10 Tips for Travel Safety

1. Safety On The Street. Don't use short cuts, narrow alleys or poorly lit streets. Try not to travel alone at night.
2. Safety In Your Hotel. Keep your hotel door locked at all times, meet visitors in the lobby, and do not leave money and other valuables in your hotel room while you are out
3. Guard your Purse. Wear the shoulder strap of your bag across your chest and walk with the bag away from the curb to avoid drive-by purse-snatchers.
4. Crime Against Motorists. Carjackers and thieves operate at gas stations, parking lots, in city traffic, along the highway, and in many places frequented by tourists. Be suspicious of anyone who hails you or tries to get your attention when you are in or near your car.
5. Taxis. Only take taxis clearly identified with official markings. Beware of unmarked cabs.
6. Trains. Where possible, lock your compartment and do not accept food or drink from strangers.
7. Beware of Pickpockets. A child or even a woman carrying a baby can be a pickpocket and be wary of groups of vagrant children that may create a distraction while picking your pocket.
8. Keep a Low Profile. Don't wear conspicuous clothing items that have university logos, sports team logos, or other name brand logos, etc. that identifies you as a foreign tourist and do not carry large amounts of cash or wear a large amount of jewelry.
9. Photography. Some countries are sensitive about photography. If you have any doubt about permission to take photographs, ask permission first.
10. Protection Against Terrorism. The first and best protection is to avoid travel to unsafe areas where there is a record of terrorist attacks or kidnapping. Terrorism is a crime of opportunity. You can avoid becoming a target of opportunity by following the tips mentioned above.