Travel Safety Tips
In today’s economy, the travel industry is bound to suffer. When someone mentions vacation, you may say, “Oh, I’m not taking a vacation this year.” Then you head out of town to visit a sibling, child or friend. Maybe they only live few hours away, and you’ll only be gone for a couple of days. Visiting relatives may not seem like a vacation, but when you leave home, you’re traveling whether it feels like a vacation or not.
Even for an overnighter, you need to keep some safety tips in mind.
First of all, make sure someone near your home knows where to contact you in case there is an emergency regarding your home. Years ago I had a neighbor who was traveling out of state when her house was struck by lightening and burned to the ground. That’s probably something you would want to know as soon as possible.
Take only credit cards and personal information that you actually need. Make Xerox copies of them, so you can report them if they’re lost. (Helpful hint: don’t keep the copies in your wallet!)
If possible, carry prescriptions in the original containers.
If you’re staying in a hotel, try to reserve a room between floors two and seven. Some fire departments may not have the capability to rescue above the seventh floor. Ask the front desk personnel about the safe and not-so-safe areas of the city. Keep in mind that purse snatchers often work hotel bars and restaurants. Watch out for distractions (spilling drinks or food, bumping into you) that may be staged by pickpockets or thieves. Do not hang the “Please Clean Room” sign on your door. It’s obvious you’re not there. If you’re driving alone, don’t stop after dark at a rest area, and avoid rest areas altogether in the off seasons. Go to a fast food restaurant that attracts families. It’s safer.
Watch out for the “bump and rob” scam. It works like this. A car, usually with a driver and at least one passenger, rear-ends or "bumps" you in traffic. You quickly get out to check the damage and exchange information. Either the driver or one of the passengers jumps in your car and drives off.
If you're bumped by another car, look around before you get out. Make sure there are other cars around, check out the car that's rearended you and who's in it. If the situation makes you uneasy, memorize or jot down the car's tag number and description; signal the other car to follow you. Drive to the nearest police station or to a busy, well-lighted area. If you do get out of the car, take your keys (and purse or wallet) with you and stay alert.
If you’re traveling alone, you’re at greater risk. Think about your strategy for a safe trip before you leave town. Remember, you are your best protection.