At MiaVia, your adventure should feel exciting AND safe. Whether you’re exploring solo or with friends, be sure to practice safety when meeting up with new people. Trust your instincts, respect boundaries (yours and others’), and lean on our in-app safety tools and the resources below whenever you need them.

1. Guard your privacy

   • Share only what’s necessary.

   • Avoid posting or messaging exact lodging details, room numbers, flight times, or daily routes.

   • Delay geotagged posts until after you’ve left.

2. Keep chats in MiaVia

   • Use in-app messaging while you’re getting to know someone.

   • Be cautious if someone pushes to move to text/WhatsApp/Telegram immediately.

3. Screen before you meet

   • Ask direct questions about intent and plans; look for consistency.

   • Do a quick voice/video call. If it feels rushed, contradictory, or evasive, opt out.

4. Meet in public & stay in public

   • Choose busy, well-lit spots (cafés, museums, hostels) for first meetups.

   • Decline invitations to private homes or remote areas at first.

5. Control your exit

   • Arrange your own transport (licensed taxi/rideshare, public transit).

   • Keep your phone charged and funds available.

   • Share your live location with a trusted contact.

6. Tell someone your plan

   • Share who/where/when and set a check-in time.

   • Use a code word to signal “call me now / pick me up.”

7. Mind substance

   • Know your limits; don’t accept opened drinks or devices from strangers.

   • If you feel unwell or uncomfortable, leave and seek help from staff or bystanders.

   • Be sure to abide by local laws/regulations concerning alcohol and other substances.

   • Keep an eye on your drink. Do not leave drinks and/or food unattended.

8. Protect your belongings

   • Use zipped, cross-body bags; keep phones/wallets front-facing.

   • Photocopy your passport and store a backup in the cloud.

9. Know local norms & laws

   • Read up on greetings, dress, tipping, transit etiquette, and destination-specific risks or legal restrictions.

10. LGBTQ+/Romantic awareness

    • While MiaVia is an inclusive platform, policies of certain locations may pose a risk to LGBTQ+ travelers.

    • Adjust visibility and PDA based on local laws/regulations.

    • Research LGBTQ+-affirming spaces and support organizations before you go.

11. Housing basics

    • Choose well-reviewed properties; confirm locks and identify emergency exits.

    • Use in-room safes when available.

12. Digital hygiene

    • Use screen locks, strong passwords, and (if possible) a VPN on public Wi-Fi.

    • Be wary of QR codes or links from strangers.

13. Never send money or financial info

    • Decline “emergency” cash requests, investment pitches, or deposit-required jobs.

    • If someone asks for money, decline and report.

14. Report red flags in MiaVia

    • Underage users; harassment/threats; pressure to meet privately; repeated requests for exact travel plans; spam/solicitations; impersonation; fraud.

    • Use in-app Report and Block tools.

15. If it feels wrong, leave

    • Your comfort is the priority—move to a safer area, ask staff for help, and/or contact local emergency services.

If you are in immediate danger: call 911 (U.S./Canada) or your local emergency number.

Emergency Resources:

U.S. resources
• RAINN – National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) | online.rainn.org
• Planned Parenthood: 1-800-230-7526 | www.plannedparenthood.org
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or 1-800-787-3224 | www.thehotline.org
• National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733 | www.humantraffickinghotline.org
• National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC): 1-877-739-3895 | www.nsvrc.org
• National Center for Missing & Exploited Children: 1-800-THE-LOST (843-5678) | www.cybertipline.com
• Cyber Civil Rights Initiative: 1-844-878-2274 | www.cybercivilrights.org
• VictimConnect Resource Center: 1-855-4VICTIM (855-484-2846) | www.victimconnect.org
• FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center: www.ic3.gov
• LGBT National Help Center: 1-888-843-4564 | www.lgbtnationalhelpcenter.org
• Trans Lifeline: 1-877-565-8860 (US) or 1-877-330-6366 (CA) | www.translifeline.org

Global resources
• Emergency Services: Contact local authorities in your country of travel.
• International Domestic Violence Support: UN Women Helpline Directory
• Human Trafficking: UNODC Hotline/Help Directory
• Mental Health: Befrienders Worldwide
• LGBTQ+ Rights by Country: ILGA World

Disclaimer: This list is not exhaustive. When traveling, stay aware and ensure you’re up to date on local laws and regulations. These tips are for general information only and do not guarantee safety or replace professional advice. You are responsible for your choices and conduct. If you’re in immediate danger, call 911 (U.S./Canada) or your local emergency number, and use MiaVia’s in-app report/block tools to flag concerns.