Basic Travel Safety Tips

Are you headed out on a business trip or other excursion on your own? When traveling alone, follow these basic safety tips to keep yourself and your possessions protected.

At the airport, keep an eye on your bags at all time. Be especially careful when putting them on the conveyor belt at security check points. On the plane, put your laptop underneath the seat in front of you when not using it. If you put it in the overhead bin, it could easily get damaged or stolen.

If you are traveling to a city you have never visited before, do a little research before you head out on your trip. Use the Internet to find out which are the better areas of town and which are high crime areas. Book a hotel in the nicer part of town and try to avoid remote areas.

Ask the concierge or hotel front desk staff to recommend restaurants and local attractions. Also ask them which areas of the city should be avoided.

When walking or using public transportation, keep your head up and be aware of your surroundings. Thieves often prey on those who look confused or down–so be sure to look confident and prepared.

As with any type of travel, don’t carry large amounts of cash and keep your jewelry at home. There’s no reason to draw extra attention to yourself. Keep your cell phone with you (and charged) in case of emergency.

Learn how to use your rental car’s headlights, hazard lights, and locks as soon as you get in the car. Be sure to ask the rental car company what to do in case the car breaks down. They should also be able to provide your with a road map and clear directions to your hotel or other destination.

If you are driving in an unfamiliar community, only stop for directions in well-lit, populated area.

Try to participate in group activities rather than doing it alone. If you are going out to explore the city, do it with a group of other tourists. There is safety in numbers.

Check in often with your friends, family or office back home. Keep regular contact with people to let them know that you are alright.

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