You can almost guarantee that if there is going to be a problem it will be when you are on vacation in an unfamiliar place but by following a few simple rules, the consequences can be minimized. Travel can be expensive enough as it is without expensive mistakes which could be avoided, resulting in a dislike for your chosen location and its people. Some people are affected so badly they will not leave the resort they are staying in which is not the way to spend a vacation. The most important weapon in your armory to travel safely is your common sense so don't dismiss this invaluable ability if you want to enjoy your vacation.
Whatever it is you are doing or wherever you are, when you get that feeling that something doesn't feel right, that is your instinct; learn to listen to it. When you go out to discover new places, bars and restaurants, think about what you are taking with you; are all your credit cards, passport and airline tickets for example necessary where you are going? Consider just what you require for your trip out and take that, placing everything else that is of importance in your room or hotel safe.
A handy tip is to place a small amount of money in a number of locations like bags or pockets then if you happen to lose a bag, visa card or money, you will still have something there to keep you going until it can be resolved.
A follow on to this tip is to carry two separate credit cards instead of two from a joint account as this adds an extra security measure should one be stolen; this travel safely tip means this way you are not without a credit card. Some of the easiest possessions to steal are bags and cameras owing to the way people carry them without even recognizing that they are an easy target for thieves; ensure the straps are over the head and across the chest if you want to hold on to them.
Don't make it easy for them when you walk around by having bags and other valuable objects attached to straps next to the road where it is a simple matter for thieves on bikes to just grab at or cut the straps with a knife. The reason most people fall for these tricks is because we are more relaxed on vacation and the people that carry out these crimes are very good at it.
We can become complacent believing it will not happen or we are cleverer than them but this is how they make their living and in many cases the way that they feed their family every day. If you carry a bag of any kind, buy yourself a small padlock or combination lock as the few dollars you spend will be well worth it as it will deter the majority of sneak thieves. To prevent keys being lost or stolen try attaching them to a climber's D-shackle that you can place on your belt or pack of some sort, this should help stop anyone trying to snatch them quickly from you.
A word of warning to those men that always have their wallet in a back pocket; try putting it somewhere else as this is the first place that criminals look and it is an easy target for them. The only reason these types of events happen on vacation is most people are not traveling safely so by maintaining your guard, many awkward situations can be avoidable.
1. Prevention and preparation are worth their weight in gold. Plan ahead in order to minimize problems that might crop up while you're away from home. Some of the steps you can take to be ready for emergencies include:
- Putting together a "medical envelope" for each member of your family. It should include a brief medical history, notes on any allergies, copy of your insurance card and proof of other medical insurance, as well as copies of prescriptions for regular medications and an extra prescription for eyeglasses just in case.
- Make copies of your passport, a list of the credit cards you are carrying and the phone number and instructions for notifying your credit card company if your cards are lost or stolen.
- Bring along a first aid/emergency kit that's geared for your trip. Depending on your plans, it may be as lightweight as your favorite pain reliever and some adhesive bandages for a trip to a metropolitan city, to a full-fledged first aid kit for car travel.
2. Keep your money safe - and discourage thieves. Pickpockets often target ports and other tourist areas. You can keep your money safe with some common sense precautions.
- Only carry what you'll need on your person. Leave the rest back in the hotel or in the cruise ship safe.
- Wear your money next to your body - under shirts and jackets.
- If you carry a fanny pack, thread the belt through your belt loops.
- Tuck your purse or bag under your arm, next to your body.
- Carry as little cash as possible - and don't flash it around.
3. Be prepared for auto travel. If you are traveling by automobile, whether your own car or a rental, there are precautions you can take to be sure that you travel safely.
- Get your car thoroughly checked before you set out - fluid levels, tire pressure - the works.
- Carry drinkable water with you in the car.
- Pack an emergency kit that includes first aid supplies, a flashlight, a blanket and other emergency necessities.
- Opt for roadside assistance insurance, whether in your own car or in a rental.
- Stop at least every two hours to get out, walk around and stretch your legs. It will keep you alert.
- Bring entertainment for the kids if you're traveling with the children. Entertained children are far less likely to be a distraction while you're driving.
4. Keep abreast of travel and health alerts. There are many events and conditions that can compromise your safety while you're traveling, a lot of them outside your control. Political happenings, outbreaks of disease and unexpected severe weather can create unsafe conditions for travelers. The U.S. Department of State issues regular travel advisories for destinations around the world on their government web site. In addition, you can sign up for travel advisories and alerts on a web site that tracks alerts issued by many different governments, along with weather advisories and health alerts. Knowing political, weather and health conditions at your destination and at stops along the way can let you make plans to either avoid them or be prepared for them.
5. Be knowledgeable when traveling abroad. Knowing the customs of the country you are visiting can keep you from making dangerous mistakes. One of the best sources for information when you're traveling abroad is the U.S. Department of State. The State Department issues regularly updated Consular Information Sheets for each country in the world. In them, you'll find entry requirements, currency regulations, information about the security and safety situation, unusual health conditions, areas of instability, the political situation - even road and driving conditions.
In particularly dangerous situations, the State Department may issue a Travel Warning, suggesting that Americans defer travel to a specific country of area. It may also post Public Announcements where transitory dangerous situations exist. Among the situations where the State Department has made Public Announcements are political coups, anniversaries of terrorist events and pre-election disturbances.
Travel advisories and Consular Information Sheets are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week online at www.travel.state.gov. In addition, you can get the latest information by calling 1-888-407-4747 during the hours of 8 am to 8 pm Eastern U.S. time, or in person at any regional passport agency or U.S. Embassy. Finally, you can write for the information sheets on the countries you plan to visit at Office of American Citizens Services, Bureau of Consular Affairs, U.S. Department of State, Washington, DC 20520.
Both James Redder & Craig Elliott Elliott are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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