Safety When Traveling

Is it safe to travel these days? 

Very important questions when planning your trip.  Many times I have said I would rather travel around the world than go to some of the inner cities in the US.  Safety is as safety does!!  Traveling smart minimizes your safety issues.

• Women, don’t carry a bag over your shoulder.  In fact, don’t carry a purse at all.  If you carry a back pack of any kind, don’t put important documents in it.  I have watched people unzip those, stick their hand inside and be gone while the person is still walking without a clue.
• All money, credit cards, passports, airline tickets or any other important documents should be under your clothes in a money belt or wallet.  Leave it there.  Take out a few dollars for the day, but leave the rest under your clothes.
• Any money you carry in your pocket should have a rubber band around it.  Makes it harder to get out.
• Do not leave money or jewelry in your cabin or hotel room.  It will be gone when you return.  Take it to the front desk and put it in a safe.
• Better still, leave all jewelry at home.  Wear a cheap watch and cheap ring.  This is not a fashion show and you don’t need your chains.  I have seen them ripped off people’s necks.
• Don’t put valuables in shirt pockets.  I have had clients loose those as they are watching a group of gypsies.
• If anyone drops coins or marbles or yells for help in a train station, airport or public area, don’t help.  Don’t let go of your suitcase, lap top or anything else. 
• Be aware who is around you.  Make eye contact so people know you are aware of them.
• Cameras and binoculars – you do have to have them available, but put them around your neck or on your body somehow. 
• Fanny packs – use only the kind with the fastener on the side that can be under your arm.  Those are easy to release and take.  In a crowd, keep a hand on the pack strap.

Just think in your mind, as you travel, that everyone you meet could be a pick pocket and you will be aware.