Travel should be fun and relaxing, but you need to take reasonable precautions and responsibility for your personal safety. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your vacation.

Don't Become A Victim

• Travel with Traveler's Insurance coverage.
• Do not carry large quantities of cash.
• Travelers checks provide personal security and can be replaced. Also, only carry credit cards you will use on your vacation.
• When traveling to a foreign country always carry required travel documents such as passports, visas and tourist cards.
• Photocopy your passport and pack separately from the original. This will expedite the replacement process if the original passport is lost or stolen.
• Mark all luggage with  employer's name and address if possible. Burglars often "case" airports and use luggage tags with home addresses to identify potential targets.
• Always assume you're being watched.
• Research what the favorite scams are locally with law enforcement.
• Don't carry anything in your pockets; it invites thieves.
• Pack all film with you in day pack; carry-on.
• Inform others of your plans (consulate/embassy).
• Remember that your credit card number is on your airline ticket.
• Do not carry jewelry, wallets, or purses; wear a money belt.
• Transfer money from money belt to pockets in bathroom; out of site of anyone and mirrors.
• Avoid public bathrooms in big cities.
• Always keep passport, tickets, money and camera with you, except when pensions and hotels need passport for 1-2 hours to register you with police.
• Always say "Excuse me" when you bump into people, but check all your belongings.
• Keep Camera Hidden. While traveling use day packs instead of camera bags.
• Take room keys in the water with you.
• Carry extra money ($20) or an extra wallet hidden, in case of muggers.
• Watch for men separating ahead of you.
• Never Let Elevators Go To The Basement. Keep a foot in door while pressing floor number. Don't get in if it is going down. Late at night, push top button, but don't get in. It is safe if it doesn't stop on the way up or down.
• If Mugged, Avoid Eye Contact. Keep $25-$100 in pocket as insurance. If hostile, offer money or possessions he overlooked.
• Riot - go to hotel, call consulate and airline. Do not go to the airport without confirmed ticket or assurance that it is safe there.
• International law requires American consulate (US Interests Section, if no consulate) be notified if you are arrested or detained. You're entitled to a timely visit by a consular officer. They will notify family, get money transferred and insure fair treatment. Family can wire money to Overseas Citizens Service, and they will disburse to you in local currency.
• Lost Passport - call local police and consulate. Temporary passports are available.

• "Pregnant" Woman (wearing a pillow) Needs Bus Money.
• Kids polishing your shoes.
• Someone with a "broken down car."
• Kids surrounding you using cardboard or magazines to block your view.
• Gypsies with babies.
• Purse-snatchers on scooters.
• Someone who drops change or spills food on you so you will put your bags down at airport or train station.
• Thieves who cut open backpacks.
• Fake porters taking your bags.
• Stranger Asking For Assistance To Distract You From Your Bags In Airports, Shopping Malls, Etc.
• Stranger Asking For Assistance On The Street To Get Close Enough To Job You. Keep A Safe Distance Between You And Strangers.

• Smile And Be Persistent.
• You Have NO RIGHTS, so do not demand them.
• Give Them The Impression You Have All The Time In The World.
• Give them all documents that look official.
• Do Not get short-tempered or mad when you want something.

• Get a room on the 2nd-7th floor away from stairs and elevator.
• Make sure you can't be locked in by locks or bars across the door.
• Find out if there is on-site security.
• Verify window and door locks are secure.
• Ask for all room keys. Is hotel name and room number on key? Return at checkout.
• Put valuables in safe and get receipt. Check their insurance liability limit.
• Be careful of exits and elevators on the way to room. If you're alone late at night, ask for an escort.
• Be suspicious of anyone loitering around the lobby.
• Close door tightly when entering or leaving.
• Don't leave windows open.
• Count the number of doors to fire exit. Know where extinguishers and alarms are.
• Call desk if unexpected person knocks.
• Use a telescoping rod for sliding glass door.
• Do not put dive gear on balcony.
• List calls made and received and times, even unanswered.
• Leave radio or TV, and lights on, with Do Not Disturb sign out.
• Wedge door while showering.
• Dinnertime is most likely for burglars.

• Extinguish fire or pull fire alarm, if you can.
• Phone fire department before front desk.
• Stay low, turn off A/C, get room key, check door for heat.
• If you can't exit, stay in room or go to the roof.
• Put wet towels under the door and in vents.
• Fill tub, sink, and baskets to rewet towels and cool hot walls.
• Remove curtains. Crack open window.
• Put a wet towel over mouth and nose.