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As 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.
Following are some simple precautions you can
take to help keep you and your valuables safe and your trip a happy one.
- When traveling overseas, check current
travel warnings and always know the location, and phone number of the
nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. This information is available on
the
U.S. Department of State website.
- Carry a cell phone or other wireless
communication device at all times while traveling. Pre-program it
with important emergency phone numbers including your airline’s
reservations numbers, your travel agent’s number, and the numbers of any
appropriate embassies and consulates. Keep these numbers with you in a
separate place as well. If traveling outside the United States, check to
see if your cell phone is a “world phone” and therefore able to receive
and dial calls from the U.S.
- Make copies of your passport, visas,
airline tickets, credit card and travelers cheque numbers before you
leave. Give one copy to someone you trust at home, and keep another
copy with you, separate from your originals. Replacement will be
expedited if you can quickly provide critical information.
Pack a variety of forms of payment and two forms of photo ID. Rather
than carry a lot of cash, you should bring a mix that includes major
credit card(s); cash card,
travelers cheques and a small amount of cash. Leave department store
credit cards and other unnecessary items behind
- Distribute your risk. Don’t carry
all your forms of payment, valuables and emergency information in one
place. Carry wallets in front pockets or keep pockets securely fastened
with a pin or velcro; wear handbags with the opening next to the body
and store items in security pouches specifically designed for travelers.
- 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.
- Be aware of your surroundings at all
times. Airports, train stations, busy streets or other areas where
there is a high concentration of people and activity are particularly
dangerous. Keep in mind that criminals often work in twos or threes,
with one diverting your attention while another commits the theft. Also
be particularly cautious when removing cash from ATM machines.
- 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.
- Do call attention to the situation:
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 cheque numbers to
obtain replacements quickly.
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