The Travel Teacher

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. 

It’s time to pack, call the Butler.

What??  You don’t have a Butler?  Neither do I, so let me share a few ideas I have learned as traveler.  And if you want to share your tips, please do.

•       Bottled water.  Take 3 or 4 bottles with you in your packed luggage.  This will tide you over until you can find a local source.
•       3 oz. paper cups.  Use these with bottled water for brushing your teeth.  No matter how SAFE the location, don’t trust the water.  If you mistakenly wash your tooth brush under a faucet, throw it away.  A tiny sip of bad water can ruin a trip.
•       Small umbrella.  For rain?  No, for a door on a bathroom that doesn’t have one
•       Rain ponchos for rain.  The less you carry on your shoulder, the less pain.
•       Money pouch or wallet with strap to go under your clothes.  KEEP IN THERE.  Never put valuables in a back pack or bag over your shoulder
•       Make copies of every document you take - credit cards, passports, medical cards, etc.  Take one set and leave a set at home with someone.
•       Red eye flights.  Those airline pillows are worthless.  Take an old down pillow, cut it in half and take it in your carry one for a good night sleep.
•       Eagle Creek cubes, half cubes and quarter cubes are the best for corralling groups of things.  Such as, all your electronic charges and cords; medicines and vitamins;  mosquito repellent and sun screen; shaving gear; socks; underwear and a multitude of other items that tend to get scattered all over the suitcase.
•       Eagle Creek dress shirt packing folders.  Keeps shirts and blouses folded.
•       “Pack it” compression bags.  Put that down pillow in one, roll it up and squish the air out to put it in your carry on.  Also good for underwear, sweaters, sweatshirts and any other bulky things that can be wrinkled and still usable.
•       Syringes.  In some countries, needing a shot can give you a concern.  So take your own in a paper towel roll and tape shut the ends. 

Those should give you some ideas.  Do I ever get packed right?  No, but maybe someday!!!