict safety regulations in place to mitigate these risks and ensure a safe flight experience. It is always recommended to follow the instructions and safety guidelines provided by the airline crew during the flight.

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Optimal Night Travel: Expert Insights on the Best Time to Fly by Plane

Night vs day: unveiling the allure of travel.

Is flying at night dangerous?

Have you ever been on a night time flight? If you’re a frequent flyer, chances are, you have.

For the passenger, not much is different. In the day, you’re awake. You might be chatting with your family, having a snack, or watching a show. In the night, you sleep.

But what about pilots? You might be wondering: Do they need to be more alert at night? How do pilots navigate in the dark? Is flying at night dangerous?

In short, flying at night is not dangerous. It poses a few more risks than flying during the day, but these are routine risks for pilots. In fact, pilots use the same radars and navigation systems to fly the plane in the night vs. the day. So night or day flying is incredibly safe.

You might be wondering: does night flying require any specific training? The answer is yes. There are specific requirements for night flying that every pilot must complete before flying passengers. You may have more experienced pilots or less experienced pilots. But every one will go through the same training before they can fly at night.

Beginning pilots must complete takeoffs and landings at night, as well as night navigation around the airport before landing. Each pilot has a flight instructor that approves them for nighttime flying if they pass their tests.

The FAA even defines “night” to make sure that pilots are ready to fly in the darkest times of the day. Night refers to the time period from one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise. Pilot training for night time flying is only conducted during this time.

When an instructor approves a pilot, they are legally allowed to fly passengers at night. Every 90 days, pilots must make three takeoffs and landings during the night as defined by the FAA. Otherwise they will lose that privilege until an instructor approves them again.

If pilots are going cross country, they will receive special training to effectively use navigation instruments and systems. Because pilots can’t see the skies, they have to rely on instruments when flying at night. They have to pay close attention to several areas. Maintaining altitude, detecting and avoiding obstacles or other aircraft, locating airports, and managing turbulence are some of the important aspects of night flying.

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Is flying at night more dangerous than flying in the day?

Night time accidents are more fatal than day time accidents, but the bulk of them occur during the day . So, technically, based on fatalities, night time flying is more dangerous. But don’t let this rattle you. The tools today’s pilots use to navigate and ensure a safe flight should put you at ease. Pilots don’t need to see to navigate. Not to mention the skies are not busy at night and the wind is typically gentle.

Compare flying to a common activity like driving. Driving at night is incredibly dangerous – about half of traffic deaths happen at night. Chances are high that you drive at night all the time. Flying doesn’t have anywhere near this discrepancy between day and night, and it’s much safer than driving.

Is it harder to fly a plane at night?

Pilots with less night time flying experience will find it difficult to fly at night at the start. But once they get acclimated to flying at night, it will become second nature. Experienced pilots see nighttime flying as routine. It does involve quite a few adjustments on the pilot’s part, but the pilot will be well-prepared thanks to his extensive night time training.

Here are a few things that pilots have to be wary of while night flying. By the time pilots fly passengers, they are fully aware of all of these hurdles thanks to their extensive training.

Circadian rhythms will be different, since pilots need to be awake throughout the night.

This may cause some fatigue as pilots start their training. But eventually a pilot’s rhythms will align with the nighttime schedule so they’ll have energy while flying.

Related: How Strict Is Spirit Airlines With Carry-On & Personal Item Size?

They might mistake light patterns for objects or the horizon.

At night, when a pilot’s only stimulus is at times bright city lights or streetlights, the brain might interpret them as an object or a horizon. This of course won’t be an issue when they’re at 35,000 feet, outside of lights from other aircraft. But during takeoff and landing pilots must be aware of how their brain will interpret light.

Their eyes may take a while to adjust to the surroundings.

Flying at night can put heavy strain on a pilot’s eyes. Between the bright lights of the pilot’s navigation controls, the inside plane lighting, and the total darkness of the outside, that’s a lot of stimuli. When shifting between bright lights and darkness, it will take time for the eyes to acclimate.

Some people may find it more difficult to adjust while others will have no problem. In the pilot’s training they will already be fully acclimated to the volatile lighting.

Pilots often carry flashlights with a red lens instead of a white lens. This puts significantly less strain on the eyes and makes it easier to adjust from reading instruments to looking outside. If they use a white light flashlight in the cockpit, it can take 15 minutes or more to reacclimate their eyes after using it.

Pilots have to rely on their instruments.

While pilots can confirm what their instrument reads in the day by looking outside, that’s not true in the nighttime. Pilots have to suppress any “gut feeling” about what they are seeing and quell any doubt they have in their instruments. Flight navigation instruments are heavily tested and inspected before planes can take to the skies. So pilots have to trust that and rely on their instruments when they don’t have other ways to confirm what they are seeing.

Beyond circadian rhythms, adjusting to nighttime flying may be draining at first.

Between eye strain, relying fully on instruments, and adjusting sleep rhythms, a pilot may feel a lot of stress and strain when they start night flying training. It might even feel like an entirely different task compared to day flying. But with time, pilots will adapt. Just be prepared to have a few difficult flights to start before things start running smoothly.

Do pilots prefer flying at night?

It depends on the pilot. Some pilots may prefer flying at night because they are so used to the sleep schedule and they’ve done it so many times. On the other hand, some pilots are not even certified to fly at night because they pretty much exclusively fly during the day. Daytime flying is much more common than night flying.

There are a few advantages and disadvantages to night flying that we’ll go over below.

Night Flying Advantages

• Less turbulence thanks to calm winds

The wind tends to calm down during the night. This reduces turbulence for passengers and makes flying a little easier for the pilot. Of course, as you have probably seen in movies, the “dark and stormy night” could happen. But this is quite rare. Before departing, pilots know exactly what the weather conditions will be. They’ll have a route planned out that avoids harsh weather to keep passengers safe. It’s possible that the weather could change, but in that case pilots communicate with air traffic control. They’ll either change their route in real time or carefully navigate through the rough weather.

• Less air traffic

Most airplane traffic happens during the day, so the nights will be pretty quiet. Less air traffic means less objects on the radar to worry about which makes flying much easier. Also, air traffic control can plan out a quick route. They won’t have to account for the path of dozens of other planes.

• Nice view of skylines and city lights

Ok, as a pilot, maybe you’re not paying so much attention to the scenery. You have to fly, after all. But truthfully, most of the navigation is done by instruments. So you’ll be able to enjoy the nighttime views every now and then.

Night Flying Risks

• Can’t rely on visual cues

Unfortunately, the pilot can’t use techniques they use for day time flying. One of the most obvious is visual cues. During the day, they can see. But in the night, pilots need to rely on their navigation instruments and communication from air traffic control.

While this may seem risky at first, pilots will grow to trust the navigation systems as they gain more experience.

• Less energetic because they have to stay awake all night

It may not seem like a big deal, but going from staying awake all day to staying awake all night is a huge change. Not only do pilots have to fly the plane, but it’s also important to stay alert and aware. Also, just to put passengers at ease, they don’t want to sound lethargic or tired over the intercoms. That wouldn’t be too reassuring as a passenger!

• Weather radar can’t detect clouds – and neither can the pilot because it’s nighttime.

At night, it’s highly likely that pilots wander into thick clouds without knowing it. This isn’t dangerous, but it will result in some additional turbulence. Weather radar detects precipitation, not simply clouds. So that’s why the pilot may unexpectedly wander into some harsher weather. 

Do you remember those “we may experience some turbulence over the next 10 – 15 minutes” notices that pilots announce? That’s almost always due to adverse weather conditions (wind, rain, clouds, thunder) that can’t be avoided.

Is it good to fly at night?

Night time flights can be incredibly smooth and pleasant. There’s often less wind so you’ll have less turbulence. Also air traffic control will likely be able to map out a fast route since there’s not a lot of air traffic to avoid at night.

Airports are less busy at night so you’ll probably have a smooth time through airport security and boarding the plane. The same goes for arriving at your destination in the night time.

How do pilots fly planes at night?

Airplanes have several different navigation systems that pilots rely on to fly planes at night. It can get complicated, but in short, airplanes use radar navigation. So they are able to see objects on their radar and avoid them accordingly. They also have weather radar that detects precipitation. Airplanes use satellites to navigate (like GPS navigation for cars) to their destination.

Is turbulence worse at night?

No, turbulence is not worse at night. Barring any extreme weather, winds at night are quite gentle which means next to no turbulence! Night time flights can actually be the most pleasant time to fly. Pilots use weather radar, night or day, to detect harsh weather.

In most cases the worst weather will be avoided before the flight even starts. Air traffic control will map out a route that takes weather conditions into account. This way you can have a smooth and safe flight!

Is flying at night smoother?

Yes, the wind is typically much gentler so you’ll have a smooth ride to your destination. There’s also less air traffic, so you’ll probably get to your destination quickly.

Of course, if there is a storm, you might experience some turbulence. But the pilot will do their part to avoid harsh weather conditions.

Do planes fly lower at night?

No, planes do not fly lower at night. Commercial planes fly at a cruising altitude of around 35,000 feet whether it’s night or day. At night, the air is cooler and therefore more dense. Also, the lower you fly, the more dense the air (and vice versa). So flying at night is like flying lower in the skies. But planes don’t actually fly lower.

To learn more about how high planes fly, check out our complete guide .

How late can a plane take off?

Most major airports take off and land 24/7. This is especially likely at international airports because people fly across the country to places with at times dramatically different time zones. Smaller airports may open and close in the middle of the night to manage their budget or manage the noise level. Small airports are often closer to businesses or residential areas than major airports. 

Do planes fly after midnight?

Yes, especially those at major airports or international airports. But the vast majority of flights occur during the day. Planes won’t fly after midnight often simply because there’s not a lot of demand during those times, especially for domestic flights.

In my experience, it’s more common to arrive at your destination in the middle of the night than to leave in the middle of the night. For long international flights, overnight flights are routine.

What is the most dangerous part of flying?

The most dangerous part of flying is landing. According to a Boeing statistical study, landings accounted for over half of fatal accidents from 2010 to 2019. About 12 percent of fatal accidents occur during the takeoff and climb. But these accidents do not happen often. Manufacturers continue to improve on the takeoff and landing technology as well as the navigation systems to ensure people’s safety.

What is the safest time of day to fly?

The safest time of day to fly is the day. Night flying is not dangerous, but day time flying poses less risks. Pilots don’t have to solely rely on their equipment and they can use visual cues to make decisions in real time.

Pilots also don’t have to deal with potential fatigue from changing their circadian rhythms for a night flight. Granted, night flying pilots are trained to stay alert and aware throughout the night.

Do airlines fly 24/7?

Yes, most major airports and international airports fly 24/7. Due to changing time zones, international flights come in throughout the entire day and night. Even though airlines fly 24/7, they’re not busy for the full 24 hours. There are much less flights at night, which is the best time for airports to do any maintenance or upkeep on the planes.

Hopefully, we answered all of your questions on flying at night. In short, it’s not dangerous because pilots go through specific rigorous training to fly at night. They have to renew their certification every 90 days to keep flying passengers legally.

If you have a fear of flying or any anxiety toward flying, don’t worry. Trust the pilot’s training and their advanced navigation instruments. Chances are incredibly slim that those fail resulting in a fatal accident.

If you can’t shake the fear of flying, flying during the day is slightly safer because pilots can see clearly.

But hopefully we helped quell some of your anxiety about flying and encouraged you to get ready to travel.

To learn more about airplanes, take a look at the links below.

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Is Flying at Night Safe? Is It Safer to Fly at Night or Day

John Parker

The serene beauty of a city’s lights from thousands of feet above, the calmness of the night sky, and the allure of a quieter airport – flying at night offers a unique experience.

But with this nocturnal journey comes a question that has crossed the minds of many travelers: “Is it safe to fly at night?”

In this post, we’ll delve into the intricacies of nighttime aviation, comparing safety records, understanding the challenges pilots face, and shedding light on the measures airlines take to ensure your journey through the stars is as safe as during the day.

The Quick Answer: Is flying at night safe? Flying at night is extremely safe for commercial flights these days. This is due to all of the aids available both inside the cockpit and on the ground. In fact, there is hardly any difference between flying at night or during the day on a commercial flight and there are no more nighttime accidents than daytime accidents.

When I saw the question “How safe is flying at night” asked on a forum recently it made me think as it is not something I have thought about before even though I have flown at night many times.

It is certainly very safe to fly at night so why do people feel apprehensive about it? Perhaps it is just a lack of knowledge. Knowing what aids are available to a pilot to “see in the dark” might help but first think about driving at night …..

Driving at night

Most people don’t think twice about driving themselves, or being driven by someone else, at night.

The only aid that drivers have to drive safely is their eyes. On a dark night, vision is greatly impaired compared to driving in the daytime. The other drivers on the road are also in the same position of course. Added to that, some may be drunk or reckless too, so they also present a hazard to you.

Yet, despite all of this, 99.99% of journeys by car are completed safely at night. Now compare that to flying on a commercial flight as a passenger at night.

Is it safer to fly at night or day?

Although many short flights are flown during daylight, most long haul flights will include a certain amount of night flying. This is particularly true when flying west to east as the days are effectively shortened. I have traveled from London to New Zealand and flown through two nights on that journey before reaching Auckland.

One factor which actually makes night flights safer than during the day is that generally there are fewer aircraft in the sky at night so fewer aircraft to avoid.

So how do pilots fly at night? What aids do modern pilots have in addition to their eyes?

1. Air Traffic Control

Aircraft are constantly monitored by a network of air traffic control centers all along their route. They are able to do this using sophisticated radar that not only shows where aircraft are but also at what height they are flying. Air traffic controllers use this information to give instructions to pilots to ensure adequate separation from other aircraft and also route information.

On international flights aircraft are passed from one country’s ATC to another when they approach a border.

As well as the air traffic controllers on the ground having radar, all modern aircraft are also equipped with onboard radar.

Aircraft radar is very sophisticated as not only does it show where other aircraft are but it now incorporates a computer-controlled TCAS ( Traffic Collision Avoidance System ). This system warns the pilot of any possibility of collisions and even tells him what to do to avoid a collision which may be to climb or descend.

Two aircraft equipped with this system that are on a collision course actually communicate with each other and decide which should climb and which should descend before informing the pilots. As well as avoiding collisions with other aircraft these systems also advise of potential collisions with mountains etc.

Aircraft radar can also incorporate weather radar displays to allow a pilot to avoid flying through storms or other weather fronts.

3. Navigation Systems

In the earlier days of long-range flying, aircraft navigated at night using a combination of dead reckoning and astro-navigation (navigation using the stars). Yes, some aircraft actually had a nautical sextant mounted in the roof of the cockpit that the navigator used to determine the position of the aircraft, after some complicated calculations.

Nowadays things are rather different. Modern aircraft have computerized navigation systems that use, among other things, GPS to know precisely where they are.

A pre-planned route can be entered into the navigation computer so the autopilot follows the route precisely. Pilots can alter the route if instructed to do so by air traffic control or to avoid weather problems.

All modern airliners have a system called the ground proximity warning system that warns pilots if they are getting close to the ground.

4. Landing aids

Of course there are runway lights so the pilot can see the runway in good visibility but there are also many systems to help pilots fly towards the runway when they fly at night.

To assist with finding their way onto the runway at night, or in cloud, there is a system used throughout the world called the ILS (Instrument Landing System). This incorporates two radio waves, called the localizer and the glideslope. The localizer sends out a signal along the centerline of the runway. The glideslope sends out a signal at a particular angle from the end of the runway.

First, the pilot flies on a heading that he/she knows will cross the centerline of the runway (advised by air traffic control), some distance away. As the aircraft approaches the localizer an indicator starts to move on a cockpit display and the pilot starts to turn towards the runway onto the correct flight path. When the indicator is centered the pilot knows he/she is lined up with the runway.

Then the pilot starts to descend until the glideslope indicator starts to move. Again, once this indicator is centered the aircraft is flying down the glideslope (the preferred approach angle to the runway). Provided both indicators are in the middle the aircraft will reach the middle of the end of the runway, even if the pilot can’t see a thing out of the cockpit window.

Some aircraft are licensed for fully automated landings using the above technology plus GPS.

5. Mark 1 eyeballs

Of course, as well as all the other aids, just like the driver, a pilot still has his eyes to assist with flying at night. Using those eyes he can see other aircraft in the sky because of their lights. These include red and green lights. Red lights on the tip of the left (port) wing and green on the tip of the right (starboard) wing.

The reason for this is that it is possible to tell if another aircraft is heading towards or away from you.

• If you see the two lights and the green is to the left and the red to the right then the aircraft is flying towards you.
• If you see the two lights and the red is to the left and the green to the right then the aircraft is flying away from you.

Simple but effective and the same system used by ships. Interestingly, this is one of the main reasons why those who are color blind cannot become private or commercial pilots.

Flashing white strobe lights are also carried on the tail and underneath to make the aircraft easier to spot.

During the second world war, the RAF carried out some testing to find out why some night fighter pilots were more successful than others at finding enemy aircraft during night flights. The most famous of these was John Cunningham, who had the nickname “Cat’s Eyes Cunningham” due to his amazing success.

What the RAF doctors noticed was that many of the best night fighter pilots didn’t smoke. Further investigation led to the conclusion that smoking affects the cones and rods in the eyes which affects night vision detrimentally.

I hope I didn’t make this explanation of how safe is flying at night too complicated. Please feel free to let me know in the comments.

You may also be interested in my articles on How to get over your fear of flying (with a free ebook) Why do planes leave trails? and How safe is flying in turbulence?

I have been traveling around the world by air since the early 70s and living overseas too. I worked for British Airways for a number of years and I am also a private pilot. About Me

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Is Boston Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Massachusetts : Safety by City

• Martha’s Vineyard
• New Bedford
• Provincetown
• Williamstown

Boston, Massachusetts, is one of the defining cities in our nation’s history.

If it weren’t for this portside “city on a hill,” who knows what the United State of America would look like today, or if it would even exist?

Boston might be known as Beantown, but don’t say that in front of the locals.

It’s not a moniker used anywhere but outside the city.

You still should try the baked beans that led to the nickname.

They are a Boston staple.

The city is divided up into many different neighborhoods, with some of the most popular being:

• Beacon Hill
• Charlestown (Name That Movie – “Whose car we gonna take?”)
• Wharf District
• South Boston

A lot of what most people know about Boston is from history books, but there is a wealth of culture and modern neighborhoods with thriving art and nightlife scenes that should be explored.

Let’s not forget the harbor and the bay with islands to explore and waters to enjoy.

The Boston Lighthouse is a stellar tour (though I am biased because I love lighthouses), and the light from that structure can be seen nearly 30 miles into the sea.

Whether you want to tour like a Kennedy or explore like a Wahlburg or ride like Paul Revere, there’s something for everyone in Boston.

• Warnings & Dangers in Boston

OVERALL RISK: LOW

Boston has a low risk for being such a large city, but it does have its fair share of crime. Looking over the past decade, crime trends have been going in a safer direction. Yes, there is gun violence, drug & gang problems, and thefts, but when it comes to major metropolitan areas, Boston provides an enjoyable, walkable experience.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

In Boston, you can take public transportation by rail, subway, bus, or ferry. You can rent a car or rely on taxis and rideshares too. There are the typical risks of transportation in a major city, like pickpocketing, but the MBTA does have its own police department and a safety page you can review before deciding how you want to get around during your visit. If you are visiting in the winter and don't like to drive in the snow, please don't rent a car.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

There is about a one in 10,000 chance of being a pickpocket or purse snatching victim here, based on the incidents reported in 2020 (68 total). While it's not a high risk, you should use the utmost caution, as you would in any city, especially when you're distracted by really cool tourist attractions. I walked around Boston for an entire weekend a few years back as a single woman, and I never once felt threatened or intimidated.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Boston gets some "wicked" winter weather in the form of blizzards with an average of four feet of snow each year. The people who live here are very used to these storms, but they can catch tourists off guard. It's rare a storm will shut the city down, but it will make getting around more challenging for visitors. Hurricanes are another big threat, with the highest risk from August through October. If you remember the book/movie The Perfect Storm, it was a swordboat crew from Gloucester, just north of Boston.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

There's a medium risk, with the robbery rate being 60% higher than the national average and 48% of those robberies happening in public places. The plus side for tourists is that just 13% of the violent crimes in 2020 happened against strangers.

TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM

The size, historical monuments, port, and government of Boston make it a prime potential target for terrorists. There's a medium risk, but there's also an enhanced presence of Homeland Security working visibly and behind the scenes to keep everyone safe.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

Rental and home improvement scams are the top warnings issued here, which only impact a tourist who is looking to rent a home instead of staying in a hotel. Never wire money to secure a rental home, and make sure the landlord has a rental permit. The MTBA warns against buying tickets from Craigslist or someone on the street. Those are likely scams.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

The sexual assault rate is slightly lower than the national average, but those crimes do have a low clearance rate. 10% of the sexual assaults were against strangers. If you are out at night, you should walk with a buddy or a group and avoid walking alone. However, that's advice for any city. I don't want to give a false sense of safety, but I also don't want to scare women away. Don't carry a large purse and leave the valuables at the hotel.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

The 2021 Water Quality Report shows no violations, and all standards were met or exceeded. The biggest concern about Boston's water is lead, which comes from old pipes throughout the city. An aggressive plan is underway to replace lead pipes. If you are staying in an older hotel, ask the front desk what risk of lead there is in your water.

• Safest Places to Visit in Boston

Boston has dozens of tours available with even more historic locations.

You can plot your travel path through the GoCity app and get special deals for bulk purchases.

You’ll see the regular price of an attraction and then the discounted price.

The Freedom Trail is one of the most popular tours in Boston (I almost wrote “Beantown!).

This is a great way to see monumental sites that led to the American Revolution.

Download the Freedom Trail app to learn more about ticket prices.

Guided walking tours are available starting at the Boston Common Visitor’s Center.

Take the Black Heritage Trail tour to explore African American history in the city.

Tour guides dressed in era-matching clothing will tell you about the life of African Americans in Boston before the Civil War.

14 sites are along the tour, including a stop on the underground railroad.

At Boston Harbor, you can choose from a variety of boat tours.

There are cruise ships that leave from here as well.

If you want to take a city tour by water, there’s a boat for that.

This is also a great way to explore Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket without driving.

You can’t visit Boston without spilling some tea.

The Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum is an interactive and lively remake of what is called the “#1 Best Patriotic Attraction.”

Get ready for more people in costumes.

Then hop across the harbor to the USS Constitution Museum to look at “Old Ironsides.”

Walking tours are available in Beacon Hills, where gas-lit streetlamps still light the way along cobblestone roads.

The tours give a little bit of history and a look inside some of the most elegant homes in the neighborhood.

If you’re screaming at me because your feet are already tired with these dang walking tours, you can also take trolley and double-decker bus tours of different neighborhoods.

There are just so many it’s hard to list them in just one article.

Boston Harbor Island National State Park is accessible by car or ferry, but the ferry, in most cases, is faster.

You have nearly three dozen places in the park to explore.

The Boston Light is open for tours, and it’s the oldest lighthouse in the country.

Three other lighthouses are in the park.

• Places to Avoid in Boston

Mattapan, Dorchester, and Roxbury are three of the neighborhoods with the highest crime rates, and they are also away from major tourist attractions anyway.

(Fun Fact: Donnie and Mark Wahlberg grew up in Dorchester) While the movie “The Town” wasn’t based on reality, there part parts of Charlestown that are dangerous and should be avoided.

Boston is a “see it, and you’ll know it” kind of town.

It’s designed to be very walkable, and there is a large university presence with Harvard and MIT across the way in Cambridge.

When you’re getting into a rough neighborhood, you’ll notice.

It’s smart to make friends with the concierge at your hotel to ask about crime trends happening closer to your visit.

Oh, and one more thing – if you love the New York Yankees, Starbucks Coffee, or any actor who isn’t Ben Affleck or Matt Damon, keep it to yourself.

This is Red Sox, Dunkin’, and Good Will Hunting territory.

Also, it’s not necessarily a bad thing if someone calls you a Masshole, but it’s a bad thing if you are referred to as a Chowderhead.

• Safety Tips for Traveling to Boston
• The Boston Police Department has a crime statistics section on its website with raw data and context provided for the most recent crimes. There are daily crime counts provided without having to search or use an interactive program.
• If you have information about a crime, you can reach out to Crime Stopper and give the information anonymously. Just call (800)494-TIPS or text the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463) and type out your information.
• We talked a lot about walking. Please wear comfortable shoes here. If you start the day in heels, you’ll be howling by midday. Put fashion aside in the nation of exploring the historical beginnings of the country we have today.
• If you carry a purse, use a crossbody bag with a zipper closure. Adjust the strap so you can comfortably rest your hand over the seam. This will prevent pickpockets from sliding a hand into your purse and grabbing a wallet.
• When using a rideshare in Boston, consider using UberBlack, as these drivers have to be licensed by the city. The average Uber driver doesn’t. Only get in an Uber if you received a confirmation text so you can share your route with friends.
• If you dare to drive in Boston you should be prepared for a literal game of bumper cars. People drive aggressively here and aren’t afraid to use a horn or middle finger. They’ll cut you off or weave in and out of traffic. It can be jarring for someone who isn’t from a big city. Just be patient. If it gets to be too much, return the rental car early and opt for another form of transportation.
• For parking in Boston, use the ParkBoston app. Parking is timed and charged every day of the week except for Sundays. Please make sure there is a ParkBoston sticker on the parking meter. Otherwise, you can’t use the app to pay for parking.
• Download the BOS:311 app, so you can have a direct line of access to the city. Here you can report things like potholes, broken lights, or other safety hazards. You can take pictures of hazards to share with the public, and you can review other people’s safety posts.
• Sign up for AlertBoston emergency notifications. This system will give you severe weather information, evacuation details, or other civil notices. You can’t afford to be in a place with different types of weather without knowing the risks. The weather can also impact tours and boat rentals.
• If you are visiting during hurricane season, which runs from June through October, please review the evacuation routes ahead of time. You don’t want to be stuck in a panicked situation trying to make your way out of a large, unfamiliar city.
• So... How Safe Is Boston Really?

As in any major city in America, crime can be an issue, and this goes for both petty and violent crime.

Given that the city attracts a huge amount of tourists with all of the tourist attractions, museums, and monuments, it’s only natural that it attracts pickpockets too.

This is where it’s best to not walk around displaying your belongings like cameras, expensive watches, jewelry, money, wallets or passports.

Act as you would in your city, and avoid deserted and poorly lit areas.

The city can become more dangerous after dark, so it is best to avoid parks at night because this is often where criminal activities and drug use take place after dark.

Tourists are highly advised to stick to landmarks and tourist areas.

Though Boston is safe during daylight and relatively safe after dark, some specific areas of Boston are best avoided.

These are Roxbury, Mattapan, and Dorchester, but since there aren’t any tourist attractions here, it’s unlikely that visitors will have any problems in these parts of Boston.

Avoid Boston Common or the Public Garden late at night unless there is a big public event, like a concert.

The usually busy areas of North End, the Waterfront area, and the Theatre District are also locations where it doesn’t hurt to be extra careful at night.

• How Does Boston Compare?
• Useful Information

You'll need a U.S. Travel or Work Visa, which can take months to get issued. Having a visa doesn't guarantee you access to the United States, so be on your best behavior as you go through Customs. You will need to have that visa when you depart, but store it in a safe place during your trip.

The U.S. Dollar is the only currency you can use here. Exchange currency at the airport or a local bank, but see if the exchange rate gets you a better value in your home country. Try to limit how much cash you carry, and don't keep it in a wad in your wallet. Using a credit card offers better fraud protection.

You'll get all four seasons here, and winters can be very snowy and cold. Bring full winter gear with you, and don't forget snow boots. Spring and fall can be mild but chilly in the morning and at night, so bring jeans and sweatshirts with some short-sleeved shirts. Summers will be beautiful and not too hot, but there can be an occasional extreme heat wave.

Boston Logan International Airport is just four miles from downtown. Be sure to look at the traffic-layer map. I'm looking at this on a Sunday evening, and driving those four miles would take you 30 minutes right now.

Travel Insurance

You should consider travel insurance to protect your belongings, health, and flight. From hurricanes to winter storms, the weather here can easily shut down airports along the Eastern Seaboard, and you should be prepared for that delay or cancellation without losing a lot of money.

Boston Weather Averages (Temperatures)

• Average High/Low Temperature

Massachusetts - Safety by City

Explore boston.

• 10 Safest Neighborhoods in Boston
• 6 Things to Do in Boston With Kids
• 17 Pros and Cons of Living in Boston, MA
• A Guide to Free Museums in Boston
• The 10 Best Hostels and Hotels in Boston
• Boston Relaxation Under The Clouds: 6 Bars At The Roof
• Where to Next?

16 Reviews on Boston

This is a joke, right?

Boston does not have earthquakes

Boston does not have earthquakes… natural disaster risk is extremely low.

This is about risk. There is a fault line that runs through there. So, that means there is potential risk.

“NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : MEDIUM

Boston gets some “wicked” winter weather in the form of blizzards with an average of four feet of snow each year. The people who live here are very used to these storms, but they can catch tourists off guard. It’s rare a storm will shut the city down, but it will make getting around more challenging for visitors. Hurricanes are another big threat, with the highest risk from August through October. If you remember the book/movie The Perfect Storm, it was a swordboat crew from Gloucester, just north of Boston.”

No mention of a fault line nor earthquakes as justification for a medium risk level. Earthquakes are not a major nor a minor risk in new england. Most of the hazards are seasonal; fall through winter, and are easy to recover from.

There is no earthquakes in Boston

There is no earthquakes in Boston but other than that everything else was pretty accurate.

Having lived in Boston for 12 years (having since moved), I can tell you that it is worth mentioning. Because there is a fault line, you can still be affected by tremors and issues with them knocking out power structures and causing damages in high-rise buildings. Overall, Boston is not a safe place because of the people. I would worry more about them than earthquakes.

I’ve lived on the same fault line in the east coast for my entire life and I have not once felt a tremor. My parents can only count one or two instances of the past several decades where they can remember feeling “slight movement” for a few seconds. There is no risk and it’s not worth mentioning. You probably have a better chance at getting hit a car or dying from a heart attack.

Mostly correct

No earthquakes, and it’s pretty safe for woman travelers. Other than that, pretty accurate. Avoid Mattapan.

Glad James thinks its safe for women. Ask James why if you’re ever in Boston why you should avoid Mattapan. I doubt it has anything to do with parking.

Because it is safe for women. as of 2018, boston had a population for roughly 700k people, with a sexual crime rate of 40.02/100,000 people. 72 other cities and towns in massachusetts had a HIGHER reported crime rate. Boston is generally safe, end of story.

Surprised to see Medium across the board for Boston

Surprised to see Boston with Medium safety risk. I wasn’t expecting things to be this bad there but what do I know. I’m not from the US but I like the US and plan on visiting there and am now trying to find the best cities (and preferably safest) I should visit. If I don’t do this trip now I may never do it so… I guess I’ll just look at the green cities you have on the site and pick some I actually want to see.

Boston is best.

Having lived or visited many US cities it is absolutely safer than most cities. This is especially true in the tourist areas- Faneuil Hall, Seaport, Southie, Back Bay, Longwood area etc. Why -Boston is a walkable city so lots of foot traffic and a large student population. Also gun safety laws so no open or concealed carry. Boston is like a European city and a wonderful place to visit or live.

I can’t believe they forgot to put blizzards on the list, the rest of the stuff is not even as common as blizzards.

One of the Safest Cities to Visit

Boston is an extremely safe city, especially for tourists. It’s one of the least problematic cities in the country. You can walk around with expensive bags, cameras, drive a sports car, etc, go on walks through the parks at night, etc. Women (solo) frequently run at night on the esplanade or through the parks, children and teens hang around in the squares and on Newbury St, etc. I’ve lived here for the greater half of a decade and everyone I know of all genders says Boston is one of the most comfortable, quietest, safest, and smartest cities they’ve ever visited in the US. Finally, it doesn’t matter if Boston sits on a fault line if that fault line is renowned for being extremely inactive. Most of the east coast is on a fault line and ask how many times life-long residents can recall an earthquake, they won’t be able to answer that question. The fact that earthquakes are listed as more of a concern than say, I don’t know, BLIZZARDS, tells me you haven’t really lived there. The winter in Boston can be absolutely horrible, most people avoid visiting until the spring.

Boston has its rough spots, but overall, the city feels safe, especially in well-populated areas and tourist spots.

I’ve lived in Boston for years, and while there are occasional incidents, the city is generally safe with a strong police presence.

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Article Contents

• Boston : Safety by City
• Overall Risk
• Transport & Taxis Risk
• Pickpockets Risk
• Natural Disasters Risk
• Mugging Risk
• Terrorism Risk
• Women Travelers Risk
• Tap Water Risk
• Weather Averages (Temperatures)
• User Reviews
• Share Your Experience

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20 Things You May Not Know About Night Flying

Darkness comprises roughly half of every day, but that’s no reason to avoid flying at night, if’€¦.

NIGHT FLIGHTING CAN BE PROFITABLE.

Back in the day when I was young and stupid (I'm now much older and still!), long before I discovered I could make even less money in aviation, I was determined to become one of the world's great trumpet players. To that end, I studied with one of Hollywood's hardest-working studio lead trumpet players, Bud Brisbois. After a stint with Stan Kenton, Bud was working regularly with Henry Mancini, playing gigs all over the U.S.

Mancini was in great demand at cities with symphony orchestras to conduct a program of his music. Like many musicians, Mancini didn't enjoy being on the road, and he accepted the dates on the condition that he be flown in by corporate jet with four of his favorite soloists; typically, Bud on trumpet, Bud Shank on sax, Shelley Mann on drums and (I think) Milt Bernhart on trombone.

The musicians would typically depart in one of Clay Lacy's Learjet 35s early on a Saturday morning, arrive in Kansas City or Dallas or New Orleans in time for a rehearsal, play the job and fly home immediately after the concert. Bud said they were always treated like royalty, made great money, and he was usually back at his home in Encino by 2 a.m., Sunday morning. Bud wasn't a pilot and didn't know much about airplanes, but he always felt that was one of the great fringe benefits of working with Mancini, even if he did have to fly in the middle of the night.

Under some circumstances, night can be an enjoyable time to fly. We may not all fly Learjets halfway across the country in the dark, but night can still be a seductress. The weather is usually better, the temperature improves aircraft performance, the air can be almost glycerin smooth and, as the haze of the day settles out, the visibility becomes so good, you could see Hawaii if the Earth were flat.

Less than a dozen years after earning my license, I began ferrying airplanes internationally, and nearly all of my first 40 trips across the North Atlantic from Canada nonstop to Ireland were at night. The time change between Gander, Newfoundland, and Shannon, Ireland, is three hours, so if we departed at, say, 6 p.m. (9 p.m. in Ireland), we'd be landing sometime in early morning in Shannon after a nine- to 11-hour flight.

In those days, I was taught that night was the best time to fly the ocean. Weather was usually better, HF signals carried further, the airplane was happier, and we pilots got to take 36 hours off rather than 24 in Ireland. If the worst did happen and we had to ditch, an emergency strobe could be visible for 30 to 40 miles (provided you survived the landing, got your raft deployed, succeeded in climbing aboard, didn't suffer hypothermia or get eaten by sharks).

I've since learned better, but there's no question night has its attractions---and its detractions. There's less traffic and more visibility, no glare from the sun, instrument scanning is easier with well-illuminated dials, cities stand out from surrounding terrain, and airports and traffic are easier to locate with their telltale beacons.

After way too many trips, I don't do too many Atlantic crossings---my West Coast domicile favors Pacific trips---but I still do my share of night flying, primarily because it's often difficult to get everything done in daylight. Why sleep when you could be flying?

Yes, I know. That attitude can get some pilots into trouble, and it does exactly that every year. Accident statistics suggest that flying by night accounts for about 10% of the general aviation accidents, but 30% of the fatalities. That suggests night flying must be inherently more dangerous than aviating when the sun is up.

The rules for night flying are more stringent in many countries than they are in the U.S., apparently in recognition of an increased level of risk. In Mexico, all night flights must be conducted IFR. Several African countries forbid ANY general aviation flights at night. (Airlines aren't so constrained.)

Of course, just as with flying over water, the airplane doesn't know it's dark, so the problems of night flying are more related to pilots than airplanes. Here's a short list of considerations for flying at night.

FLIGHT PLANNING AND PREFLIGHT

1 Smart aviators may plan a slightly different route at night, one that takes advantage of available airports en route. There's no logical reason for more mechanical malfunctions at night, but any problem may be compounded by the difficulty of executing emergency checklists and spotting reasonable landing sites. Accordingly, many pilots will plot a course that zig-zags between airports rather than simply punching "Go To" on the Garmin and flying GPS-direct. The distance will be slightly greater, but not as much as you might imagine. For fans of pilotage, the old trick of picking a prominent point on the far horizon, flying to it, and picking another and then another, may be a challenge when you can't see a horizon.

2 Many pilots plan for a higher cruising altitude at night, simply because suitable emergency landing sites may be fewer and farther between. The difference between cruise at 8,500 and 10,500 feet may not seem like much until you have to glide back to Earth at 800-900 fpm without power. That extra 2,000 feet represents an additional two-plus minutes of time to make important decisions.

3 Just as you'll want to consider flight planning for alternate airports and climbing higher to prolong glide, you should allow more generous fuel reserves at night. It's easier to become disoriented in the dark, so there's a slightly higher risk of "temporary disorientation," as the military calls it. We call it lost. Also, pilots flying at night have a greater sense of get-there-itis, and that may mean decisions they wouldn't make in daylight when things are actually visible. Even if the problem is only one of being a little short on fuel and needing to stop for a few gallons, not every airport offers fuel sales in the wee small hours. That can encourage dumb decisions.

4 If you haven't looked at a chart in years (raise your hands), a night flight might be a good time to actually mark a course line on a WAC or Sectional. Consider using a wide-point pencil or pen, perhaps even a Sharpie, for your flight track line and flight log. Don't use a highlighter, as the color may appear as a solid-black line under red light.

5 You'll obviously need a flashlight or two for the preflight. I use a hands-free miner's or camp light that straps to my forehead and shines wherever I'm looking, plus two or three Maglites of various sizes for other tasks. To keep flashlights and other important stuff where I can find it, I use industrial-strength Velcro.

6 Checking for fuel contamination can be a challenge at night, so I hold the sample against a white surface and shine a light through the cup from the side. That allows me to see any crud at the bottom of the cup.

7 Keep in mind that your eyes demand more oxygen than the rest of your body as you climb away from Earth into thinner air. For that reason, you might consider using supplemental O2 on any flight above 5,000 feet. If you live in Denver or Albuquerque, your body has probably adapted to the reduced atmospheric pressure, and you have a natural advantage over the rest of us. Also, remember the story of the two families that live in your eyes, the Rods and the Cones. The Rods live in the center of your eyes and need plenty of light to see. The Cones are more sensitive souls who live in the suburbs, so they can see things the insensitive Rods can't. In other words, if you're looking for a beacon at night, use your peripheral vision.

TAKEOFF AND CLIMB 8 When it comes time to actually commit aviation, use aircraft lighting to warn others that you're coming---up to a point. Years ago, a not-so-grizzled but well-experienced instructor suggested leaving the rotating beacon switch on all the time, so it would come on with the master. Prior to start, this suggests to any and all that you're about to do something serious, or just did. Be a little more judicious with the landing/taxi light and strobe. If you're using position lights and rotating beacon, that may be plenty on the ground. It might be best to save the landing light for the lights/camera/action check as you take the runway.

9 Unless you have excellent visibility and there's a bright moon overhead, it's probably best to make a semi-instrument departure, regardless of how you've filed, especially if the departure path crosses unlighted territory (the dreaded black-hole departure). Double-check that your altimeter is set for field elevation before takeoff and note any error. Keep a close eye on the altitude, airspeed and ADI during the initial ascent.

10 After the liftoff and 500 feet of climb at Vy, it's probably best to lower the nose for a cruise climb to improve forward visibility and let you see the strobes of all traffic ahead. If you have any form of traffic alert (TIS or TCAS), have it displayed before takeoff in case someone forgot to turn on his strobes.

11 In some respects, night flight flies in the face of human habits. Our circadian rhythm clues our bodies that night is the time to sleep, and unless the trip is a short one, the (hopefully) monotonous drone of the engine, comfortable warmth of the heater and gentle vibration of the airframe may make us drowsy. For that reason, pilot currency is all the more critical. Pilots familiar with the syndrome are more likely to make a wise decision, but others may need to recognize their own incapacity, land short, get some rest and continue the trip in daylight.

12 Trouble is, everything about night flying inclines us to do the opposite. Fuel exhaustion may be more common at night, because the consequences of an extra stop---lack of available fuel, landing at an unfamiliar airport in the dark, the expense and inconvenience of an extra night on the road---may incline us to go for it rather than take the conservative approach. In daylight, we can see the mountains, highways, rivers and lakes sliding by below in predictable patterns. At night, especially when operating over patches of black earth, there may be almost no perception of speed, and any night cross-countries may seem to take forever. There's a certain get-home-itis that sometimes afflicts pilots at night. If the speed of light is very fast, the speed of dark can seem very slow.

13 Though cities, airports, antennas and other traffic stand out at night, clouds don't. They usually dissolve to invisibility. That's another reason to fly higher. Though the haze of the day tends to settle out at night, clouds may linger stubbornly along your route. Even Xenon landing lights suitable for a Baja 1000 truck won't help you spot clouds ahead.

14 It's a good idea at night to ask for flight following, both to keep you awake and to provide an assist in "seeing" other traffic. A controller may also advise about weather and restricted areas, and direct you toward an airport if things go wrong.

15 An engine failure at night isn't any more likely than in daytime, but there are few hard-and-fast rules for handling one. Forced landings take on a whole new level of difficulty when you can't see where you're landing. The old joke used to be: If the engine quits and you're forced to land into a black hole, turn on the landing light for the flare. If you don't like what you see, turn it off. These days, GPS's nearest-airport function has relegated the problem of finding the ground academic, since you can interrogate the system to learn the exact elevation at any point. If you did your preflight preparation correctly, you should know what local ground elevation is below. Most experienced night pilots agree the smartest idea is to fly toward something as bright as possible, so you can at least see what you're about to hit.

16 If well-lit areas such as cities appear to blink, or suddenly disappear completely, beware. There may be something in between you and the lights that you can't see, clouds, an antenna or, worst of all, big rocks.

APPROACH AND LANDING

17 Altimeter settings become more critical when the ground may be invisible, and you should take every opportunity to update yours, factoring in any necessary corrections. Every pilot knows it's especially important to update the altimeter as you approach the destination, but it's critical over a boondock airport with minimum lights.

18 Consider using square patterns at night with a relatively wide base to give you plenty of time to judge the final turn and the landing approach. Leave the constant-turn, carrier-style approaches to the Marines. Square turns and a longer, higher final provide a hedge for judging your approach path. If there's no ILS but there are VASI or PAPI lights, use them. They're a good visual representation of a three-degree glide. Remember that a standard glideslope is 300 feet/nm, so if you have GPS or DME on board, you can construct your own manual glideslope---1,500 feet at five miles, 900 feet at three miles and 300 feet at one mile.

19 If there's haze in the air and the airport lights are in sight but barely, you can ask the controller to go to high intensity or click the mic five, seven or nine times (after hours or at some uncontrolled airports) to boost the brightness.

20 Finally, if conditions are IFR and near minimums, avoid the temptation to duck under. You may start seeing lights through the bottom of the overcast as you descend, something you might not see in daytime, but you need to have a clear view of the runway lights at minimums to complete the approach. Duck under even once, and you may discover the real meaning of the phrase, "What a difference a day makes."

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Flying at Night: What You Need to Know

Flying staff.

Flying at night can add different challenges than day time flights. [Credit: Unsplash]

If you have ever been on a late-night flight and found yourself walking out of the airport terminal, you might have glanced at the empty gates and dark airplanes. That might have caused you to think that aviation shuts down overnight, but that’s far from the truth. 

Once the sun sets, a whole different side of aviation reveals itself and takes to the skies until the wee hours of the morning. For pilots, a unique set of requirements and skill sets comes into play for late night flights.

Why Do Planes Fly at Night?

Aviation is a 24/7 business where the clock is little more than a number for the departure or arrival of planes flying at night. Certain segments of the industry kick into high gear once the sun sets, particularly freight operations and air ambulances or medical evacuations. 

Every weeknight, FedEx’s World Super Hub in Memphis, Tennessee, becomes the world’s busiest airport. Each night, an average of 1.3 million packages arrive, are sorted, and head back out to their next destination via hundreds of aircraft carriers. 

How Does Flying at Night Work? 

Night flying brings its own set of challenges. Fatigue becomes a potential issue for pilots even when they are relatively used to flying at night. Poor lighting in the aircraft can cause issues for navigation during night flights as well. 

The night sky makes it hard to read instruments and discern surface features. Plus, it can lead to inadvertent flight into instrument conditions. Proper planning takes these threats into account and makes for as safe a flight as possible. 

Pros & Cons of Flying at Night

While night flying brings certain concerns into play, it also offers numerous benefits for pilots. As daylight heating gives way to nighttime cooling, the air generally becomes smoother and convective weather dissipates, providing a better ride for passengers and less work for pilots. A lower number of aircraft in the skies reduces the workload for air traffic controllers and frequently allows pilots more options for shorter, more direct routes.

What You Need to Know to Prepare to Fly at Night

No matter a pilot’s experience level, a good preflight routine can help them prepare for a night flight.

A good first question to ask prior to night operations is if a pilot is current to be doing the operation he or she is intending. Before flying passengers at night, the pilot has to ensure they have performed three takeoffs and landings to a full stop in the previous 90 days. 

Remember this has to be in category, class, and type so an airline pilot can’t just hop into a single engine airplane on his or her night off and take their friends flying. Be sure to check Notices to Airmen or NOTAMs. You don’t want to arrive at your destination airport and find out the runway lights aren’t working.

Night operations can vary from easy to quite convoluted depending on a pilot’s familiarity. Particularly at an unfamiliar airport ensure you have reviewed any taxi diagrams and have an idea of what to expect at large airports. Keep in mind that the local airport fixed base operator (FBO) might close overnight, leaving you with no way to get back to your plane.

Takeoff and Landing

As mentioned above, keep in mind your night takeoff and landing currency requirements before any flights at night. Be prepared for all options on takeoffs and landings, particularly given the relatively limited landing light illumination on some general aviation aircraft. 

A rejected takeoff or go-around might be the best option if you find a deer in your landing light beam. Familiarize yourself with the area around your departure and destination airports and along your route of flight in case an emergency situation leaves you unable to make it to the runway.

Signal Lights/PAPI/VASI

For many pilots, the last time they looked at light gun signals was at their last checkride. If you don’t have them committed to memory, it’s worth having a reference card in your airplane if you plan to fly at controlled airports at night.

The FAA mandates in 14 CFR 91.129 that pilots operating to a runway at a Class D airport maintain at or above any visual guidance such as a PAPI or VASI until necessary for a safe landing. Even in other classes of airspace where it is not mandated, maintaining the PAPI or VASI, or utilizing an electronic glidepath such as an LPV approach, is an excellent tool for all pilots. 

It’s even standardized at airlines and quality corporate and commercial operations. But double check the Chart Supplement, which was formerly the Airport or Facility Directory, also known as the AFD. 

Some visual glidepath indicators, such as Palm Springs/KPSP runways 31L and 31R, are unusable beyond a certain distance or outside of alignment with the runway due to terrain and while they may indicate that you are on the glidepath, you may in fact be passing dangerously close to terrain.

Visual illusions can manifest themselves in different ways during daylight, night, and instrument flying. The FAA’s Airplane Flying Handbook dedicates an entire chapter to night operations and lists numerous illusions a pilot can encounter while flying at night including autokinesis, a ‘black hole’ effect, problems with flickering lights, and the feeling of being too low on an approach. Pilots should be familiar with these illusions and ensure they are adequately monitoring their instruments at night rather than relying solely on visual cues.

FLYING Magazine Offers Tips for  Night Aviators 

Flying at night can be a particularly rewarding experience for pilots and passengers alike. With a proper planning process and taking into account potential threats and issues, a pilot can ensure the flight is safe and enjoyable from the start. Subscribe to FLYING Magazine to stay up to date with the latest in aviation. 

Is it safe to fly at night?

With proper planning there is no reason a pilot cannot safely accomplish a flight at night. Pay particular attention to picking a safe route, particularly in a single engine airplane or helicopter. Though a flight over terrain or open water may save time, a longer route over flat terrain may be the safer choice.

Do pilots sleep while flying?

With the exception of augmented crews operating commercial flights that are in the sky for more than eight hours, pilots certified to fly in the United States should never sleep while the aircraft is in flight. However, outside of the United States, controlled rest is a common occurrence. In fact, it is encouraged by the International Civil Aviation Organization or ICAO.

Why do planes fly low at night?

Generally, aircraft that are flown at night will operate within the same altitudes as aircraft flown during daylight. While personnel on the ground may feel an aircraft is lower due to the infrequency of overhead aircraft at night, operational rules normally encourage higher altitudes at night to offer more opportunities for emergency landings. Plus, it increases the likelihood that they’ll be able to avoid terrain and obstacles more successfully.

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What To Know About Wandering New York City At Night

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After Dark: What To Know About Wandering New York City At Night

• New York City offers a range of nighttime activities, but safety is paramount. Stay in well-lit areas and be aware of surroundings.
• Crime in NYC has decreased, but caution is still advised. Stick with friends, avoid dangerous areas, and be cautious with valuables.
• Whether exploring Central Park or attending a concert, traveling with company and being prepared is key to enjoying NYC after dark.

New York City is big, beautiful, and sometimes intimidating. Fortunately, there are many ways to have a good experience, whatever that means for you. Whether you prefer to sightsee by bus for cheap in NYC , want to experience the city via subway for the first time , or just want a short day trip from the Grand Central Terminal , there's something for everyone.

That's all more or less daytime talk, though. If you prefer to travel NYC after dark — or if it's a necessity during your trip — there's a lot to know. From safe places to explore to spots that are better left in the dark, here's what to know about wandering New York City at night.

UPDATE: 2024/06/12 11:32 EST BY ERYNN RUIZ

Can it be safe to traverse NYC after dark? Yes and no. Here's what to know about navigating the city after dark, including how to stay safe. This feature has been updated with crime statistics, information on areas to avoid, photos, and insights from locals.

Is It Safe To Walk Around New York City After Dark?

Nyc is not inherently unsafe, but it's important to know where to go and what to avoid.

A straight answer to whether NYC is safe at night is yes! After all, vacationers are likely to find numerous interesting events to attend after dark. There are plenty of places to enjoy nightlife in New York City with like-minded folks.

The availability of nighttime entertainment doesn’t mean, however, that travelers can stroll anywhere in the city at night. In a city as large and diverse as NYC, it's worth taking precautions and being aware of your surroundings.

While NYC might have a reputation for being a bit scary and impersonal, it turns out there are some positive changes happening with regard to crime in the big city.

• Overall crime was reduced during the first quarter of 2024 compared to 2023
• Crime in the transit system dropped 23.5% while arrests increased by nearly 53%
• Citywide crime dropped 5% since last year's first quarter
• Shooting incidents dropped in 2024 versus 2023

Where to hang out after dark in NYC?

New York City is full of hang-out spots that are open late. Some of these nightlife areas host Broadway shows, home to music concerts, observation decks, and great sports events. Some of the city's most popular shows include Wicked , Hamilton , and The Lion King .

The top music concert venues include:

• Madison Square Garden
• Beacon Theater
• Barclays Center
• Bowery Ballroom

Vacationers can also choose to hang out on the popular skyscraper observation decks, such as Top of the Rock (open until midnight), Empire State Building (special AM/PM experiences are available, and the building is open until at least 9:15 PM year round), and Edge (operates until 10 PM).

Manhattanhenge: Why It's Worth Traveling To NYC To See At Least Once

Most people who have been to Manhattan Island in New York City don't realize that on a few special days, the sun aligns with the city grid.

Where Are The Safest Places To Walk At Night In New York City?

Some areas of nyc are safer than others based on crime rates.

• Places like Greenwich Village, Williamsburg, the Upper East Side, Midtown Manhattan, and Brooklyn Heights are all considered fairly safe at night.
• Stay in well-lit, busy areas at night to avoid pickpocketing and other crime.

New York City is one of the liveliest and most beautiful cities in the world, and every traveler should get a chance to visit it at least once in their lifetime. The city is most impressive at night, and there are places where residents and visitors feel safe despite the dark.

Safest NYC neighborhoods in 2024 , based on NYPD crime data

While these spots are considered some of the safest and most secure in New York, you should still be aware of your surroundings and take safety precautions.

Even with these locations being considered safe, that doesn't mean visitors to NYC should let their guard down. Keep a close eye on the surroundings and look like a local. Those who act lost or confused may be targeted.

Can you walk alone at night in NYC?

In general, it is not a good idea to walk around alone in New York City at night . Crime can happen at any time of day, but the cover of darkness might permit more nefarious activity than daytime does.

Our best advice is not to travel around NYC solo at night. Walking with a friend — or, more ideally, a group of friends — is always preferable.

Is it safe to visit Central Park at night?

Central Park is open until 1:00 am , but that doesn't make it safe. Travelers who happen to be here at night will find the place almost deserted, which isn't ideal for solo tourists. Bring a friend (or more than one) if you plan to explore Central Park after dark.

7 Underrated Cities In New York With Brooklyn Vibes, But Better

Brooklyn is its own character, but these underrated New York cities elsewhere are similar in many ways, perhaps even better!

Most Dangerous Areas In New York City

Avoid these neighborhoods whether it's night or day.

Areas like Brownsville, Tremont, Mott Haven, Fordham, Hunts Point, Bushwick, and East Harlem have a reputation for being more dangerous than other areas of NYC. Locals also recommend avoiding Times Square simply because it's a tourist hub and therefore more susceptible to pickpocketing and other crimes of opportunity.

7 Best Urban Hikes In New York City

Hiking some of New York City's magnificent urban trails is the best way to experience its true character.

How To Stay Safe At Night When Walking Around NYC At Night

Be careful, confident, and prepared when moving around nyc at night.

• Walk around with someone by your side . If planning to experience NYC's nightlife, walk around with someone when not familiar with the place. One can opt for inviting someone who knows the area of the city they are visiting to walk them around safer spots.
• Avoid traveling with valuables . When visiting New York City, vacationers should pack lightly. This reduces the chance of being mugged somewhere in the city.
• Protect your belongings . Locals recommend wearing a cross-body bag or placing your purse or pack across your body so it's harder to swipe.
• Walk with confidence . Know where you're going, and look like you mean business while heading there. You're probably more susceptible to mugging if you look lost or out of place (AKA touristy).
• Carry mace/pepper spray . Self-defense spray is legal in New York , though it must meet specific requirements for ingredients and size. Check the requirements in advance and carry pepper spray just in case.

New York City might be more dangerous at night, but it's still spectacular and, for many night owls, worth the increased risk. Travel smart, be aware of your surroundings, and try to stick close to friends while experiencing NYC at night.

Have you traveled around NYC at nighttime? What advice would you add to TheTravel's?

• Top Sights In New York City

Is Paris Safe at Night? Safety Tips & Where to Avoid [2024]

Wondering if paris is safe at night.

Rest assured that yes, Paris is a safe to visit at night. As someone who has been to Paris several times, I have always felt safe at night when following common safety tips – like avoiding dangerous areas and not walking alone late at night.

In this post, I’ve covered everything you should know about staying safe in Paris at night, including safe vs. unsafe areas in Paris, common safety tips, and information about using the Metro at night.

Get Lost in Wanderlust contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of the links below, we may receive a very small compensation at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products and services we use and trust. Read our  disclaimer  for more information.

Check out these safe & fun activities for at night in Paris:

Evening Dinner Cruise

Secrets of Paris Night Walking Tour

Night Sightseeing Tour in a Vintage Citroen 2CV

Paris Pub Crawl in the Latin Quarter

Is Paris Safe at Night?

Generally yes, Paris is safe at night just like during the day time. However, there are certain parts of the city that are safer at night than others.

Most crimes in Paris are crimes of opportunity like petty theft and pickpocketing. Violent crime is not common, especially in the city center. However, the US Department of State does recommend using “extra caution when out alone at night.”

Note: As with any city, safety can also depend on who you are. As a female traveler, I feel like I have to be more cautious about safety. Due to this, I usually will take an Uber or Taxi back to my hotel if its after 11pm.

Is the Metro in Paris Safe at Night?

Yes, it is safe to use the metro in Paris at night. Keep in mind, the metro does not operate all night long, so it isn’t open very late at night. Instead, it runs from about 5:30a.m. to about 1:15a.m on weekdays, and until 2:15a.m. on the weekends.

If you do take the metro in Paris at night, you will want to watch out for pickpockets which operate both during the day and night.

Another thing to consider is to avoid walking alone at night, and so it may be a better option to simply take an Uber or taxi from your destination back to your hotel rather than the metro and walking.

Get a FREE Paris Bucket List Checklist!

Enter your email and get our free checklist for your next trip to Paris!

Areas to Avoid in Paris at Night

As with any major city, there are some places in Paris to avoid at night due to a higher risk of crime. I want to note that Paris has low rates of violent crime, even at night. However, there are certain areas where crime is more likely, and thus its better to avoid them or use extra caution.

I also want to stress that these areas may feel safer for locals who know the area well vs. tourists who are just visiting Paris.

Areas to avoid at night in Paris :

19th Arrondissement/La Villette – Ok during the day but can get sketchy at night

Barbès-Rochechouart – Best avoided at night (drug use and trafficking issues)

Seine-Saint-Denis – Suburb of Paris that tends to have higher than average crime

Bois de Boulogne & Bois de Vincennes   – Public parks that are great to visit during the day but should be avoided late at night.

Areas to use extra caution at night in Paris:

République – Popular nightlife area that is safe to visit, but best to be cautious late at night, (especially to the north of this area).

Châtelet Les Halles Station – Can feel sketchy late at night

Gare du Nord Train Station – Pickpockets, drug users, etc. frequent around here at night so if you are going to/from the train station at night its best to take a taxi or Uber.

Safe Areas in Paris at Night

I always have felt very safe at night in the 5th and 6th arrondissements . Especially on streets like rue Mouffetard , which has a lively bar scene – it feels safe being out late as there are many other people around and the area feels well-lit and secure.

While not totally inclusive of every safe neighborhood, here is a few of some of the safe areas in Paris at night :

The Latin Quarter (5th & 6th)

St Germain & Odéon (6th)

Le Marais (3rd & 4th)

The 15th arrondissement

The 7th arrondissement

8 Tips for Staying Safe in Paris at Night

As with any city in the world, there are certain precautions you should take when out at night. Below are my tips for staying safe in Paris at night.

These safety tips apply to everyone, but are especially applicable to female travelers like myself or solo travelers.

1. Avoid Walking Alone Late at Night

If it’s late at night, you shouldn’t walk back to your hotel by yourself. This is especially true if you have a long walk or will be on streets where there aren’t other people around.

While Paris is safe at night, it just isn’t a smart idea to walk by yourself late at night as it makes you an easy target. Sadly, this is especially true for females.

Instead, take an Uber or Taxi, or walk back with a group if possible.

2. Watch Out for Pickpockets on the Metro

It is typically safe to use the Paris metro at night, but you need to watch carefully for pickpockets.

Pickpockets typically work in groups, and the Paris metro is a frequent place they target as they can grab your phone or wallet and hop off before you notice.

When on the metro, I highly recommend keeping your phone & wallet in a locked crossbody bag, money belt, or in a front pocket with your hand on it at all times.

Never keep important items in a back pocket, backpack, or purse that can easily be opened.

3. Don’t Leave Drinks Unattended

Never leave drinks unattended while at a bar or club as there is a risk of someone putting something in your drink (especially for female travelers). This may be a small risk, but it isn’t one worth taking.

I want to add that this isn’t an issue specific to Paris – sadly it can happen anywhere in the world. So, its best to get in the habit of never leaving your drink unattended or accepting a drink from a stranger.

4. Choose a Hotel in a Safe Area of Paris

One of the best ways to stay safe at night in Paris is to choose a hotel in one of the safe neighborhoods that are known for having low crime rates. This is especially important if you plan on coming back to your hotel late at night.

Some of the safe neighborhoods that are perfect for travelers include St-Germain-des-Prés (6th arr.), the Latin Quarter (5th arr.), and Le Marais (3rd and 4th arr.).

For more information on safe neighborhoods & hotels, see my post on the Safest Places to Stay in Paris .

5. Don’t Carry Valuables Around

Since there is a risk of getting pickpocketed in Paris, you should only carry valuables that are absolutely necessary.

The US Embassy in Paris recommends leaving your passport locked in your hotel safe as it is not required to be on you at all times. Instead a student ID, Driver’s License, or other form of identity documentation is sufficient.

I also recommend carrying one credit card and leaving another credit card locked in your hotel safe. Additionally, avoid carrying large amounts of cash.

6. If You Feel Unsafe, go to the Closest Public Area

If you are walking around at night and ever feel unsafe, go to the first public space that you see. This may be a restaurant, shop, hotel, etc. as it is unlikely someone would follow you inside. Then, you can call a taxi or Uber to get you safely to where you are going.

While I’ve never felt unsafe and had to do this is Paris, I have had to do this in a US city and its just a good tip to keep in mind (especially as a solo or female traveler).

7. Enroll in STEP (US Citizens)

If you are a US citizen, I highly recommend enrolling in the US Department of State’s STEP Program . Its free to enroll and simply lets the embassy know of your travel plans so they can alert you in case of an emergency. Emergencies can include anything from natural disasters, protests, or terrorist attacks.

8. Take a Tour of Paris at Night

If you are nervous about being in Paris at night, taking a night tour of Paris is a great option as it will be with a guide or a group of travelers. This is especially a great option for solo travelers.

There are many different types of night tours available – from a Paris Bar Crawl to a Secrets of Paris Night Walking Tour .

FAQ: Is Paris Safe at Night?

Paris is safe at night, and it is usually safe to walk around areas like the 5th and 6th arrondissements late at night. However, there are some areas in Paris you should not walk around late at night, such as the 19th, 20th, and 10th arrondissements. In general, it is best to take an Uber or Taxi versus walking long distances late at night.

Generally, its best to avoid walking around the 19th, 20th, and northern part of the 18th arrondissement in Paris at night. Its also best to avoid certain public parks late at night such as Bois de Boulogne and Bois de Vincennes.

It is safe to ride the Paris Metro at night. The Metro operates from 5:30 a.m. to about 1:15 a.m., and until 2:15 a.m. on weekends. However, just like during the day time you will need to keep a careful watch for pickpockets as they can be common on the Paris metro.

So, Is Paris Safe at Night?

Overall Paris is safe at night, especially when compared to other large international cities such as New York. Even though Paris is considered safe to visit, it is still a large city and you need take common safety precautions, such as not walking around late at night.

Planning a trip to Paris? Check out these related posts:

10 Days in Paris – The Perfect Itinerary

Hidden Gems in Paris

Paris to Bruges Day Trip

Is Moulin Rouge Worth It?

Alternatives to Paris

The post Is Paris Safe at Night? Safety Tips & Where to Avoid [2024] appeared first on Get Lost in Wanderlust .

Sunset Chasing Blonde

Is Boston Safe at Night? (From a Former Local)

If you’re anything like me, you could spend hours or even days on end researching a city to see what it’ll be like when you get there. Will it be safe? Will it feel a little sketchy walking around at night?

Chances are, if you found this article, you’re probably already asking the question “Is Boston safe at night?”

And it’s a good question. Cheers to preparation and prevention.

As a former female resident of Boston for about two years, I can tell you that Boston is one of the best cities I’ve ever been in to walk around at night. Of course it’s still a city and there are definitely places you might not want to walk into. But overall, it’s a great city to visit whether in a group or visiting alone .

With that, let’s unpack some info on Boston’s safety and some other tips for staying safe while you’re there.

( Some of the links in this post are probably affiliate links meaning I might make a small percentage of any purchases you make. All opinions remain my own. For my disclosure policy click here . )

Is Boston Safe: Quick Guide

If you’re in a hurry, here’s a quick overview of whether or not you might feel comfortable in Boston at night:

• Boston is one of the safer cities to walk in at night, but there are areas to avoid like in any city.
• Some areas might seem safe during the day but change quickly like the area around Downtown Crossing or Chinatown.
• Boston crime rate is lower than other similar sized cities in America – but there’s still crime and you have to make sure you’re aware of your surroundings, etc.
• I suggest sticking to the central areas if you’re taking the train system, “the T,” in Boston but overall I’ve always felt pretty comfortable on most lines at night, the orange line might be the exception.
• I recommend staying in the Back Bay area – it’s central and easy to walk to most places. The Colonnade is one of my favorite hotels!

Is Boston Safe to Walk at Night?

So is it safe to walk in Boston at night? The short answer is yes – you can be generally safe. However, as with any large city there are certain precautions that need to be taken in order to stay safe.

It’s important to avoid certain areas (especially well into the evening or after midnight), stick to well-lit streets and populated areas, and generally don’t walk anywhere by yourself after a certain hour. Walking in groups is almost always better at night.

It’s crazy because some areas can be deceiving. During the day, some areas can be bustling and populated and you feel extremely safe, only to return to those same areas when the sun goes down and you feel a whole lot different. I’m looking at you Downtown Crossing area and Chinatown…

However, with some rather common sense safety tips, you can definitely still enjoy your time out exploring the city without worrying. I’ve walked around the city in various neighborhoods by myself as a woman and have been completely fine.

Boston Safety Crime Stats

Let’s get to the good part. We’ll just lead with this so you’re aware of what you’re getting yourself into on your next visit… or even if you plan on one day calling this beautiful city your home.

When it comes to safety in Boston, the city has a higher crime rate than most communities in America but not as high as some of the most dangerous cities. Boston also has a much lower crime rate than the average of other similar sized cities.

Translation: It’s safer than cities that are similar in size but it’s also a city and crimes do happen. So you have to be aware and make sure you take precautions to stay safe.

According to NeighborhoodScout , your chances of becoming a victim of violent crime in Boston are 1 in 154. And you have a 1 in 49 chance in becoming a victim of property crime.

To give some comparison to the national average, Boston has 648 violent crimes for every 100,000 residents. The national crime rate average is about 396 violent crimes for every 100,000 residents. That’s about 64% more than the national average.

But don’t fret. It’s a city and cities will always be higher than the national average as you’re comparing amongst other sized cities and suburbia. When you compare it to the 2,420 violent crimes per 100,000 residents of the most dangerous city Memphis, Tennessee , there’s a drastic difference.

All of that to say, Boston is safer than 19% of cities, but there is still a definite need to be smart and stay safe. And to know the right areas to visit and where to stay away.

Is the Boston Subway Safe?

Another option instead of walking (or driving ) would be to take public transit at night. So, is the T safe at night? (Side note: The “T” is what the subway system is called locally).

Generally, yes.

But it also depends on when you’re taking it and which line you’re on. Oh, and of course where you’re headed.

It’s a lot easier to get on the wrong train and accidentally find yourself in a less than safe neighborhood than it is to accidentally walk into it. Just keep that in mind.

I’ve ridden the green lines at various times at night and felt safe. I also know people who have taken all of the various trains and felt fine. So it really depends on where you’re headed. Trains stop running at around 1 AM so you probably won’t be riding “too late” at any point.

I would suggest sticking to the central areas of Boston’s train system. Also, don’t have your headphones in and be aware of your surroundings. You might have to wait for a train so just be aware of any more deserted stations if this is the case.

Call an Uber if you’re not sure. It might cost more but it’s sure worth the peace of mind.

Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in Boston

So we’ve mentioned there are certain areas you should look to avoid if you’re in Boston. But what are those areas? We’ve got a handy list for you here so you can reference on a map. Here are some of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Boston (statistically speaking):

• North Dorchester
• Mission Hill
• Jackson Square and Egleston, Jamaica Plain
• East Boston
• Central Boston

This isn’t an all encompassing list, nor does it mean that all areas in these neighborhoods are rough. It’s a general guidance for what areas you might want to steer clear of.

And a general reminder that just because an area isn’t on the list doesn’t make it “safe” and it doesn’t mean you can let your guard down.

Safest Neighborhoods in Boston

We’ve gone through the list of most dangerous, so what are the neighborhoods you can head to for a little extra peace of mind?

• Beacon Hill
• Fenway-Kenmore
• Allston-Brighton

Generally, if you’re visiting Boston, you’ll want to stay in the downtown/central areas of the city (but don’t say no to a trip to nearby Cambridge if possible!). Many of these are included on this list of the safest neighborhoods, so you should be fine.

Where is the Best Area to Stay in Boston?

We generally recommend Back Bay since it’s central to so much in Boston and there’s still quite a lot of things to do at night . The Harbor area is also a great area to stay depending on what you’re looking to do while visiting.

In need of a hotel? Check out a couple of our highly recommended hotels in Boston:

• The Colonnade – great rooms and great location in Back Bay
• Boston Marriott Long Wharf – great views and prime location located along Boston Harbor

FAQ about Boston Safety

We’ve compiled some popular questions visitors ask that you might have about whether it’s safe in Boston at night or just general Boston safety questions. Hopefully this list is helpful for you!

Generally, yes. This is one of the safest neighborhoods in Boston. It’s central and there’s lot of restaurants, shops, tourist spots, and more in the area.

Generally, yes. But there are some areas we’d suggest avoiding. Best to avoid after 11pm or so.

Depends on when at night. If it’s in the 8-9pm time frame, you’re likely okay. There should still be enough foot traffic. After that time frame, it’s generally suggested to avoid, especially alone.

Yes, this is one of the safest neighborhoods in Boston. There are usually a lot of restaurants and shops open at night here as well.

We recommend staying in the Back Bay area for a more central location. This area has plenty of activities to do and is generally safer and more populated at night than other areas in Boston.

Of course! Boston is a great city for solo travel, even as a woman. It’s important to be aware of your surroundings and use some safety precautions, but it’s a great solo travel destination .

Generally, we suggest avoiding North Dorchester, Mattapan, and Roxbury. Take a look at the most dangerous neighborhoods list above.

Wrapping Up: Is Boston Safe at Night?

Overall, Boston is a safe place to travel at night and it’s also a fantastic travel destination. While there are certain areas that should be avoided in the evening hours such as North Dorchester, Mattapan and Roxbury, these neighborhoods can easily be avoided by sticking to the more central and populated parts of town like Back Bay or Beacon Hill.

If you follow basic safety precautions while traveling through areas at night – staying in well-lit places with other people around and avoiding isolated spots – then you’ll generally be just fine.

As always, if you don’t feel safe – leave the situation! Call the Uber or switch hotels. It might cost more money in the short-term but it’s definitely worth it if you don’t feel comfortable or safe.

Let us know your experiences visiting Boston – did you feel safe? Were there any areas you should have avoided but didn’t?

Visiting Boston soon? Pin this image for later:

30 something female traveler obsessed with creating travel guides and travel destination posts for both herself and for others. She's traveled to 8 countries (so far) and lived in 8 US States!

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Night Bus Travel: 11 Tips for Safety, Survival and Sleep

Written By: The Planet D

Travel Tips

Updated On: January 17, 2021

Taking an overnight bus while traveling is often a great option. Not only can you cover a lot of ground without losing time, but you can also save money on a flight or hotel room.

The journey itself, however, can be challenging—especially your first time.

After taking numerous overnight buses over the years, I’ve come up with a list of tips that will hopefully make your experience easier and safer —and one during which you can sleep easy.

Bus Travel – SAFETY

1. make sure the route is safe..

Check local travel advisories and be sure the bus route is not one where robberies and/or accidents are common at night.

If you see warnings about this, you might want to opt for a day bus.

2. Splurge on the first-class bus.

Think long and hard before buying a ticket for the cheaper or cheapest overnight bus.

Does it look safe and decently maintained (eg, are tires bald)? Can you imagine being in one of the seats all night?

Will there be two drivers, taking turns—or just one for the entire night?

If you’re unsure and/or have a bad gut feeling, then it might be best to take more expensive, higher quality overnight bus.

3. Choose your seat carefully.

There are several things to consider when picking your seat:

• Window or Aisle? Some people feel they’ll sleep better near the window; it means more ways to create a makeshift pillow. Others (like me) prefer the aisle because there’s more space and a way to stretch out.
• Near a man or woman? You should sit where you feel most comfortable. I tend to sit next to a woman or a teenager. The few times I’ve sat near a man (whether seats were pre-assigned or not), I had some unpleasant encounters. If you’re a male traveler, then the choice might be easier. My advice is to state your preference when you buy the ticket if seats are assigned in advance.
• Front, back or middle? The further back you sit, the bumpier (and possibly weirder) the ride may be. Sit too close to the front and you might see things you don’t want to see—the road in front of you, that is, and the scary way in which the driver is taking the hairpin turns. Of course, if you like rollercoasters, then you might enjoy a seat up front.

Middle of Bus is the Safest Place

According to safety experts, the middle is generally safer. If an accident occurred, the chance of serious injury would be minimized since most accidents involve head-on collisions or rear-ending.

For this reason, and those discussed above, I tend to sit in the middle.

4. Hide your money/other valuables in more than one place.

It’s not ideal to keep all of your money and credit cards together.

In the event of a robbery, the thief would get everything. Try to split up your valuables.

I prefer to use a slash-proof waist pack (which has a ‘trick lock’ on it) and to hide some money in my shoes.

Read: Top Scams to Watch out for in India

Bus Travel – SURVIVAL

Moving beyond basic safety, there’s ‘survival’—that is, making the journey more comfortable and bearable.

5. Pack as if you’re flying.

You’ll probably have to stow your larger bag underneath the bus (if there’s no room for it above you).

If so, then make sure your daypack has what you need (eg, medication)—as if you’re going to be on a plane.

6. Pack an energy drink (to avoid needing to use the bathroom).

Buy a Gatorade or another beverage that replenishes electrolytes. Or pack small packets of powder drinks to make your own.

This will hopefully keep your thirst quenched and your bladder, empty—meaning that you won’t have to use the bathroom as often.

That’s a good thing since there may or may not be one (if there is, it’ll probably be unpleasant) on the bus and those at rest stops may be atrocious.

7. BYOS (Bring Your Own Snacks).

Most often, there will be a stop or two at roadside restaurants; in some cases, the food is quite good.

But there are no guarantees. I once ate at a low-quality place in Indonesia and got sick the next day.

If I’d had snacks, I might have skipped that meal. You should always have something (eg, nuts, fruit or an energy bar if possible) just in case.

8. Use noise-canceling headphones and entertain yourself.

Night bus rides last from 6 to 12 or more hours.

During this time, you will encounter many unpleasant sounds: a loud TV, staticky music, someone snoring and/or other conversations. Use good headphones (noise-canceling would be best) to block those sounds and to listen to your own music.

If you want to read, be sure to have a reading light because chances are the overhead light won’t work.

Check out 10 Things that will Ruin your Sleep in India

SLEEP on the Night Bus

9. use earplugs plus an eye mask..

When it’s time to sleep, you’ll want to drown out the noise.

I recommend earplugs, which you can buy at an electronics store. (See Tip # 6.)

An eye mask is also important. It helps block out light from inside the bus at night and in the morning, when the sun coming in through the windows can make you feel like a vampire.

10. Use a neck pillow.

If you travel with a suitcase, then you might want to purchase a neck pillow.

If you’re a backpacker, you won’t want the extra bulk of a pillow in your bag, so you should consider getting a blow-up neck pillow.

It will make you feel more comfortable whether you’re reading or resting.

11. Take meds if you need to (but nothing too strong).

It’s not always easy to sleep on these buses, so you might need some help.

Taking medication (check with your doctor first) could be a solution. I use a combination of antihistamine and Xanax.

You want to sleep, but you don’t want to be so knocked out that you can’t wake up and react quickly if you need to.

Your Thoughts/Ideas?

Have you ever taken an overnight bus? If so, have you used any of the tips above or do you have any to share/add? If so, please comment below.

About Lisa:

Lisa Egle is the author of Magic Carpet Seduction , a collection of off-the-beaten-path travel tales set in China, Latin America, Turkey and the Middle East. She also runs the travel blog, Chicky Bus , which takes readers/’riders’ to unique destinations around the world via photos, videos and stories. Her writing has been published on BlogHer and Matador Network, and one of her stories was featured in an article on the Oprah.com blog. Follow Lisa on Twitter .

Photo credit: All photos are @L Egle/ChickyBus, except for one of the snacks. Thanks to  Liza , a photographer whose work can be found on Flickr.

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15 thoughts on “Night Bus Travel: 11 Tips for Safety, Survival and Sleep”

Thanks I’ve never rode on bus before. I’m planning a night trip but theirs like 6 stop because I’m going to a small country town. Thanks for your tips.

Additional note, get high before the ride

Wonderful and useful tips. I agree with you.

Id rather get robbed than wear a fanny pack lol!!!

This is my personal tip- loop the straps of your purse or bag around your arm or ankle while you sleep, so no one can grab it without waking you up. Many people may get on and off between where you get on and your final destination, and there are some shady characters who hop on and off of inter-city buses! If you get off the bus to buy a snack or use the facilities at any point, take your stuff with you (always!)

Great Tip! Thanks for sharing Macy. I agree, I always loop things around my feet.

Oh man, always always pay for the best you can get. Sleeper buses in Asia were an adventure, but I hope to never repeat the experience! My own tips are here: http://nzmuse.com/2013/07/how-to-survive-sleeper-buses-in-asia/

Thanks for the tips. We agree when it comes to ground transportation, we try to pay for 1st or 2nd class. Most of the time it isn’t that much more expensive by Western Standards, but the difference is unbelievable.

The energy drink tip is interesting! I’m trying that next time, because I’m always torn about drinking water: long bus trips make me really dehydrated, but there’s nothing worse than having to pee and waiting an hour or more for the next rest stop.

Oh man, that’s the worst. That’s why I never drink, I always have to pee!

These are helpful tips for any kind of travel. I employ many of these on planes too! Didn’t know that about Gatorade, though. Will be adding that to my repertoire!

Hi, Heather. True re: planes. The tips definitely work well there, too–and also on overnight trains. Glad that you’ll be trying out the Gatorade (the tip, I mean). 🙂

Great tip for sure!

Great tips!

Thanks, Andi!

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Home » North America » Chicago

Is Chicago SAFE for Travel? (2024 • Insider Tips)

Famous for its life-changing deep dish pizza, sports teams, and thriving nightlife is none other than Chicago, one of the USA’s most popular cities that sits along the coast of Lake Michigan.

Yet despite having so much to offer tourists, Chicago is also known for its crime and was the one-time stomping ground of infamous gangster Al Capone. Petty crime is one issue, but some of the city’s residential areas are hotspots for gang-related crime which has led to some alarming statistics.

You would be forgiven for having some reservations about visiting.

To give you some peace of mind, we’ve put together this huge guide to safety in Chicago – full of everything you need to answer the question “is Chicago safe”… because spoiler alert: the answer is yes!

So let’s get right into everything you need to know to have a problem-free time in ChiTown.

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There is no such thing as a perfect safety guide, as things change quickly. The question of “How dangerous is Chicago?” will ALWAYS have a different answer depending on who you ask.

The information in this safety guide was accurate at the time of writing. If you use our guide, do your own research, and practice common sense, you will probably have a wonderful and safe trip to Chicago.

If you see any outdated information, we would really appreciate it if you could reach out in the comments below. Otherwise, stay safe friends!

Updated December 2023

How Dangerous Is Chicago Right Now?

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According to Choose Chicago, About 48.86M tourists reportedly visited Chicago in 2022 . It’s safe to say they all had a blast with their visit.

Chicago is the third-largest city in the United States and is a popular destination for US travelers . It’s a cultural hub of the Midwest region and the biggest city in Illinois, but has been regarded by many as one of the most dangerous cities in America.

However, Chicago is a city of two halves: one is the vibrant metropolis with its museums, parks, and amazing dining scene; the other is much poorer and affected by crime and gangs.

So if you’re wondering “how dangerous is Chicago?” the answer is that anywhere you’d actually plan to go as a tourist is safe and secure. The violent crime you hear about on the news happens in neighborhoods that are far away from tourist hotspots .

Check out our detailed where to stay guide for Chicago so you can start your trip right!

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When choosing where you’ll be staying in Chicago, a bit of research and caution is essential. You don’t want to end up in a sketchy area and ruin your trip. To help you out, these are the safest places in Chicago:

• The Loop : This is where you’ll find the city’s most popular attractions like “The Bean,” as well as many varying restaurants. This is the tourist center of Chicago with great access to public transport.
• Lincoln Park : This northside neighborhood has a number of engaging museums, and Chicago’s largest and most well-known park by the same name. This area is pricy, but extremely safe.
• River North : Well-liked among young professionals, River North is where you’ll be (safely) in the midst of all the action. Lively bars, restaurants, and lounges will be within walking distance.

Places to Avoid in Chicago

Unfortunately, Chicago does have a high crime rate in some parts of the city. Here are some of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the city that you should always stay away from:

• West Garfield Park : As the most dangerous neighborhood in the city, crime is 257% higher in West Garfield Park than the city average and 409% more than the national average.
• Washington Park : A part of the notorious South Side of Chicago along the Dan Ryan Expressway.
• Englewood : Another high-crime locale of Chicago, you’re looking at a crime rate more that’s more than 200% of the national average.
• East Garfield Park : Crime is nearly 300% the national average in East Garfield as the neighborhood is teeming with gang activity and violent crimes.

No matter where you are in Chicago, be more careful after dark. If a street looks dodgy – avoid! Don’t wander off alone and if possible, grab a taxi or Uber to get from A to B.

Keeping your money safe in Chicago

 One of the most common things to happen to you whilst travelling is losing your money. And let’s face it: the most annoying way for this to actually occur is when it’s stolen from you.

Petty crime is pretty much a problem all over the world.The best solution? Get a money belt.

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

As we have said already, traveling in Chicago is pretty safe. Still, you should know how to keep safe if you’re planning on going, so here are a few pointers.

• Keep your belongings close to you – There are a high number of thefts that do happen, so it’s important to keep anything valuable close to your person and hidden from sight
• Don’t walk around with expensive electronics and jewelry – Not that it will put you in immediate risk, but the more conspicuous you look, the more you could be targeted
• Limit the amount of money you carry around with you – The more you have, the more you could lose. Get your hands on a money belt to hide it.
• Always keep an emergency stash of cash – Never keep all your cards/ currency in one place. And hide it all from thieves with a hidden money belt .
• Pay attention to your surroundings – Thieves operate especially on public transport, the Pedway, around transit hubs, and popular tourist sites, so be vigilant in these places
• Be careful around ATMs – It’s best to use them in malls and in banks during the day
• Avoid blindly following Google Maps – Finding a hole-in-the-wall eatery in a less central neighborhood? Following maps may take you on a “shortcut” through potentially sketchy areas, so consider Uber-ing.
• Don’t resist if someone tries to mug you – Just hand everything over; your wallet is not worth getting potentially injured
• Keep an eye on your luggage – It’s not worth the risk to leave it unattended anywhere, even in hotel lobbies.
• Take care around the Loop at night – Though safe to, it can empty out after business hours when office workers go home and certain areas can feel isolated (notably west of State Street).
• Walk with purpose – Try not to look like a lost tourist. Looking like you know where you’re going, even if you don’t, is better than appearing vulnerable and open to touts, scams, or street crime
• Weed is legal in Chicago, but – Do your research on where you can purchase and where is free to smoke
• Stay away from illegal drugs – Weed may be legal, but nothing else is. Fentanyl is also a big issue in US cities these days, so it’s best to stay away.
• Take a good medical kit with you – you never know when you might need it!
• Don’t walk around with open alcohol – It’s against the law, but Millennium Park and some other places are ok–take note of what other people are doing around you.
• Be aware of Chicago’s homeless population – Often a feature around transit hub (Union Station, for example), this shouldn’t pose too much of a threat, but it’s best to stay on more populated streets.
• Prepare for the weather – Do try to plan your Chicago itinerary between May-October. The city gets seriously freezing, with average lows in winter of 17 degrees Fahrenheit (-8.3 degrees Celsius).

Solo travel anywhere in the world is an amazing prospect: you get to travel around on your own time, and challenge yourself while you do it. On the other hand, we know as well as anybody else that solo travel can also be daunting.

However, even though being alone in a major city can get lonely, solo travel in Chicago will give you plenty of opportunities to meet new people. Here are some tips:

• Research your accommodation before you go. There are a lot of hotels and budget-friendly accommodations to stay in, but just know that Chicago is huge; picking the right area for you is key.
• Ask for local insight . The staff at your hotel, the hostel owner, or even a friend who might have some great tips on where it’s safe to walk around, where you should be keeping away from, and what recommendations they have on what’s good to do in the city as a solo traveler.
• Try not to make yourself a target. This means avoiding things like carrying your phone in your hand 24/7 , leaving it on a table in a coffee shop, or dangling your bag on a chair.
• It is ok to join a tour ! Guided walking tours around the top sights, a food tour , or a bar crawl – these are all good ways to see the city safely while socializing with other people at the same time.
• Do not party too hard . Chicago has great nightlife, especially when it comes to jazz and blues bars, but it doesn’t mean you have to get really drunk – or dabble in a lot of weed – you could put yourself at risk of being in a dangerous situation, or simply not find your way back to your accommodation. Being too intoxicated means bad decisions.
• Make sure you have different ways to access your money . Leave some emergency cash somewhere in your bag, have two separate bank accounts and two different cards that you can use (don’t keep them together), and think about an emergency credit card. Keeping everything in one place is not sensible; imagine your wallet going missing with all your cash and cards in it!
• Keep in contact with your friends and family and make sure someone knows your itinerary and where you’re staying. Even if it’s just a weekend trip , stay in contact with your people!

Many solo female travelers have an amazing time visiting Chicago every single year.

Cities are cities though, and like many of them all around the world, spending time in Chicago can pose more of a risk to women by themselves than to men.

Here are some solo female-specific tips for your Chicago trip:

• Be aware of your surroundings at all times , so things like checking your maps regularly, texting while walking, aren’t smart; stay alert, even in daylight hours.
• It is a good idea to dress to fit in . Depending on what you do in the city, you’ll want to dress for the occasion – a night out is different from a walk in the park, for example – but dressing down is probably better than dressing up.
• If you want to go out drinking and dancing – by yourself – then make sure you do research on the venue before you go there.
• Plan your route home if you are out after dark. Know how to get back: will you be getting a taxi? An Uber? Is it a safe district to walk through?
• Do not be afraid to say no to people if you are in a situation that is making you feel awkward or uncomfortable. Remove yourself from the situation.
• Find yourself a group of friends to have fun in the city with. You can find like-minded ladies to meet up with through things like Couchsurfing, or Facebook groups like Girls Love Travel or Host A Sister; even if you don’t meet up, online communities like this can help you with advice.
• It is imperative that you research your accommodation options thoroughly . Read what other women have said before you about your options, and go with somewhere well-reviewed that suits your travel style.
• Let people know your travel plans . From simply telling the staff at your hostel what you plan to do for the day, to sharing your itinerary with a good friend or family member back home, it is safer that people know where you are and what you’re up to than not at all.
• If you are worried about wandering around Chicago by yourself, then you should consider hiring a guide or joining a tour . It is a good way to see the city safely and learn things about it at the same time.

The Loop/Downtown

The Loop, or Downtown Chicago, is arguably the most popular area. With plenty of attractions and things to see, it’s a great place to stay for your first visit. As long as you stay aware of your surroundings, it’s a very safe area as well.

Downtown Chicago is a fantastic city for a family break. There is so much packed into Chi Town that you and your children will surely never get bored and have an awesome time.

As an example of just how kid-friendly this city is, Chicago even hosts Kidzapalooza, the child-friendly of the famous music festival Lollapalooza!

If you are going on a boat trip on Lake Michigan or any one of the Great Lakes, make sure that the boat in question has child-sized life jackets and safety equipment available.

Depending on what season you travel to Chicago in, you will need to pack for the weather. In the winter, from November to March, the weather can bring freezing conditions, so layers and making sure everyone’s wrapped up warm is important – as are the potential hazards of getting around a city that’s so cold with children in tow.

You should be fine taking Chicago’s public transport with children. In fact, children aged 7 and under can ride on the L Train and public buses for free; children will love the L, an elevated train that runs through the city.

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The Windy City’s top tourist areas are very walkable, and cycling in Chicago is becoming more and more popular. Overall, public transport in Chicago is safe . The iconic L-train is most likely what you’ll use as a tourist, but if you’re staying outside the city, the Metra services Chicago’s suburbs.

Driving in Chicago is definitely NOT something we recommend. Break-ins do happen frequently, and driving in a city filled with thousands of vehicles and even more pedestrians is definitely not fun.

The Chicago buses are also safe for the most part, though do try to avoid them after dark as they tend to be more sketchy than other types of public transit.

Uber is another popular way to get around this big city. Safer and less scammy than old-school taxis, the only thing you’ll want to make sure of is that your driver’s license plate matches the one on the app. Though rare, fake driver schemes have led to crimes around the country.

Chicago isn’t just one city–it’s two, all with crime statistics as varied as two separate countries. The safest places in Chicago like The Loop and Lincoln Park have relatively low crimes rates. But the areas that lead to its “Chiraq” nickname keep the overall amount of violent crime high.

Chicago had 695 murders in 2022 , down from 804 in 2021, however, this is still not the highest rate in the United States. Thefts on the other hand are up–with 20,194 cases registered in 2022 compared to 12,978 in 2021. Pickpocketing is definitely a threat anywhere, but one you can stay on top of by keeping valuables out of reach.

Overall, you do have a higher risk than average of being involved in a violent crime in ChiTown, but data can’t always paint the entire picture. If you stick to tourist spots and other known safe zones, you shouldn’t have any problems.

Laws in Chicago

You shouldn’t have to worry too much about the laws in Chicago–though if you’re into weed, you’ll be happy to know that it is recreationally available for anyone 21 and over! This doesn’t mean you can smoke on the sidewalk though–that’s an easy way to get an expensive fine.

Everyone’s packing list is going to look a little different, but here are a few things I would never want to travel to Chicago without…

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

A decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must.

Yesim stands as a premier eSIM service provider, catering specifically to the mobile internet needs of travellers.

Monopoly Deal

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

This is a regular looking belt with a concealed pocket on the inside – you can hide up to twenty notes inside and wear it through airport scanners without it setting them off.

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Here are some quick answers to common questions about safety in Chicago.

What are the safest places in Chicago?

The Loop , Lincoln Park , and River North are three of the safest places in Chicago. Magnificent Mile and Wicker Park are two more secure neighborhoods.

Is Chicago safe at night?

Chicago is generally safe at night, but it’s best to avoid walking around by yourself. Stick to well-lit areas and travel in groups if you can, and base yourself in safe Chicago neighborhoods.

Is Chicago safe for female solo travelers?

Chicago is as safe for female solo travellers as any city. If you are by yourself, it’s good practice to keep an eye on your surroundings and avoid walking alone late at night.

How dangerous is Chicago?

Yes and no. The city’s tourist areas are very safe overall, but areas like Garfield Park (East and West), Englewood, and South Chicago should be avoided no matter what. There is no way you would accidentally end up in such places though, so your overall risk level is low.

Is Chicago safe to live?

These days Chicago is a safe place to live. Many people do live and work here every day, of course, and whilst there are some neighborhoods that see relatively high rates of violence and crime, most are absolutely safe.

To put it simply: yes, Chicago is safe, as long as you stay within known tourist areas.

Luckily, I think you’ll be pretty satisfied with all the incredible museums, lakeside beaches and foodie favorites such areas have to offer!

Art and history lovers will adore the many museums, and nature enthusiasts will enjoy how easy it is to get to beaches and quiet spots away from the city.

Yes, Chicago does have a reputation for being a dangerous city, but the odds are you won’t see why firsthand.

So continue on with trip planning, and have the absolute best time. Deep-dish pizza awaits!

Looking for more info on traveling to Chicago?

• Let me help you choose where to stay in Chicago
• Swing by one of these fabulous festivals
• Don’t forget to add an epic national park to your itinerary
• Check out my favorite Airbnbs in the centre of all the action
• Plan the rest of your trip with our fantastic backpacking Chicago travel guide!

Disclaimer: Safety conditions change all over the world on a daily basis. We do our best to advise but this info may already be out of date. Do your own research. Enjoy your travels!

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The most comprehensive and complete listing of crime in Chicago can be found on a website called heyjackass . com

I am happy to read James’ 4/17 post, as it affirms what we have been hearing. We are planning a trip to the Indiana Dunes and are concerned about going thru our old home town, which we left 30 years ago. When we left, it was still a great city and we never were afraid to commute downtown to work or enjoy the city. Growing up, attending the public schools, etc. was great and never lacking; yes, we got great educations leading to terminal degrees. Also did the marathon in 2005 and it was still good. Now, am concerned about getting anywhere near the city with our out-0f-state lic plates. We watch the news and it’s horrible….let alone, how the citizens can elect the new mayor…is this for real? Who voted? Anyone else want to comment on current situation?

This weekend, the police had to escort tourists in downtown Chicago back to their hotels (from these so-called safe tourist spots). If something happens to you, don’t count on the police to help you either in any significant way or to prosecute the offenders. The mayor even came to the defense of the teenagers that were smashing stuff and jumping on tourist vehicles and causing mayhem. My wife and I used to live in downtown Chicago, where we started our family. Then we moved to the suburbs. There were carjackings on the street we lived on last year in downtown Chicago, right off the Mag-Mile. We’ve now left the state after two years of not feeling safe going downtown, our favorite thing to do for over a decade. Why stay anywhere near Chicago when there are better and safer places to live that are family-friendly? Even the suburbs started to get hit with robberies and carjackings, a regular occurrence over the last few years. Why visit Chicago and risk getting mugged, carjacked, or robbed? Why stress and be looking over your shoulder the whole time, risking witnessing something you shouldn’t in any normal circumstance? The majority of people we know in and around Chicago are trying to figure out how to get out as well; they are fed up. Those we know that are staying are staying because of their jobs, deep family roots in the community, or clinging to their slowly eroding Chicago loyalties, just hanging on to the hope of a turnaround. A friend of mine who works downtown and has lived in and around Chicago most of his life with his family told me recently he doesn’t feel safe walking the streets anymore, even in broad daylight and definitely after the sun goes down. I do hope Chicago turns around, but I fear it won’t happen anytime soon. Many of the stores, restaurants, and other places we used to go downtown are closed as well, many permanently, which reinforced our decision to leave.

Thank you for your honest review! I’ve lived in downtown Chicago for several years and can assure people that it’s a good place to visit. I never feel in danger. It’s true that some neighborhoods are dangerous, so avoid them. But downtown is pleasant.

Was recently in Chicago and had my wallet stolen while the in Fulton Market area. When talking to the manager of the establishment where it happened she stated that there’s been an increase in pick pocket incidents recently. Feel this is a safe area but take extra care protecting your wallet/purse/ cell phone.

You said Chicago is safe to visit. Where have you been? Chicago is one of the most dangerous cities in the USA. It’s pretty bad that Bogotá, Colombia is safer now than Chicago . I was safer in Bogotá than Chicago.

Your article is excellent!! Chicago native here. Only addition I would insert is a full list of dangerous neighborhoods. I cannot explore areas I’ve lived in due to the current crime rate. I can’t “go home” I must keep moving to safer areas.

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Is Amtrak Safe?

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Amtrak operates much of the rail network across the United States, providing an alternative form of transportation to driving or flying . But is Amtrak safe? Let’s take a look at a few common questions people may have when they consider the safety of train travel with this company.

What is the Amtrak safety record?

Like other forms of public transportation, train companies, including Amtrak, have to conform to a series of standards to maintain safety and reliability.

The U.S. Federal Railroad Administration oversees train travel in the United States and aims to assure a high level of train safety. It is also responsible for systemwide innovations and upgrades that can improve the experience and efficiency of train travel around the country. Amtrak must adhere to this body's regulations in order to operate.

Amtrak also has its own board of directors that oversees day-to-day operations and sets policy for the network. The U.S. Department of Transportation secretary (or an appointee) is also on the board.

Train crashes are unlikely, but they do happen. A 2013 study in the Research in Transportation Economics journal found that a person was 17 times more likely to die while traveling in a car compared with on a train. (That same study found that air travel is about 100 times safer than traveling by car). In short, derailments are scary, but are thankfully uncommon.

Does Amtrak have onboard and station security?

Amtrak offers onboard and station security, but you may not always see its staff in action. That’s because Amtrak has more than 400 employees both on the front lines and behind the scenes conducting safety measures. This includes Amtrak’s own police department, which is responsible for keeping passengers and train crew safe.

These employees work to deter crime on board trains as well as in and around Amtrak stations, for everyday safety and for events that may require additional support, like political conventions, large-scale community events or severe weather situations.

» Learn more: How to get cheap Amtrak tickets

Is the Amtrak safe when traveling alone?

Yes, because of security patrols, it is generally safe to travel Amtrak alone. But, like in any situation, it is wise to remain vigilant and keep your eyes on personal belongings, regardless of the mode of transportation.

Luggage racks on trains can sometimes be out of sight, so it’s best to pack light so that you can keep your belongings as close as possible. If you can store them in an overhead rack, that’s even better.

Be extra aware when trains are approaching a station since someone could take your items and disembark. You can always contact an Amtrak employee if you notice something out of the ordinary or feel unsafe.

It’s wise to arrive at the station 20-30 minutes before departure so you can locate your departure platform and be fully aware of your surroundings. When you’re rushed, it’s easier to let your guard down.

A wise option for solo travelers is to choose a seat in the quiet car (if available), which limits conversation and cell phone use to provide a more comfortable travel experience. There’s no additional charge on most trains to sit here, and unless you are on Acela (the company's passenger train service along the Northeast Corridor), seats in the quiet cars are first-come, first-serve.

Another option is to purchase a business class seat for more exclusivity.

Is Amtrak safe at night?

It’s always wise to be aware of your surroundings, but like during the daytime, Amtrak employs its own security and police staff at night. The onboard staff can also address security concerns.

If you plan to sleep while on the train, be sure to protect your belongings and keep them near you as an added precaution.

On some trains, sleeper bunks or private cabins are an option and can provide more privacy and security.

» Learn more: What to know about the Amtrak credit card

Is there security at train stations?

Unlike at airports, there is usually no security check before boarding the train. This can be disconcerting for some, since it means there is no one reviewing what travelers bring aboard.

While Amtrak does prohibit certain items in carry-on bags aboard its trains, there’s generally no way to verify that passengers aren’t bringing them on the train. This means that your best chance of safety is being aware of your surroundings and reaching out to train staff if you notice something that feels off or worrying.

Amtrak safety, recapped

Generally speaking, Amtrak is a safe travel option. But, it’s wise to use good judgment and remain fully aware of your surroundings. Keep an eye on personal belongings, and don’t hesitate to reach out to staff if you notice something out of the ordinary.

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The Complete Guide to Rome at Night: What to See and Where to Eat and Drink

Sean Finelli Last Updated: April 11, 2024

As the sun sets on the Eternal City, something magical happens: the streetlights awaken and illuminate Rome’s ancient ruins. Bars and restaurants prepare for the evening crowds and people of all ages venture outdoors to shake off the day’s work and socialize. The streets, bars, and restaurants fill up with travelers and locals alike! Here’s how to spend an amazing night in Rome.

Pro Tip: If you like this post, create a “Rome” folder in your browser and bookmark it. You’ll thank me when your travel partner looks at you and asks, “What should we do tonight?” We recommend things to do on your own as well as night tours in Rome you can take with us—mix in a bit of both for an amazing night in Rome!

Is It Safe to Walk Around Rome at Night?

Yes! Before we get into our list of things to do in Rome at night, let’s answer this important question: walking around Rome at night is completely safe.

All of the areas we mention here are full of character and very lively, even after the sun goes down. We do, however, recommend keeping a close eye on your belongings to avoid pickpockets.

Here are seven great ways to spend a lovely night in Rome:

1. Take a Colosseum Night Tour

Rome’s most iconic monument, the Colosseum, is an absolute must-see. The almost 2000-year-old amphitheater fascinates over 6.5 million visitors a year with its bloody history.

If you don’t feel like sharing your experience with millions of other people, take a Colosseum night tour . The VIP Colosseum at Night Tour is not just a way to explore the monument without the crowds (or the heat!), it also includes access to restricted areas, making it one of the city’s best night activities.

You’ll get to explore the Colosseum Underground and Arena Floor, two of the Colosseum’s most sought-after and exclusive-access areas.

2. Go For a Night Walk in Rome’s Historical Center

Rome’s monuments are impressive during the day, but at night they take on an entirely new persona. Make the Trevi Fountain your first place to visit and you’ll see what we mean.

Walking through the city at night, when it’s cooler outside, is often a more pleasant experience than covering the same ground during the heat of the day. Stick to the historical center for a nighttime walk packed with the best sightseeing and people-watching.

Top Colosseum Tours

Best Seller

Colosseum Underground Tour with Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

This is our most popular Colosseum tour due to the incredible access to non-public areas like the underground chambers. All admissions are included and it is lead by an English speaking licensed guided and Colosseum expert.

Customer Favorite

Special Access Colosseum Arena Floor Tour Through the Gladiator’s Gate

You’ll enter the Colosseum through the back door entrance avoiding lines and crowds, which is ideal! You’ll step through the gladiator’s gate and your English-speaking Colosseum guide will bring the stories to life. Next, on to the Roman Forum. All admissions are included.

3. Enjoy an Evening Rome Food Tour

One of the main reasons people visit Rome is for the food! And why waste any of your meals at a tourist trap restaurant with low-quality cuisine?

On our local food tour in Rome’s Trastevere , you can taste Rome’s authentic flavors with a local guide. On this tour, you’ll experience the best Roman food through a variety of street food vendors, a sit-down traditional Italian dinner, and of course, a gelato stop.

4. Visit the Vatican at Night

Are you looking for cool things to do in Rome? Most people make a point to visit the Vatican . However, the heat and crowds in summer are sometimes overwhelming. Why not tour the treasure trove of art and antiquities at night instead?

Especially if you aren’t a morning owl, our  evening Vatican tour  is the best way to experience the best collections in the Vatican Museums with fewer distractions.

5. Have Drinks with a View at a Rooftop Bar

As the city of seven hills, Rome boasts a number of scenic spots with spectacular views. So, as dusk approaches, get yourself to a rooftop bar  or other swanky places to get a drink with a view .

For the best view of St. Peter’s and the Vatican, head to Les Etoiles Rooftop Garden, at the Hotel Atlante Star. The elegant setting, decorated with flowers and twinkly fairy lights, makes it a popular spot for couples looking for romance. Plus, the prices here are reasonable, which attracts both tourists and locals alike.

We much prefer to lounge here on a balmy summer evening, but you should also visit in cooler months because blankets are provided to keep out the chill and the views are still amazing.

Address : Via Giovanni Vitelleschi, 34

Popular Rome Tours

Best-Selling Tour

Rome in a Day Tour with Colosseum and Vatican Museums

Our “in a day” tour is best way to get your bearings all in one day. Visit the Sistine Chapel, Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and more with a licensed, fun English-speaking tour guide. They’ll add tons of insights and make the entire experience so much more memorable. Also, you’ll get a feel for the city, so it’s a great option on one of your first days in Rome. Bring your walking shoes and water bottle!

Best Price!

Skip the Line Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel

One of our most popular Vatican tours since it is such an amazing value. Skip the line to get inside with a super-knowledgeable, English-speaking guide who will bring the museum to life with stories of the artists, popes, conspiracy, love, and even tragedy! This tour has start times throughout the day so you can choose when to visit based on your schedule!

6. See A Film in An Outdoor Cinema

With the arrival of long, warm, and most importantly dry summer nights, open-air cinemas pop up across Rome. From summer blockbusters to cult classics and Italian titles you pretend you’ve already seen, there’s something for everyone.

L’Isola del Cinema Film Festival on Tiber Island begins in June and continues through September. Focusing on independent films across a range of genres, the films include both English and Italian language screenings.

Across the river, the free Festival Trastevere Rione del Cinema sets up camp in Piazza San Cosimato all of June and July. There’s also the  Casa del Cinema in the Villa Borghese . Entrance is free but places are limited, so don’t be late. As with all our suggestions, double-check the showings and info before you go.

7. Hit Up a Speakeasy

Speakeasies are hidden behind the most ordinary-looking doors in Rome. The most famous of these joints, The Jerry Thomas Project , started the underground bar trend when it opened in 2010.

Both reservations and a password are required, but make it through the door and you’ll be transported to the roaring twenties. Make yourself comfortable on a Chesterfield leather sofa while the bartender prepares your favorite tipple.

Not ready to book a tour? Check out our guide to all things Rome as you plan your trip.

Here’s Where To Stay in Italy’s Most Popular Destinations

Rome , Florence , Venice , Amalfi Coast , and Capri

Best Hotels & Where to Stay

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• Check out our YouTube video and step-by-step guide about how to do  Rome in a Day . If you’d rather let us guide you, check out our  Rome tours .
• Not sure where to stay in Rome?  Read this guide !
• Looking for awesome tips for cities all over Europe? Check out  The Tour Guy Travel Blog !

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• Travel Safety

How to Walk Safely at Night

Last Updated: April 28, 2021 Approved

This article was co-authored by Adrian Tandez . Adrian Tandez is the founder and head instructor of the Tandez Academy, a world-renowned self-defense training center in Mountain View, California. Trained under the renowned martial artist Dan Inosanto, Adrian is a certified instructor in Bruce Lee's Jeet Kune Do, Filipino Martial Arts, and Silat, among other things. Adrian has over 27 years of self defense training experience. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, several readers have written to tell us that this article was helpful to them, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 216,821 times.

There are a variety of precautions that you can take to ensure your safety while walking at night. When walking at night, make sure you walk confidently and with a purpose. Avoid being distracted by your cellphone, and avoid dark alleyways and parking lots where people can easily hide. Whenever it is possible, try to walk with a friend or a dog. If not, make sure someone is aware that you will be walking alone at night in case of an emergency.

Walking with a Purpose

• To avoid looking distracted, do not walk with your cell phone in your hand. If you do, you might be tempted to look at your cell phone. If you are looking at your cell phone, then you are less aware of your surroundings and more vulnerable to surprise attacks.
• Alternatively, if you feel unsafe, call a friend or family member and talk with them until you reach your destination. This way, someone knows where you are at all times.
• Avoid using headphones whilst walking, as well. Headphones reduce your awareness of your surroundings, and you might not hear somebody approach you from behind until it's too late for you to do anything.

• Do not wander aimlessly if you get lost. Find the nearest filling station, convenience store, or fast-food restaurant to ask for directions.

• Place all of your personal items into one bag. This way, you can avoid having to carry multiple bags. If a dangerous situations arises, multiple bags will prevent you from being able to react quickly.

Taking the Necessary Precautions

• When using pepper spray or mace, make sure the opening is facing away from you and towards your attacker.

• Wear a headlamp to keep your hands free at all times.

• If you are walking home from the office, take your sneakers with you in a separate bag so you can change into them before you walk home. [8] X Research source
• You can also buy a reflective vest to put on over your clothes if you do not want to change into reflective clothing every time you walk home.

Avoiding Suspicious Areas and People

• Do not be tempted to take a shortcut through a dark alleyway or parking lot.

• If you feel like someone is following you, head toward a busy area, like a filling station, convenience store, or fast-food restaurant. Do not head towards your car or your house where you could get cornered.

Ensuring Your Safety

• There are apps that you can download, like the Companion app, that allow your friends or family members to monitor you as you walk alone at night. The app shares your departure time, your route and your current location on the route, and will notify your friends once you have safely arrived. [14] X Research source

• If you are being followed, do not walk straight back to your car or house. Instead, walk to a place that is public and safe. You can either wait there until you feel that it is safe to walk again, or you can phone for a taxi to take you to your destination.

Expert Q&A

• Use extra caution when crossing roads and walking facing traffic. Many drivers do not expect as many people to be walking at night, and will be less aware. Thanks Helpful 15 Not Helpful 0
• If you are tired or drunk, it is better to phone for a taxi or spend the night at a friend or relative's house, or alternatively a hotel, than to walk to your car or house alone at night. Thanks Helpful 12 Not Helpful 1
• Phone or text someone to let them know you've arrived at or are leaving your destination. That way, they'll be reassured knowing you are okay. Thanks Helpful 13 Not Helpful 1

You Might Also Like

• ↑ Adrian Tandez. Martial Arts Instructor. Expert Interview. 24 July 2019.
• ↑ http://www.canadianliving.com/health/mind-and-spirit/article/9-ways-to-stay-safe-when-walking-alone
• ↑ http://www.leelofland.com/wordpress/how-to-keep-safe-while-walking-home-at-night/
• ↑ https://www.verywell.com/night-walking-strategies-3436861
• ↑ https://transportation.wisc.edu/transportation/safeservices_safety.aspx
• ↑ http://www.companionapp.io

About This Article

When you’re walking at night, stay aware of your surroundings and avoid dark areas to stay as safe as possible. Stick to busy, well-lit areas, where you’ll be less likely to run into trouble. Wear bright or reflective clothing so cars will see you better. Always walk with someone else when you can, which will decrease your chances of being targeted. It can be tempting to text your friends while you’re walking, but make sure you’re looking ahead, since you’ll be more vulnerable if you’re distracted. You should also avoid listening to music while you’re walking at night so you can hear what’s going on around you. If you start to feel unsafe or spot suspicious people, call a friend or family member and talk to them until you get home. You’ll be less likely to be targeted if you’re talking to someone. You can also carry pepper spray or mace with you as a last resort. For more tips from our co-author, including how to stay safe in an area you don’t know, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Baltimore Safety: Warnings and Dangers Travelers Need to Know

The Editors

We are the editors of SmarterTravel! Together we have appeared in countless travel publications including ABC News, Huffington Post, Travel + Leisure, USA Today, and more. We dedicate our days to creating and producing expert travel content, including packing tips, general travel advice, destination inspiration, and helpful videos. Follow us across social media on YouTube , Pinterest , Facebook , Instagram , and Twitter or drop us a line to say hi at [email protected] !

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Tourists flock to Baltimore for its lively Inner Harbor , amazing National Aquarium , renowned American Visionary Art Museum , beloved Oriole Park —not to mention its excellent seafood, easy proximity to D.C., deep historical significance, and rich cultural melting pot. Yes, “Charm City” lives up to its nickname. But is Baltimore safe?

Not for those living in its most crime-ridden areas—this East Coast metropolis consistently shows up on lists of America’s five most dangerous cities since its violent crime rate spikes way higher than the national average.

Much of the violence that plagues Baltimore’s worst neighborhoods is related to gangs and drugs. ( The Wire , a popular HBO series, depicts this semi-realistically.) More than 20 percent of Baltimoreans live in poverty , and the city holds the dubious distinction of leading the nation in frequency of robberies .

Unfortunate though that is for the people who live in these tough spots of Maryland, the reality for would-be travelers to Baltimore is mercifully brighter: Tourists who are here to visit the city’s main attractions are unlikely to be targeted by any sort of violent crime. Still, it pays to know how to conduct yourself while you’re in town, and also to study up on which are the safe parts of Baltimore—and, more importantly, which are the dangerous parts of Baltimore.

Tips for Baltimore Safety

• Do not venture into the worst neighborhoods in Baltimore—those that significantly elevate the Baltimore crime rate. These include Edmondson Village, Fairfield, the Monument Street Area, Orangeville, Greenmount East, Pulaski, Hopkins-Middle East, Berea, West Baltimore, Grove Park, Cherry Hill, Madison-Eastend, and Greater Rosemont. (Thankfully, popular tourist spots like Baltimore’s Inner Harbor and Fells Point remain relatively safe.)
• Understand that the safety of Baltimore neighborhoods can change quickly from block to block; even just crossing a few streets can put you in quite a different situation than you were just in. So look at a map to figure out exactly how to get where you’re going—before even heading out of your hotel. Ask a concierge if you need help mapping out your day.
• Beware of pickpockets anywhere you go in Baltimore: Don’t travel with valuables on you, stay alert and aware of your surroundings, and be skeptical if strangers try to distract you. But if someone actively tries to rob you, do not resist, since your physical safety should always be more important than your money or possessions.

Neighborhoods to Avoid in Baltimore

Before arriving, travelers should know how to stick to the safe parts of Baltimore—and the key way to do that is to know which neighborhoods to avoid in Baltimore, and also what types of situations to steer clear of here. For example, after dark, don’t go near dim or deserted areas, and be aware that muggings and other types of theft are common in downtown Baltimore at night.

The neighborhoods that have been instrumental in spiking the Baltimore crime rate include Edmondson Village , in the southwest part of town, as well as Fairfield, the Monument Street Area, Orangeville, Greenmount East, Berea, West Baltimore, Grove Park, Cherry Hill, Madison-Eastend, Greater Rosemont, and Hopkins-Middle East .

Prostitution is also a problem in Baltimore; the streets where prostitution-related arrests are most rampant include Garrison Boulevard, Wilkens Avenue, Dundalk Avenue, Harford Road, South Conkling Street, East Patapsco and Fairhaven Avenues, as well as the neighborhoods of Old Goucher, East Baltimore Midway, and Druid Heights.

Many people who plan to visit the city wonder: Is downtown Baltimore safe? Even though the overall crime rate in downtown Baltimore is more than 200 percent higher than the U.S. national average, there are safe parts of Baltimore that you can reliably stick to. Those include tourist-friendly, well-patrolled destinations like the Baltimore Inner Harbor, Little Italy, Fells Point, Federal Hill, and Mount Vernon.

8 Packable Things That Could Save Your Life

How to Get Around Safely in Baltimore

Whether you’re navigating Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, Fells Point, or anywhere else in the city, there’s always a risk of being pickpocketed, so don’t travel with valuables on you, stay very aware of your surroundings, walk in groups in well-lit, non-desolate areas, be skeptical if strangers seem like they’re trying to distract you, and if someone tries to rob you, do not resist.

Other things to know about Baltimore safety: Don’t use an ATM unless its surroundings are well-lit. Don’t leave items within view in your car. Take extra safety precautions after dark. And know exactly how to get where you’re going so you don’t inadvertently wander into an unsafe neighborhood.

If you’re taking public transportation in Baltimore, stay on high alert, since crime is a problem on buses and trains and at stations, especially at night.

Both Uber and Lyft operate in Baltimore, and those services are as safe as they are anywhere else. if you do choose to hire a driver via your smartphone, remember that both services have a 911 button, as well as the ability to share the progress of your ride with a friend or family member.

When waiting for your ride in Baltimore, choose a busy, well-lit area. When your driver arrives, confirm that his or her face matches the photo that comes up on your phone and that the license plate matches the info in the app, then sit in the back seat, never the front. Also, refrain from telling the driver your name before getting into the car; instead, ask the driver for the name on the booking to make sure that this is the person who is on the record as being assigned to you.

Traditional taxis are also relatively easy and safe to use in Baltimore.

11 Important Rideshare Safety Tips for Travelers

Gangs and Drugs in Baltimore

The worst neighborhoods in Baltimore suffer from extreme poverty, which often results in young people becoming active in gangs, including those who have joined the notorious and extremely violent MS-13 gang , as well as other groups heavily involved in the illegal drug trade. (Drug overdoses have also spiked recently in Baltimore, especially among people who are addicted to opioids like heroin and fentanyl.)

In recent years, a new multi-agency federal force was put into place to try to tamp down Baltimore’s gangs and their violent drug-dealing ways. But poverty, inequality, and addiction remain massive roadblocks in lowering the Baltimore crime rate.

More from SmarterTravel:

• 12 Life-Saving Travel Hacks for Your Next Trip
• 8 Travel Safety Tips You Probably Ignore (But Shouldn’t)
• 10 Travel Safety Tips You Can Learn from the CIA

Top Travel Safety Products for Baltimore

Anti-Theft Backpack

Travel Money Belt

Safety Whistle

—original reporting by Avital Andrews

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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Money blog: Capital gains tax rise on way, leading tax firm warns

The Money blog is a hub for personal finance and consumer news and tips. Today's posts include hotels cancelling bookings on Oasis concert nights and a prediction capital gains tax will rise. Leave a comment on any of the stories we're covering in the form below.

Wednesday 28 August 2024 16:45, UK

• Hotel accused of cancelling bookings on Oasis concert nights - and relisting for higher price
• Capital gains tax rise on way, leading tax firm warns
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Taxpayers should prepare for Labour to hike the rate of capital gains tax (CGT) in its autumn budget, a leading tax firm has said.

Blick Rothenberg chief executive Nimesh Shah said Sir Keir Starmer has "clearly signposted" that the budget will be "painful" for higher earners and wealthier taxpayers.

The bleak picture painted by the prime minister in a news conference yesterday came after chancellor Rachel Reeves accused the previous government of leaving a £22bn "black hole" in the nation's finances. 

"One obvious option to [fix] this without breaking Labour's election promises is by raising CGT," Mr Shah said.

"The prime minister and chancellor seem to be acting with urgency when it comes to tax changes, so taxpayers will need to prepare now for a likely mid-year CGT rise."

The tax firm boss said the potential changes to capital gains tax - which is essentially a levy on any profit you make when you sell or "dispose of" an asset - could "encourage individuals to leave the UK and become a non-UK tax resident".

"Currently CGT raises less than 2% of the total tax take – it raised £14.5bn in 2022-23, and this is £2.5bn down from the previous tax year. 

"To improve that tax take the chancellor could potentially increase the rate of CGT to 25%-30%, and apply a lower rate, of say 20%, for sales of business assets to support entrepreneurial growth."

Prezzo restaurants will undergo a major revamp in the next few years after dozens of its sites were closed in a restructuring programme.

The high street restaurant chain announced the closure of 46 loss-making restaurants - more than a third of its sites - last year after it struggled with soaring energy and food costs.

The move put hundreds of workers at risk of redundancy.

Earlier this year, Prezzo bosses said the company had returned to profitability after the business restructure.

It is now planning to invest in restaurant refurbishments across the rest of this year, and in 2025 and 2026.

Chief executive Dean Challenger has said the outlook for the restaurant group is "positive".

The water industry has warned that firms will be unable to deliver reforms such as stopping sewage outflows without even greater bill rises, with crisis-hit Thames seeking more cash from customers than it originally proposed.

Britain's biggest supplier had initially sought a 44% rise to bills across the five-year period but is now proposing a 52% increase by 2030.

That could rise to a 59% hike, taking the average annual bill to £696, if it is given extra spending allowances by the regulator.

Ofwat has proposed water  bills can only rise an average 21% .

Now, a letter from industry trade association Water UK to Ofwat, seen by Sky News, has set the bodies on a collision course.

Read our full story here ...

More employers are offering sabbaticals as a way to boost employee wellbeing and improve staff retention, according to experts.

A new poll shared with The Guardian by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) reveals that more than half (53%) of managers said their firm offered sabbatical leave, compared with 29% who said they did not. 

In the public or charity sector, the leave was more likely to be available (62% of managers said it was offered) compared with the private sector (44%).

Some 80% of younger managers under 55 said sabbatical leave was important for employers to offer, compared with 72% of people over this age.

Sabbaticals offer benefits to employees and employers alike, said CMI director of policy Anthony Painter.

He said companies were "doubling their efforts to boost staff retention" in a "competitive job market".

A hotel chain in Manchester has been accused of cancelling bookings from customers on nights Oasis is planning to play in the city in 2025 - and relisting them for a higher price.

Sacha Lord, night time economy adviser for Greater Manchester, wrote on X last night that he'd been contacted by "several people" who were told their rooms had been cancelled by Maldron Hotels after a "computer error".

He claimed they were later "back up for three times the price".

Several users have replied saying they have been affected by the issue.

Oasis fan Mark Slinger, 36, who lives on the Isle of Man, told Sky News he booked a room at Maldron Hotels in Manchester city centre for 20 July - the final night of Oasis's run of shows at Heaton Park.

He made the £90 reservation through booking.com yesterday morning when the band announced their major reunion tour.

However, he was contacted by the hotel that evening asking him to cancel the booking.

The email says: "We are writing to inform you of an issue with your booking at Maldron Hotel Manchester City Centre. Due to a technical error, you have received a confirmation for a booking that was not successfully made. Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate your booking at this time."

It said a cancellation request had been sent, which Mark was asked to "accept promptly".

He told Sky News he hasn't accepted the request and "won't be doing". He also doesn't believe the issue was down to a "technical error".

"They realised they can cancel and re-sell at four times the price due to the Oasis gig," he said.

Maldron Hotels said in a statement to the Money blog that a technical error on Monday and Tuesday led to "substantially more" rooms being booked at its two Manchester hotels than were available for the nights of the four Oasis concerts.

It said it would be unable to honour bookings made on these dates as a result, and no bookings are currently being taken while the issue is investigated.

"This is not an attempt to resell rooms at inflated prices, rather an overbooking issue due to a technical error with our booking systems," the hotel said.

"Additionally, due to the same technical error, a small number of customers were able to book the rooms at a higher price later that evening. We will also be unable to accommodate these bookings.

"We will be honouring all bookings made prior to 26 August. 

"We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused."

Hotels operate dynamic pricing so that rates go up along with demand - so it's not unusual for prices to increase substantially around big events.

Yesterday, we reported that hotel prices for Oasis's first night at Wembley were already as much as three times as expensive as the week before.

"I had a quick look at a Holiday Inn a couple of miles away the week before the concert, it's £195 a night. The first night of the concert, it's £594 a night," said correspondent Matthew Thompson.

"So already people are getting on the hotel rooms even before the tickets go on sale. That gives you some sense of just how much demand there is for these tickets."

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Some of the country's biggest energy companies are attending talks with the government today about how they can help struggling customers with their fuel bills this winter.

Centrica, EDF and Scottish Power are among those taking part in discussions with minister Miatta Fahnbulleh at the energy department, as are regulator Ofgem, Energy UK and Citizens Advice.

Our  political correspondent Darren McCaffrey  says it's part of a government attempt to have energy firms do more to help customers.

"What the government is saying is there isn't as much help as there has been previously, fiscally we're in a pretty desperate situation - they're looking for the companies to step up," he says.

There are three things in the government's mind:

• The energy price cap will increase by 10% from 1 October
• Household energy debts are said to be at record levels
• Most pensioners are losing their winter fuel allowance

Whether energy companies will be willing to pick up the tab to help is uncertain right now, though.

"The government is trying to push them in that direction," says Darren. 

"That's the key thing that will potentially emerge from this meeting."

By Sarah Taaffe-Maguire , business reporter

It's another good morning for anyone travelling to the US as the pound has remained near a more-than two-year high against the dollar. 

A pound still buys $1.32, meaning sterling goes further than at any point in the last 29 months. 

Market observers expect the US central bank to sizably cut interest rates, which is weakening the value of the dollar. 

As oil is paid for in dollars, having the currency weakened can make importing motor fuels cheaper. This morning, the benchmark oil price has fallen below $80 a barrel, standing at $78.79, the lowest since Friday last week.  

The share prices of the biggest companies on the London Stock Exchange are down 0.02% for the 100 most valuable (the FTSE 100) and 0.06% for the 101st to 350th most valuable (the more UK-based companies of the FTSE 250).

There's good news for holidaymakers as the boss of Ryanair suggests fares could keep falling through the winter and into next year.

Michael O'Leary told reporters that fares for the budget airline had been predicted to rise by 10% from July to September - but instead will fall 5%.

We reported earlier this month that resorts around Europe have been lowering rates due to lower demand - with the post-COVID boom easing and travellers reluctant to keep paying premium prices.

Mr O'Leary said it was reasonable to expect that fares could stay down by 5% in the six months to the end of the financial year in March.

"More people are flying with us this summer at lower fares," said Mr O'Leary.

"Good news for our passengers, bad news for our shareholders."

Booze limit

In separate comments, Mr O'Leary has said plane passengers should be restricted to two drinks at airports to tackle a rise in disorder on flights.

"We don't want to begrudge people having a drink," he told the Daily Telegraph.

"But we don't allow people to drink-drive, yet we keep putting them up in aircraft at 33,000ft."

He added it was difficult for staff to identify drunk passengers as they board: "As long as they can stand up and shuffle they will get through. Then when the plane takes off, we see the misbehaviour."

The boss of Iceland says a sudden further minimum wage increase could bankrupt the budget supermarket chain.

Richard Walker told The Telegraph that it was right for employees to be paid as much as possible - but any changes should be "bled in slowly".

The minimum wage increased in April to £11.44 for workers aged 21 and over. The rate for 18-20-year-olds now sits at £8.60.

The Labour government has not confirmed any future changes, but deputy prime minister Angela Rayner has championed a proposed overhaul of workers' rights - including increasing the minimum wage, ending zero-hours contracts and ending "fire and rehire" practices.

Mr Walker, a former Tory donor who switched support to Labour in January, said he supported the overhaul but warned there could be a "disastrous" impact if wage changes are not brought in gradually.

"If Labour puts up the minimum wage and brings in day one rights, that's fine, but it needs to be bled in slowly. If they turn around and say 'the minimum wage is £15 now', that would bankrupt us," he said.

"A huge leap in the national minimum wage would be disastrous. Of course, people should be paid as much as we possibly can. So let's keep the ambition and keep pushing, but not have such a shock to business."

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