• Learn about the area you are going to visit. Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs in the area. Keep track of what is reported in the news about recent events in the area you plan to visit. Check travel and weather websites to avoid storm seasons, severe heat, and other regional challenges that might limit fun.

• Study all the material contained in travel brochures

• Are you taking a package tour? If so, find out if there is a tour director and if he/ she is with you from start to finish. If in doubt ask to speak to a traveler who has taken the tour.

• Make a record of your passport, credit card and travelers check number, as well as plane, train or bus tickets number for yourself and give a copy to a family member or friend for safekeeping.

• Make sure you have enough prescription medication for your trip, plus an additional prescription just in case. (Keep medications in original containers)

• Pack a First Aid Kit.

• Don’t pack valuables such as airplane tickets, money, passports, camera equipment or jewelry, into checked luggage. Carry these items as carry-on luggage.

• Purchase film and extra batteries in the US before going overseas film is much cheaper, and batteries are hard to get overseas. Purchase a film-shield bag to keep it from being exposed from the X-ray machine, when checking in your baggage.

• Stop mail and newspaper delivery or have a friend or neighbor collect them daily.

• Ask a friend or neighbor to periodically check on your home and mow your lawn while you are away.

• Have someone put your trashcan at your curb on garbage collection day.

• Have a friend remove flyers or advertisements from you steps, porch or doorknob.

• Park a car in your driveway occasionally, to give the appearance that someone is home.

• Leave a key with a trusted friend or neighbor in case of an emergency.

• Leave an up-to-date will, insurance documents, and a power of attorney with your family, so your can feel secure about traveling and are prepared for any emergency that may occur while you are away. Before leaving provide your family or friends with a copy of your proposed itinerary and keep them informed of your travel plans should they change or in case they need to contact you in an emergency.

• Carry appropriate photo identification and the name of a family member or friend to contact in case of an emergency.

• Lock all windows and doors before leaving. Don’t forget to double-check basement, sliding glass, and garage doors.

• Make a final walk through of you home. Make sure all electrical appliances are unplugged. Turn off hot water heater. Turn down thermostat to 55 to 63. Check to make sure the toilet isn’t running. Turn on a radio to a talk radio station, to give the appearance that someone is at home.

• Try not to drive alone
• Don’t use cruise control
• Keep the car’s temperature cool and play the radio.
• Avoid driving at night.
• When driving, plan your route carefully. Travel main roads and use maps. Have your car serviced before you leave.

• Don’t drive for long periods of time stop and stretch your legs every two hours.
• Avoid eating heavy meals two hours before traveling.
• Keep valuables in trunk, if you stop overnight, remove luggage and other valuables from the car.
• If your car breaks down, turn on hazard lights and open the hood or tie a white cloth to the antenna. Stay locked in your car until Police arrive.
• Carry a cellular phone

• If front desk clerk mentions your room number loudly, request a new room.
• Do not leave luggage unattended, if you can’t go to your room immediately, check you luggage in with the staff.
• If the room door is open, do not enter; report it to the front desk.
• A woman traveling alone can ask for an escort to her room or car.
• Check behind curtain, under bed, and in the bathroom, shower, and closets to make sure no one is hiding in the room.
• Locate fire exits, elevators and public phones. Know the best way to get out of building in an emergency.
• Use all provided locks.
• Put valuables in the hotel safe deposit box.
• Always keep cash. Credit cards, and keys with you.
• Do not answer the door in a hotel if you do not know who is there. If a person claims to be a hotel employees call down to the front desk and verify his/her reason for coming to the room.
• Be observant. Report any suspicious activity to the management.
• Don’t leave the room door open for any length of time, even if you are just going to the ice machine.
• If someone is loitering in the hall, don’t enter your room. Go directly to the front desk and report it.
• Park near well light walkways and look around before entering parking lots or garages.

When out Sightseeing:

• Learn about and be aware of your surrounding! Ask desk clerk or concierge or bell staff about problem areas to avoid.

• Make sure everyone in your party, knows the name, address, and telephone number of your hotel.

• Carry only cash that you need in small bills. Don’t flash your cash or jewelry.

If members of the group separate, be sure they check in at prearranged times and locations.