Smart Safety Solutions - Travel Safety

Travel Safety

Well, the 2005 holiday season is upon us, and with it there are a lot of people traveling. If you will be traveling this holiday season, keep our travel safety tips in mind.

Above the Clouds

Obviously, there are a lot of opportunities for things to get stolen in an airport. The first thing that comes to mind when it comes to travel safety is terrorism. We're all concerned about it, but the TSA is doing its best to keep terrorists off our flights. But let's take terrorism out of the equation for a moment. Think of theft.

First of all, you need to keep an eye on your luggage at all times. If you're looking at a magazine in a shop, put your carry on bag in front of you instead of beside you or behind you. And if possible, keep one hand on the handle at all times. Here are some similar airport safety tips:

Don't make yourself a target by wearing flashy jewelry or using expensive electronic equipment.
But colored tape on your luggage so that it's easily identifiable by you. (This is particularly true if you have black luggage--the most popular color.) Not only will this make it easy for you to find your luggage as it comes off the conveyor belt, but if someone grabs your bag and tries to take it, chances are you'll know sooner than you would without a way to identify your luggage as your own.
Try to get your luggage as soon as possible. If you wait and yours is the last suitcase, a thief might find it to be tempting. After all, there are lots of things in luggage besides clothing.
When you leave the airport and you're in an unfamiliar city, only use taxis that are marked as such. In fact, try to use transportation that's recommended by the airport. Then you'll know it's not someone posing as a taxi to try to rob you--or worse.
If your luggage has locks, use them. Just be sure you have the keys ready when the TSA needs you to unlock it.

Staying Grounded

Obviously, there are other ways to travel other than the airlines. You may not need to fly to your destination. Travel safety can apply to car travel, cruise ships, train travel and more. Here are some travel safety tips for when you travel by car.

Before you leave, make sure your car has a full tank of gas, the oil level and other fluid levels are where they should be and that your tires are properly inflated.
If you should happen to break down, pull over on the shoulder on an exit ramp. This will keep you as far from traffic as possible. Also, turn your hazard lights on and put flares or reflective material behind your car to ensure that other cars will see you.
If someone stops and offers help, ask them to call for help or go get help, and don't get out of the car.

One if by Land, Two if by Sea

Cruises take you to beautiful and exotic places. Places where you don't know your surroundings. With that in mind, keep these travel safety tips for cruises in mind:

Try to get an under-the-clothing wallet. Many overseas thieves will cut a purse strap or waist pack and run with it.
Only exchange your money at an official exchange place. Never trust a stranger, even if he says he can exchange your funds at a better rate.
Again, don't wear expensive jewelry, and don't "flash your cash." Most cabins on cruise ships have safes. Use them.
Don't put your camera or purse on the back of a chair in a restaurant. Keep it in your lap.
Before you leave home, make copies of your passport, driver's license and credit cards and lock them up in a safe place. This way, you have records of account numbers, passport numbers, etc. if yours are stolen.
Never go anywhere with strangers. Only go on excursions approved by the cruise line for maximum safety.