Travelers are prime targets for criminals. Here are some ways to protect yourself at airports, on the road and in your hotel room.
- Keep your eye on your bags—especially a laptop computer or other valuable gear — at all times. Don't let anyone but uniformed airline personnel handle or watch them
- Be wary of mishaps, like someone bumping you or spilling a drink ... they may be staged to set you up for a robbery
- Clutch your pocketbook close to your body or carry your wallet in an inside front pocket ... or wear a concealed money pouch
- Record the contents of checked luggage and carry valuables onto the plane with you
- Don't draw attention to jewelry, cameras or other expensive items
- Study your route on a map before you start
- If using a rental car, make sure it is in good operating condition and learn how to operate all controls before starting out
- Keep maps and rental agreements concealed, and store luggage out of sight in the trunk
- Keep car doors locked and park in lighted areas near entrances
- Have keys ready so you can enter the car quickly ... after checking the back seat and floors
- If bumped by another car, rather than getting out you might want to signal the other driver to follow you to a police station or other place where you would feel safe
- Don't leave your luggage unattended
- Make sure your room has a peephole and deadbolt lock on the door and window locks ... and use them
- Caution hotel personnel against saying your room number within earshot of others
- In case of emergency, know where exits, elevators and public phones are located
- Leave valuables at home or keep them in the hotel safe
- If going out, ask hotel staff about neighborhood safety and areas to avoid
- If someone claiming to be a hotel employee shows up at your door unexpectedly, don't let them in without first calling the front desk for confirmation
- Don't display your room key or leave it where it may get stolen
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