When you go on vacation the only thing most of us think about is relaxing, seeing the sites and having a good time. Now that is all good as long as you remember this: vacationers are targets for criminal. Most criminal figure that if they are here for vacation, they should have some money. In your large metropolitan cities a tourist can always be spotted. If you are walking down the street in New York watch the peoples who are looking up at all the tall building. They are just amazed by the skyscrapers. You have just been identified as a out of towner. My point here is that the citizens in the city are not amaze by the buildings because they see them everyday. Central park in New York can be dangerous during the day but worse at night. When you are a stranger in a new place you should try to blend in and not draw to much attention to yourself. I am going to give you some ideas on how to not become that victim.
PROTECT YOURSELF AND FAMILY
My family enjoy vacation just as much as the next family. Now with the economy the way it is that has become a hard thing to do. Here are some things you can do to to prevent yourself from being a victim. If you follow these steps you can save yourself a lot of trouble and heartache. I really hope that you follow this list. Here's How:
Never Travel with large sum of money - When traveling never carry a large sum of money. If you don't have a credit card or debit cards to use a ATM machines then there are other ways to protect and access your money. I myself use American express traveler checks or a prepaid credit card. Most of the time if your traveler checks are lost or stolen you can call the company and give the necessary information so they can be replace. Same goes for most prepaid cards.
Leave Your Expensive Jewelry at home - We all like to look good. We take our best clothes and our expensive jewelry with us. Here's an idea how about leaving your expensive jewelry at home. I hope you read my article on securing your home. Now if you are the type of person who like wearing jewelry buy costume jewelry to wear or wear none at all. Trust me you will still look good.
Protect Your Valuables - Most hotels today have safes in the room that you are staying in, use it. All you have to do is follow the direction on the safe. Some of the safes have combination locks, others you can use any magnetic strip card to lock and unlock. When you want to open the safe swipe the card and the same for locking the safe. Never carry a wallet, passport or any other valuables. with you if you are going to relax on the beach.
Stay Away From Dangerous Neighborhood - If you don't know about the city, town or country you are going to vacation in you can get info via the internet or when you get there ask a cop, cab driver or the motel concierge for they would know.
Don't Go With Strangers At Night - One of my golden rules is no matter how friendly or nice a person or persons maybe, remember that they are strangers. People can be friendly and nice to you for alternative reason. You have to remember you are the visitor here and peoples look at you as a target. I realize when I was in the arm forces that people in other countries think because you are American you have money. Always meet strangers in public places until a solid trust is develop. Even then stay alert.
Blend In - When traveling abroad remember you are an American citizens. Watch how you dress and never get to loud for these are the things that will make you stick out like of a sore thumb. You don't have to advertise that you are an American. You are a visitor, make a good impression in the city or country you are visiting. Respect their culture.
Stay Away From Contraband - Remember that you are away from home. You may be tempted to buy an ounce of marijuana or something that is not allowed to leave the country. What ever it is remember that the person that trying to sell you the contraband is a criminal. His only concern is not whether you will get caught, it's about him getting what he's after. He have no intentions on getting caught. If you don't know the laws or customs of where you are going then researching the place would be a good idea.
Stay Alert - There are criminals that prey on tourist. They love nothing better than to befriend you and then rob you. Watch your surroundings. I am the type of person that is always looking over my shoulder for there might be someone following you waiting on the right time to strike. My advice to the ladies that if you can get by without carrying a purse that hangs from your shoulder or arm leave it at the hotel in the safe. Men keep your money and credit cards separate from your wallet in case there a chance of being pickpocket.
Don't Get Drunk - It is alright to have a drink or two just don't get drunk. A person who is drunk tends to be careless. Drunks are also an easy mark for a criminal. Drink close to where you are staying. Make arrangements at the hotel that you are staying at for transportation back to the hotel or resort.
Suspect Fakes - Now if you have no problem with fake knock offs then this is not for you. I really can't think anyone who really truly loves fakes. If you are looking for a certain type of merchandise always shop for name brands. You must remember there are a lot of fake (knock offs) items with designer names, but are not real. The criminal will make it sound real and they look real. If you know anything about designer clothes, or jewelry then you know that they are expensive.
Make Copies For Safe Keeping - When your going to travel make sure to make a couple of copies of your passport and credit cards, both front and back. You should leave a copy with a family member or a truly trusted friend. These copies can be use to cancel, replace lost or stolen originals. Make sure you pack copies to take with you. Keep the copies away from the originals so all will not get lost.
Insist on Room With A Phone - Some resorts and hotels boast of not having a phone or television in rooms for your relaxation. Should something happen while you are in the room the phone becomes very important. So please insist that you have an in room phone for emergencies. Cell phones don't always work in remote areas.
Lock The Door - Always lock the door to your room. When the door is left open or unlocked you might as well put up a sign saying CRIMINALS ARE WELCOME. If you feel unsafe in your room call the front desk and speak to the manager and have them to take action immediately.
Trust Your instincts If the person you are with or a situation arise that make you feel that something is not right please leave as quick and as safely as possible.
Things to Remember
1. USE YOUR COMMON SENSE
2. STAY ALERT
3. KEEP COPIES OF PASSPORT AND CREDIT CARDS
4. USE ATM MACHINES AND TRAVELER CHECKS
5. STORE VALUABLES IN A SAFE PLACE