1) When taking taxis from an airport to your hotel, travel in
the licensed airport taxis, waiting at the official taxi rank.
Also check that the drivers
have official identification. Never take a taxi from outside the airport enclosure. If you cannot afford a taxi then take the train or the airport bus.
2) When traveling from your hotel to the airport, go with a taxi
recommended by the hotel. Again, unofficial taxis can be very dangerous. I can't stress that enough.
3) Try not to arrive in a new city or town late at night. This can just go wrong in a number of ways. It is much easier
getting checked in during the day time and security at night in
certain areas is just horrendous.
4) Travel in a group if possible. Since when is traveling in numbers not a good idea?
5) Learn the basics in the local language before you arrive.
Don't assume people will speak English. English is becoming more widely spoken these days, but you want
to be sure. You should always check on these things before your
arrival.
6) Keep your valuables hidden. A money belt is really essential. There are many different styles of money belt. One of the most popular is an "over the shoulder" style wallet on a
strap that you wear underneath your top. This makes it very difficult for a thief to make off with your valuables.
7) Avoid going alone to remote areas/ruins where tourist not be expected to go. Seek local advice or take a guide.
8) Read the guide books and talk to other tourists to find out
which areas are best avoided.
9) When leaving a club late at night take a taxi home, no matter
how close your hostel or hotel is. Outside most clubs you'll find a
street vendor selling cigarette and they usually know all the taxi drivers and can recommend a safe one.
10) When arriving in a new town, keep to your original plan and
stay in the hostel you have decided on. Don't let the taxi
driver persuade you that your hostel is fully booked and that he
knows a cheaper and better one. He'll be working on commission
and the hostel probably won't be in a safe part of town.
11) Even better, when arriving by plane or train in a new city, try to
reserve your hotel in advance, preferably with a hotel that has
an airport/station collection service.
12) Don't wear expensive looking jewelry.
13) On public transport have your day pack close to you at all
times, preferably with the straps around your legs or padlocked
to the luggage rack. On buses your backpack will normally go
outside, either on top of the roof or in the external luggage
compartments. On long distance buses ask for a receipt for your
bags. On short rides just keep a careful eye out each time the
bus stops to off-load bags. In the event of having your bags
stolen, stay with the bus - you will probably require a
declaration from the bus company accepting responsibility for
the loss in order to claim any money from your insurance
company.
14) Leave your valuables in your hotel safe when making day
trips or longer tours. Obtain a receipt not just for your money
belt/wallet etc. but for its contents, with each item listed.
15) If you have to leave your passport and credits cards
together, place the credit card in a sealed envelope and sign
your name across the flap. This way when you return you will
know that nothing has been tampered with.
16) If you visit street markets, crowded streets or festivals don't take all your valuables. Leave them in the hotel. If you're planning on buying something expensive keep your money safely in a money belt. Try to be discreet when opening it! To protect small change in your pockets you can
stuff a handkerchief on top.
17) If the pavements are really crowded, especially in market
areas, walk in the road.
18) If you suspect someone is following you, stop and stare them
in the eye until they go. If you really get a bad feeling about
a place, trust your instincts and leave. Bag slashing is
rare nowadays but for added safety you can wear your day pack on
your chest.
19) If your pack is on your back try to walk without stopping. If you
need to stop, sway your pack gently from side to side so that
you can feel if anyone is tampering with it.
20) When putting your bag down on the floor, to take a photo or
just to sit in a café, remember to put your foot through the
strap. Not only will it be impossible to snatch, you also won't
forget it! This is the most common type of theft - tourists
forgetting bags in cafes and on returning to ask if anyone has
seen it, you've guessed it, it's gone.
Why Not Fly Free. Travel Agent reveals a simple and highly
effective strategy to get free airline tickets, vacations . .
The Travel Secrets Guide.
Just using one of the secrets in this
Travel Secrets Guide could save you hundreds, even thousands, on your next trip
or vacation.
