BASIC SAFETY
RULES
Research the country of your destination, get as much information as
possible about the places you intend to visit. Get yourself familiar
with local customs and regulations. Travelmake's
Destination Guides is a good place
to start. Our online
Travel
Store offers a range of
safety
items for travelers. Here
you can also purchase detailed
maps,
informative
guidebooks,
first
aid kits and other items
necessary for making your trip safe.
- Obtain
travel
insurance, preferably with
the plan that provides direct, immediate payment to the medical
provider.
- Before you leave, photocopy your documents and
tickets so it would be easier to replace them if they are lost or
stolen.
- For your own safety keep a low profile. Try to blend in with the
locals as best you can.
Leave expensive jewelry and precious valuables at home.
- Do not discuss your travel plans publicly.
- Stay alert, especially in high-risk countries.
- Do not expose your valuables (money, documents, jewelry, etc.), keep
them locked in the hotel safe.
- Carry only small amounts of cash.
- Wear a consealed
money
belt, keep your essential
documents and money in it.
- Keep a copy of your passport in your money belt at all times.
- Each time you use your credit card, keep an eye on it until it is
returned to you. Check credit cards when they are returned.
- Never leave your personal items unattended.
- Respect local customs and regulations.
- Deal only with authorized agents when you exchange money or purchase
art or antiques.
- If you get into trouble, contact the nearest
embassy.
- If you are unfamiliar with the local language, write down some key
phrases in the local language.
- Memorize or write down local emergency numbers.
- In case of theft, get a police report
immediately if you'll be making an insurance claim. Thefts of
traveler's checks must be reported within 24 hours.
AIR TRAVEL
SAFETY TIPS
Check in as fast as you can and do not delay in the main terminal area.
Do not discuss your travel plans with fellow passengers, crew, or
even traveling companions. Get yourself familiar with exits and safe
areas. Try to stay away from unattended baggage. Verify baggage claim
checks before and after flight. Never leave your luggage unattended.
Stay calm and alert. Try to occupy a window seat in the
coach section. This position is less accessible by hijackers.
HOTEL
SAFETY TIPS
Get a card with the hotel's name and address. You can
show it to a cab driver if you get
lost. Stay in hotels on well-traveled streets in safer areas of the
city of your destination.
Lower level floors are safer in case of fire. Although, avoid the first
floor as it is the best location for burglars.
Get yourself familiar with the location of stairways, fire escapes
routes, emergency exits and alarms.
Keep your hotel room door locked at all times. Before opening the
door to a stranger, verify who it is. Never invite strangers into your
hotel room.
Never leave your valuables (a camera, documents, jewelry, etc.) lying
around where hotel employees can
see them.
Before leaving you room for the day, put the "Do not disturb" sign on
your door to give the impression that
the room is occupied. When you are ready for the room to
be cleaned, call the maid.
Use the hotel safe to store valuables.
Carry the room key with you, do not leave it at front desk.
Do not use your name when answering the phone.
When returning to your hotel at night, use the main entrance. Be
observant before entering parking lots.
HOTEL FIRE
SAFETY TIPS
If a fire starts take your key before leaving the room, as most hotel
doors lock automatically. Do not use elevators during a fire. If you
encounter heavy smoke in the stairwell, do not try to run through it,
you may not make it. Turn around and walk up to the roof fire exit. If
all exits are blocked or if there is heavy smoke in the hallway, you
will be better off staying in your room. If there is smoke in your
room, open a window and turn on the bathroom vent. If your phone works,
call the desk to tell them where you are, or call the fire department
to report your location in the building. Hang a bed sheet out the
window as a signal. Fill the bathtub with water to use for fire
fighting. Bail water onto your door or any hot walls. Stuff wet towels
into cracks under and around doors where smoke can enter. Place a wet
towel over your mouth and nose to help filter out smoke. If you
are above the second floor, you will be better off fighting the
fire in your room than jumping.
STREET
SAFETY TIPS
Buy a local map, familiarize yourself with the city and location of
your
hotel. With the help of hotel employees locate unsafe areas of the city
and avoid visiting them by any means.
Do not stay out on the streets late at night. When walking, remain on
wide, well-lit streets. If necessary, arrange for taxi service. Watch
your drinks being poured. Never accept a drink from a stranger. Get
advice from your hotel workers about reputable restaurants and other
entertainment.
Never resist armed robbery, it could lead to violence.
Avoid disturbances and civil demonstrations, as they may become
violent.
PUBLIC
TRANSPORTATION SAFETY TIPS
Do not enter any
taxi
vehicle that
does not have a proper license and marking on the outside. Learn the
route to your destination by a map. Note if taxi driver takes you a
different or longer way. Try not to travel alone in a taxi, and never
get out in deserted areas.
On
subways,
choose a middle car but never an empty car.
On a
buse,
sit in an aisle seat
near the driver. Stand back from the curb while waiting for a bus.
Avoid arriving anywhere at night. Take as little luggage as possible
On
trains,
be alert at stops,
when thieves can get in and out — with your bag. When
sleeping on
a train, fasten your luggage to the chair or to
yourself. Women should avoid sleeping in an empty train
compartment.
RENTAL CAR
SAFETY TIPS
Choose a conservative model with locking trunk, hood, and gas cap,
quick accelerating engine, smooth interior locks. In a hot climate,
choose air
conditioning. Always keep the gas tank at least half full.
Get maps of the area in advance and clearly write out
the directions from the airport to your hotel.
Keep your car doors locked and windows rolled up while driving. Do not
pick up strangers.
Do not display a purse, handbag or briefcase on a seat, always lock
them in the trunk. Lock the car when unattended.
Do not leave anything of value in view in your parked
car. Leave your glove compartment open so the thief can look in
without breaking in. Choose your parking place carefully.
Make your car look local. Take off or cover the rental company labels.
Leave no tourist information lying around.
Park in a well-lit space near the hotel entrance or your room, and be
sure to lock all doors.
USEFUL
LINKS
