Here are Some General Safety Tips:
* Work with your travel agent to get as much information as possible about the destination, especially if you will be traveling alone.
* If you are unfamiliar with the local language, carry a card or matchbook with the hotel's name and address. You can show them to a cab driver or police officer in the event you get lost. Before leaving the United States, make up several pocket cards with key phrases in the local language. (i.e., "Which way is the airport?" and "Where are the restrooms?")
* If you will be renting a car, get maps in advance and clearly write out the directions from the airport to your hotel. If you need to stop for directions, go to well-lit public areas. Keep the phone numbers of your destinations with you.
* Lock your car doors while driving. Do not pick up strangers or stop for people you don't know. Police cars will have blue and red lights; do not stop for cars flashing their high-beams.
* Close and lock your hotel room door at all times. Check sliding glass doors, windows and connecting room doors.
* Don't answer your hotel room door without verifying who it is. If someone claims to be a hotel employee, call the front desk to verify.
* When returning to your hotel at night, use the main entrance. Be observant before entering parking lots.
* Don't carelessly display keys in public areas, such as restaurant tables or swimming pool areas, where they can be stolen.
* Don't draw attention to yourself by displaying large amounts of cash or wearing expensive-looking jewelry.
* Don't invite strangers to your room.
* Put valuables in the hotel safe. Do not leave valuables in your car.
* If you see suspicious activity, contact hotel security.
* Acquaint yourself with the location of stairways, fire escapes, exits and alarms.
Air Travel
Plan to arrive at the airport at least an hour before domestic flights and two hours before international flights. To avoid standing in line, ask your travel agent to include your boarding passes with your ticket when possible. Consider joining an airline's private lounge club, which may offer several amenities that will make your wait more comfortable and/or productive.
Do not leave your luggage unattended or with someone you don't know. Never agree to carry anything on board or in your luggage for someone else. If you see an unattended briefcase, suitcase or package, notify security.
Dress comfortably and inconspicuously; leave flashy jewelry at home. When deplaning, claim your baggage immediately and leave the airport quickly. Beware of drivers in unmarked cars claiming to be cab drivers.
Some materials are prohibited in checked or carry-on luggage, including: mace, tear gas, aerosols containing flammable material, loaded firearms, gunpowder and ammunition, propane, any equipment containing fuel, scuba tanks if pressurized, fireworks, flares, corrosive, radioactive or poisonous material, and infectious substances. Electric wheelchairs may only be transported as checked luggage. (This information is not all-inclusive; check with the airline for more details.)
Ocean Cruises
Many travelers have found that cruising is the most relaxing and comfortable of vacations. If, however, you are particularly sensitive to motion, choose a mid-section cabin, the most stable area. Here are some shipboard safety tips.
* In doorways of older ships, look out for raised ledges.
* In your cabin, close and secure your closet doors.
* If the lock on your cabin door requires use of a key from the inside, leave the key in the lock when you are in the cabin. In case of power failure or nighttime emergency, you don't want to have to hunt for your key or search for the keyhole.
* Do not attempt to enter or leave the upper berths without using the provided ladder.
* Never throw smoking materials overboard, even if you think they are extinguished.
* Ship stairs are different from ordinary stairs, and the decks may be damp from sea mist. Walk cautiously and use handrails. Wear rubber-soled (not crepe) shoes for extra traction on decks.
* On deck, a cool breeze can mask the effects of the sun. Use plenty of sunscreen or lotion, and don't overexpose yourself to the sun.
* If you think you may be subject to motion sickness, check with your personal physician before your cruise. Medication is available to prevent this problem.
* You will be required to participate in a lifeboat drill. Be sure to cooperate in familiarizing yourself with the procedure.
Packing
Try not to pack more luggage than you can carry. To avoid misdirection of your luggage, cut off all old destination tags. Mark luggage with colored tape to avoid confusion in the claim area. Mark luggage inside and out with your name, business address and phone number. If possible, use tags that conceal your name and address. Make sure you have a complete list of the contents of your bags in case they are lost. Put liquids in plastic bottles that leave enough room for expansion.
Remember to lock your luggage. Keep carry-on bags with you at all times. Be sure your luggage is correctly tagged for your destination. Carry all medication, important business papers, valuables and a change of clothing in your carry-on luggage in case your checked luggage is misplaced. Be sure to check with your travel agent about baggage allowances on international flights and restrictions for carry-on luggage.
Documents and Papers
Make several copies of your passport, traveler's checks, credit cards, itinerary, airline tickets and other travel documents. Leave one copy with a relative or friend back home and carry one copy with you. Take most of your money in traveler's checks and record the serial numbers, denominations and date and location of the issuing agency. Remove all unnecessary credit cards from your wallet. Be sure to carry your credit card company's telephone number in case your card is lost or stolen. Always report losses immediately.
Securing Your Home
Advise police and a trusted neighbor of your trip. Ask them to check your home while you are away. You might consider having a friend "house-sit" for you. Buy a timer device that will automatically turn lights on and off during evening hours. Cancel newspaper service and stop mail delivery. During summer months, arrange to have your lawn mowed; in winter, arrange to have snow cleared. You may even arrange to have a neighbor share trash bins on pick-up day. Pay bills in advance so utility service will not be interrupted. In the case of longer trips, make sure your homeowner's policy remains in effect during your absence. Leave valuables in a safe deposit box. And, never announce a trip in the newspaper's social column.
Staying in Good Health
Before you leave on an extended trip, consider having a physical check-up. Get your "shots" and start any new medication well in advance of your departure. Carry an extra supply of medication, labeled and in the original container, with a copy of each prescription. Be sure to pack all medication in your hand luggage so it will be available if your bags are lost or stolen. (Check with your travel agent or the appropriate consulates to be sure your prescription drugs can be taken into countries you plan to visit.) Also, take your eyeglass prescription with you, as well as an extra pair of glasses.
Take along a small first-aid kit. Depending on your destination, bring medication for upset stomach or motion sickness. Other useful items include nasal spray, sunscreen and insect repellent. Check with your local health authorities for further suggestions. Be careful about drinking the water in some foreign countries--avoid ice cubes too. Drink bottled water or soft drinks. Check with your travel agent for guidelines. When visiting developing nations, ask your doctor for advice on inoculations, and take along a record of your blood type. If you become ill overseas, consult the American consulate for suggested medical or hospital services. The Center for Disease Control has information on dire health situations around the world, phone 404-639-3311.
Illegal Drugs
Be aware that drug laws in most foreign countries are stricter than those in the United States. If you are arrested abroad on a drug charge, you are not protected by U.S. laws. Foreign laws often make no distinction among various illegal drugs, or between possession of a small amount and drug trafficking. Frequently, bail is not granted in drug cases and you are guilty until proven innocent. The average sentence for possession is seven years. The penalty for drug possession in some countries is mandatory death by hanging.
Traveling in the United States
It is as important to be prudent while traveling in the United States as it is abroad. Drive carefully, wear seat belts, obey traffic laws, be sure your car is serviced properly and get a good map. Your travel agent is a valuable resource whether you are planning a stateside trip or travel abroad.
Research the cities you are visiting. Get the latest information on safe areas and good hotels from your travel agent. You may want to tour by cab, bus, or in your own car. Public transportation is a good way to travel in many U.S. cities. Be sure to inquire about correct routes and schedules.
Traveling Abroad
Visiting other countries can be exciting and educational. Here are a few prudent precautions to help you travel with confidence:
* Once your itinerary is set, make as many advance reservations as possible. Make sure someone knows where you are at all times.
* Ask your travel agent about State Department information on the countries you will visit. The agent's computer reservations system should list travel advisories. For details, call the State Department at 202-647-5225.
* If you are renting a car abroad, reserve it here through your travel agent. At your destination, ask the rental agent to explain the car's features, which may be different from cars at home. Know the international traffic signs and rules of the road. Ask your travel agent whether you need an International Driver's Permit. Also, ask about insurance coverage in each country; U.S. insurance may not be valid in all countries.
* Carry the address and telephone number of the U.S. embassy or consulate for each country. In case of difficulties, contact U.S. authorities promptly. If you plan to stay in a foreign country for an extended period, register and leave your itinerary with the embassy or consulate.
* When traveling abroad, avoid being alone. If you carry a shoulder bag, keep it closed at all times, clutched between the arm and body. Do not carry a wallet in your hip pocket or inside jacket pocket. Empty the wallet of all unnecessary items and carry it in your front pants pocket. If you find yourself near a civil disturbance or other dangerous situation, move away quietly and inconspicuously. Do not run. If this is not possible, take cover behind the nearest shelter and stay there until danger passes.
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