Travel Safety Tips...

The U.S. State Department is one of the best resources for travel information! While most of their tips are about foreign travel, some are excellent advice no matter where you go!! A lot are common sense, but it never hurts to remember things like, for example...

"Always try to travel light. You can move more quickly and will be more likely to have a free hand. You will also be less tired and less likely to set your luggage down, leaving it unattended.
Carry the minimum amount of valuables necessary for your trip and plan a place or places to conceal them. Your passport, cash and credit cards are most secure when locked in a hotel safe. When you have to carry them on your person, you may wish to conceal them in several places rather than putting them all in one wallet or pouch. Avoid handbags, fanny packs and outside pockets that are easy targets for thieves. Inside pockets and a sturdy shoulder bag with the strap worn across your chest are somewhat safer..."

"What to Leave Behind? Don't bring anything you would hate to lose. Leave at home:

• valuable or expensive-looking jewelry,
• irreplaceable family objects,
• all unnecessary credit cards
• Social Security card, library cards, and similar items you may routinely carry in your wallet.

Leave a copy of your itinerary with family or friends at home in case they need to contact you in an emergency."

"PRECAUTIONS TO TAKE WHILE TRAVELING...
Safety on the Street: Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home. Be especially cautious in or avoid areas where you could be victimized. These include crowded subways, train stations, elevators, tourist sites, market places, festivals and marginal areas of cities. Don't use short cuts, narrow alleys or poorly lit streets. Do not travel alone at night... Avoid scam artists. Beware of strangers who approach you, offering bargains or to be your guide. Beware of pickpockets. They often have an accomplice who will:

• jostle you,
• ask you for directions or the time,
• point to something spilled on your clothing,
• or distract you by creating a disturbance...

Wear the shoulder strap of your bag across your chest and walk with the bag away from the curb to avoid drive-by purse-snatchers...

If you are ever confronted, don't fight back. Give up your valuables. Your money and passport can be replaced, but you can’t.

Safety in Your Hotel: Keep your hotel door locked at all times. Meet visitors in the lobby.
Do not leave money and other valuables in your hotel room while you are out. Use the hotel safe. Let someone know when you expect to return if you are out late at night."

Other State Department travel safety suggestions can be found here.