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Assuming that you are already stranded somewhere in town, first what you need to do is calm down and look for a place where you can sit. It doesn’t have to be a park or somewhere convenient. It can be a shop, a supermarket, a restaurant or even a bank, just a place where you can get some space to relax and think clearly.

Another thing you need to know is that people especially conmen are able to tell someone who is stranded, if someone comes by and starts asking questions like “where are you going, can I help you with your luggage?” Just say NO or use an excuse like, I am waiting for someone.

After that make sure everything is intact, check to make sure you have your phone and wallet. Also, don’t forget to check that you have enough fare. If not, you can ask someone to send you money or look for other ways like a quick loan. If you are in Kenya for example, Fuliza or Mshwari can come in handy.

With that much now you are safe to go, try the following tips.

1. Take a taxi or Bodaboda

You don’t have to struggle with directions, Taxi drivers and bodaboda riders are experts in this area. Just call a nearby taxi and give them your destination, they will take you there. If there isn’t a nearby taxi, you can use an app like Uber to get one.

If you are stranded in Nairobi or any town in Kenya, you can take a bodaboda or tuktuk. If you have luggage, a tuktuk is the best because they have a place where you can keep your bags and suitcases.  They are also more affordable and trustworthy compared to the riders.

2. Use google maps

Google maps app in your phone can help you with direction whether you are on foot, driving, in a train or using other means. To get the best from google maps, first make sure you have switched on location in your settings, if not just open google maps, it will prompt you do so automatically. Also, make sure your internet data is switched on. After that google maps will find your current location.

To help you with direction, click the blue directions button. There you will see your current position already indicated by google maps. You can also type in your current location manually in the field provided if you want, in the next field with a red address icon, type where you want to go. Below you can also choose the means of transport you are using. Google maps will provide you with the approximated time depending on the means of transport you choose.

After your selection, maps will indicate or highlight the road you will use with a blue colour and the end point with a red address icon. That is from your current location to your preferred destination. If you are driving, it is even easier, just switch on google maps drive mode and maps will guide you through the process.

3. Ask an official for direction

Officials are people serving under the city council. These can be the city council police, traffic police and other officers. They are better to ask than strangers because they will hardly misguide you. If not, drivers are not a bad option. You can try and ask them for direction too.

4. Read street navigation signs

Roads in most cities and towns are given a name, for example in kenya Kenyatta roads are the main roads entering a city or town. By reading the name written on the navigation sign, you will be able to tell your current position and the road you are using at the moment. If you are sure its the road to take, you can just follow the road as indicated.

5. Use a land mark

Land marks are noticeable structures in a place that can help you identify your current location and also find your way to your preferred destination. A land mark can be a building, a poll, a statue or even a city clock. For example, in Nairobi, the KICC, Cooperative bank building, Times Tower and Tom Mboya statue are good landmarks.

For example, you can be sure in the place you are heading there is a school nearby or a police station. Such places have flags or flag posts. Though you can’t spot your destination from afar, you can easily spot a flag or a flag post. If its near a railway station, you can spot the railway’s cranes and pulleys from a far and follow.

6. Call a friend or relative to pick you up

If there is someone available who can pick you up. Its even better. Just call them and let them understand that you are stranded. They can help you find your way or just come to pick you up wherever you are. Make sure you maintain your current position to make it easier for them to find you. Also keep checking your phones for messages, incoming calls or missed calls.

With that much lets hope you find your way and thanks for passing by.

Featured Photo by Anubhav Saxena on Unsplash