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Day-Timers 10 Travel Safety and “Scam-Buster” Tips
Whether you travel abroad or only within the U.S., these simple tips help ensure your safety whether you’re flying, driving, or just walking around town. They’ll also help you avoid becoming a victim of a travel scam!
1) Choose Wisely — Look for hotels and motels with rooms that open into an interior hallway, rather than to the outside—in a parking lot, for example. Outdoor-exiting rooms make it easier for thieves to watch your comings and goings, and know when it’s best to break in.
2) You’re a Winner! Or are you? Be skeptical whenever you receive solicitations via the phone or mail that say, “you've won a fabulous all-expenses-paid vacation!” Think twice when dealing with companies that require you wait 60 days or more before taking your trip.
3) Credit Caution — Never give out your credit card number unless you initiate the transaction. For example, if someone calls you on the phone and requests payment, get their number and call them back before considering doing so. Make sure you have complete written details about the trip, including total price, cancellation and change penalties, and everything that is and is not included, before you make payment.
4) Pressured? Head for the Door… if you’re ever pushed into making a quick decision by a high-pressure salesperson. If they don’t want to allow you time to think it over, you don’t want to give them the time of day!
5) Say “Cheese” Kiddies! Always travel with a good, recent photo of your child. Should your little one wander off, the police will ask for a photo to help them find, identify, and return your pint-sized traveler to you.
6) Cab Caution — Never get into a cab that’s not clearly identified as a taxi. Always compare your driver’s appearance with the photo posted on his/her license. If a family member sees you off, it’s a good idea to have them record the number marked on the car if, for any reason, the situation is less than “comfortable.”
7) Go Keyless — Hotels that offer electronic room keys are generally safer than those that simply hand out the same key to thousands of guests. Why? Because keys are easily duplicated in seconds. And while you’re out enjoying your vacation, a former guest could be cleaning out your valuables. By contrast, electronic cards are reprogrammed for each new guest and help defeat thieves.
8) Know Where NOT to Go! One of the best things you can do to protect yourself is to find out where the high-crime neighborhoods are, and avoid them. Ask at the hotel front desk which streets and areas to stay away from. This simple question can save you a world of trouble.
9) Cheap Mugger Insurance — Stash a roll of small bills (wrapped in one larger bill) in your pocket. If you’re confronted by a mugger, pull it out slowly and then quickly toss it far away from you, and run in the opposite direction. The robber will think it’s a large sum of money and chase after it, instead of you! Report the incident to the police.
10) Book Large Jets for Non-Stop Flights — Most people don’t know it, but airlines operating large capacity (over 30-seat) aircraft in major industrialized countries are required to follow strict safety regulations… airlines with smaller aircraft are not. What’s more, most accidents occur during takeoff and landing. Flying nonstop reduces your exposure to these higher-risk situations.
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