Article by Robert Singleton

Unfamiliar locations, when we are on vacation for instance, seem to be the most likely times when things will start to go wrong. Travel can be expensive enough as it is without expensive mistakes which could be avoided, resulting in a dislike for your chosen location and its people. In some instances it is not uncommon for fear to set in and venturing from the relative safety of the hotel room or resort is out of the question. If you want to travel safely then you need to start employing a little of that (an old concept) common sense that will keep you out of trouble.

Whatever it is you are doing or wherever you are, when you get that feeling that something doesn’t feel right, that is your instinct; learn to listen to it. It is a common mistake for many travelers to carry all of their valuables with them in the belief they are safer, this could not be further from the truth. Just take what you need for the time you will be away and place anything that is valuable in the hotel safe. One suggestion that can help reduce the risk of losing everything is placing cash and credit cards in different locations like pockets, wallets and bags; a pickpocket who is trying to steal from you will only get a small amount, leaving you with means to get back to the hotel.

Many couples who have not used the travel safely plan will have 2 credit cards, both accessing the same account; it is much easier to use two cards, each accessing separate accounts so if one is lost or stolen, there is a backup. For some time now, thieves have been perfecting the art of snatching handbags and cameras on straps over the shoulder; but by placing the strap over the head and laying it across the chest, this is much harder to do without cutting the strap. When you walk out make sure you are on the sidewalk as motorbikes and cars can’t drive here and if you have your bag or camera dangling off the shoulder furthest from the road it won’t be so easy to take. There are many ways to scam tourists and you are vulnerable when you are on vacation so it is an easy task as these people are very good at what they do.

Complacency is a dangerous trait and we have all been guilty of it when we are on vacation, remember this is what they do every day to make money and feed their families. Carrying a small backpack can be a good idea as it can be secured with a small padlock which although will not deter the determined thief, will certainly slow down and prevent the majority from trying their luck. A good way to prevent your keys from being stolen or more likely lost, is to buy a small shackle that climbers use and while you cannot lock these it is possible to secure them to belts for example. Both men and women lose their wallets and purses because men have wallets in their back pockets and women have their open handbags; so the easiest thing is for men to change the place they keep their wallet and for women to make sure their handbag is closed properly. The majority of problems could be avoided if people didn’t let their guard down, which is common on vacation; if you can remember to travel safely, it won’t halt your enjoyment but could stop many unhappy events from happening.