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Advice Archive by date
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Ten Simple Way to Make Your Travels SaferAs you pore over guidebooks and select the
wardrobe you need to assemble for this year’s vacation trip, it pays to consider
issues of safety and security as well.
According to Richard Lefler, a retired Secret Service officer and advisor to companies
in the financial and travel service industries, you can take some simple precautions to
help keep your valuables safe and your trip a happy one.
- Unpack your wallet before leaving home. Leave department store credit cards and
other unnecessary items behind.
- Give copies of passport, airline tickets, credit card and travelers cheque numbers to
someone you trust at home. Replacement will be expedited if you can quickly provide
critical information.
- Pack a variety of forms of payment and two forms of photo ID. According to
Lefler, American travelers carry much more cash on a trip than they need. Instead, they
should bring a mix that includes major credit card(s); cash card, travelers
cheques and a small amount of cash.
- Distribute your risk. Don’t carry all your forms of payment and other
valuables in one place. Carry wallets in front pockets or keep pockets securely fastened
with a pin or velcro if necessary; wear handbags with the opening next to the body.
- Pack "in case of emergency" info and items. Include a card with
important medical information such as medical conditions and allergies as well as extra
prescriptions and extra eyeglasses.
- Avoid ATMs that are not well-lit and secure and quickly put cash out of sight.
Remember that cash is "muggable money" that can’t be replaced, and that ATM
cards are not easily replaced if lost or stolen. It’s a good idea to ask your bank
about its emergency replacement policy before you leave.
- Be aware of your surroundings at all times; be especially wary of
"distractions." Keep in mind that criminals often work in twos or threes,
with one diverting your attention while another commits the theft. "Every move they
make is carefully orchestrated," says Lefler, "and so skillfully executed that
the average person is completely unaware until it’s too late."
- Be especially alert in high risk areas: Airports, train stations, busy streets or
other areas where there is a high concentration of people and / or activity are
particularly dangerous.
- At the hotel, never display a sign requesting cleaning service. The sign only
advertises that your room is empty. As a further safeguard, always keep all valuables in
the hotel’s main safe.
- If you are a victim of a theft:
- Do not resist a robber.
- Scream, yell, get help right away.
- Contact the police immediately and make sure to get a copy of the police report for
verification with insurance.
- Use copies of passports and airline tickets as well as credit card and travelers cheques
numbers to obtain replacements quickly.
June 21, 2001
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