You arrive at your destination, having flown half way round the world and not really having slept that well, you pick up your luggage, clear customs and are faced with crowds of faces all pushing and shouting at you to use their taxi or go to their hotel.

You wondered whether there were ways to avoid this!

Consider the following:

Book your first few nights

When you arrive in a new place you are likely to be tired and disorientated, so it is always a good idea to book your first couple of nights' accommodation.

This way you will arrive knowing you have somewhere to stay and a chance to get some sleep, eat something and be fresh the following day to start your adventure.

You can also pre-arrange airport pick-ups. This is a great service and can be free or offered at an additional cost by your hostel or hotel.

Some useful sites to look at are:

hostelbookers
hostelworld
hihostels
First48.com can arrange the first 48 hours of your stay in a selection of countries. This includes airport pick-up, transport to your hotel and the first two nights' accommodation.

Be aware

When you arrive somewhere new, be alert and aware of your surroundings, especially if you are on your own.

Don’t wander around at night, stay in the tourist areas and, if a situation feels at all uncomfortable, leave or don’t do it. Use your common sense and stay safe.