It’s that time of year when we’re looking to get out of the long, cold winter and enjoy a nice vacation on a beach somewhere. Vacations are meant to be time for family fun or a relaxing getaway. However, far too often travelers are too focused on the fun they are about to have instead of remaining cautious in a new environment. Tyco.com suggests that, “Planning can decrease the chances of becoming a victim of a crime. Tourists make tempting targets for thieves; often lost or distracted, weighed down with bags, carrying cameras, money and other valuables. It is best for you and your family to do all you can to blend in with the crowd.” Here are some precautions you can take to remain safe on your next getaway:
- Before you go, make sure to clean out your wallet or purse; take only essential credit cards.
- Carry your purse close to your body, or wallet in an inside front pocket. Consider wearing a money pouch under your clothes.
- Pack as lightly as possible. Lots of heavy, cumbersome bags will slow you down and make you more vulnerable to getting robbed.
- Expensive, designer luggage can draw unneeded attention to your belongings. Pack your things in inconspicuous bags.
- Carry-on anything you may need or of value i.e., medication, jewelry.
- Don’t display expensive jewelry, cameras, bags and other valuable items.
- Stick to well-lighted, well-travelled streets at all times.
- Always lock your car, and leave valuables out of sight, preferably locked in the trunk.
- Don’t leave jewelry, money or other items lying around the hotel room when you go out, even for a short while. Lock them in the room or hotel safes. Do not leave them unattended at poolside or the beach either.
- Make sure rooms are securely locked and chains fastened wherever possible. Do not leave room keys lying out at the swimming pool.
- You should know who is knocking before you answer the door. If they say they are from the hotel, confirm with the hotel operator that they are in fact from the hotel.
- Always lock the door while in the room.