There's nothing worse than having problems occur while you're on holiday, especially in a foreign land where a lot of things are unfamiliar. The annoying thing is that a couple of bad situations can spoil a whole week or two weeks vacation. Or worse still, a situation that sees you locking yourself in your hotel room, afraid to go out, or even spending time at the local police station.

Maybe it's just that traveling safely requires some common sense and most of the time these days, we do not require it as someone else is always accountable for our mistakes! If you ever get that distinct feeling that something is wrong, which often happens on vacation, that's your instinct giving you a warning that you should take notice of.

Always be careful about traveling with all your documents and money if you are just going to town to see the sights or have a meal. Take just what you need for the day and leave the rest in the hotel safe as it is better to lose a little, rather then everything.

If you place your cash, traveler's checks and credit cards in various locations about your person, then there is less likelihood of pickpockets stealing all your financial assets and leaving you with nothing. It is also never a good idea for a couple to travel and use the same credit card when it is a simple matter to take a second from a completely different account as a replacement should one be mislaid or taken.

Some people just make it easy for snatch thieves who specialize in grabbing bags and cameras for unsuspecting tourists who have them hanging from their shoulder so to prevent this make sure the strap is over the head as well. If you are the person carrying the camera or bag, then walk away from the edge of the road where it is easy for motorcycle thieves to grab something and make a quick getaway.

Criminals love tourists as they are usually considered easy prey and we all underestimate how very proficient they are at relieving people of their personal belongings. It is often our arrogance that lets us become victims of theft and other deceptions because we do not believe that anyone will pull the wool over our eyes but this is how the criminals earn their living.

If you use a small backpack or day bag when wondering the streets or local markets why not buy a small padlock because would be pickpockets will be put off straight away. Another good idea is to use a hikers (or climbers) small shackle that can be used to safely secure your keys to a belt or bag for those people that frequently lose their keys.

One of the biggest problems is with wallets as the vast majority of men carry them in a back pocket and this is an easy target for any criminal so try varying your normal routine and place it in a front pocket or similar.

There is absolutely no reason why when you are on vacation you shouldn't be able to travel safely and have a great deal of worry free fun; just stick to the points mentioned here and use your common sense at all times.