Whether you roam domestically or internationally, travel can be an exciting and invigorating experience. As you explore new areas, it’s important to remain vigilant about safety. Crime is a potential risk with any type of travel. Because you are out of your natural environment, you can be especially vulnerable to theft and other types of criminal behavior. You’ll need to learn some important tips for guarding your money. Whether you’re meandering through a zoo watching animals such as the crocodile and the ostrich or you’re trekking through other places to catch a glimpse of a snake or a stingray in its natural habitat, protect both your money and your identity from theft.
Traveling Risks
Whenever you travel, take simple precautions to maintain safety and security. Although you may technically be a tourist, try not to look like one to a casual observer. Keep maps out of sight, and don’t bury your nose in a guidebook to figure out which destination you need to see next. Try to fit in with the area as much as possible, and avoid asking for directions from locals, if you can. Keep your group together when you travel to avoid mishaps. Even when retiring to a hotel for the night, remain vigilant about risks. Lock the door when you’re in the room, and do not answer unexpected knocks at the door. Stow valuables in a hotel safe to prevent theft.
Special Precautions for International Travel
International travel requires special preparation and precautions to maintain safety. Read any travel warnings issued by the U.S. State Department specific to the regions you will visit prior to your trip. Travel warnings will apprise you of dangerous conditions existing for American citizens in other countries. Assemble your required travel documents to prepare for your trip. Expect to need a passport to enter and leave foreign countries. Traveling internationally with children requires special preparation to prove your relationship with the minor(s). To prepare for any emergencies that could occur, assemble contact information for U.S. embassies or consulates in the countries you plan to visit. Plan your itinerary carefully, and make extra copies of all of these details in case you misplace your papers. To safeguard your health, consider seeing a physician before you travel abroad. You may need special vaccinations for protection against specific illnesses. Bring prescription medication and your insurance card with you while you travel.
Tips for Protecting Your Money
Keeping your money safe while traveling will be a top priority. Special wallets are available that can provide extra security from theft. Keep your valuables out of sight while you travel, never carrying an open bag. For optimal security, carry minimal valuables while you are touring. Instead, leave your passport and most of your credit cards and money in a hotel safe. You might even carry two wallets, each with a small amount of money. If you have to use an ATM, choose one in a public, well-lit area. Cover the keypad with your hand while you enter your PIN. Remain constantly vigilant for thieves and pickpockets as you tour on vacation.
Guidelines for Identity Protection
Identity protection is another important consideration when traveling. Just as you protect your personal information while you are at home, you must keep your personal information private while you travel. Clean out your wallet before you leave so that it contains as few details about you as possible. If you lose your wallet or have it stolen, this will simplify the process of canceling and replacing cards. Spread out the places you keep personal identification while you travel. This helps ensure that you will retain copies of your important papers in the event of loss or theft. Take extreme care if you use a public computer while traveling. Internet connections can be insecure, which may make your personal information vulnerable to theft. If you sign into personal accounts on a public computer, always sign out completely after you finish to prevent the next user from accessing your accounts. When traveling with personal electronics, prepare them before you leave: Install security/antivirus software, and set strong passwords for all of your devices. Remove as much sensitive data as possible from your devices before you leave. And back up all data to another location before you travel.