It is surprising just how often things go wring when you travel, perhaps through unfamiliarity but nevertheless these can be minimized by using some basic tips. Usually these problems could be prevented but may give a false impression of the location you have visited. In some instances it is not uncommon for fear to set in and venturing from the relative safety of the hotel room or resort is out of the question. Your common sense is still the most trusted method of traveling safely so whether you are just walking down a street or dining out, if you feel a situation does not feel right then act accordingly.

Whatever it is you are doing or wherever you are, when you get that feeling that something doesn?t feel right, that is your instinct; learn to listen to it. Before you go out, consider if you actually need all your credit cards, cash, passports and airline tickets because if someone does manage to get hold of them, you will be left with nothing. You should only ever take just what you need for the day and safely store the remainder (essential travel documents and cash) in the room or hotel safe. One tip that has saved many travelers hassle is placing money in various locations so it makes it harder for thieves and pickpockets to get it all at once.

Many couples who have not adopted the travel safely ethos will have 2 credit cards, both accessing the same account; it is much easier to use two cards, each accessing separate accounts so if one is lost or stolen, there is a backup. One simple trick to stop a bag thief is to place the strap over the head and across the chest as opposed to on the shoulder where it is easy to grab. Don?t make it easy for them when you walk around by having bags and other valuable objects attached to straps next to the road where it is a simple matter for thieves on bikes to just grab at or cut the straps with a knife. From a criminal?s point of view, large groups of tourists are just treated as easy targets and because they do this sort of thing all the time, they are extremely good at it.

The truth is we always believe it won?t happen to us because we are too streetwise but it is that arrogance that gets us caught out and these individuals do this every day. Carrying a small backpack can be a good idea as it can be secured with a small padlock which although will not deter the determined thief, will certainly slow down and prevent the majority from trying their luck. Another good idea is to use a hikers (or climbers) small shackle that can be used to safely secure your keys to a belt or bag for those people that frequently lose their keys. A word of warning to those men that always have their wallet in a back pocket; try putting it somewhere else as this is the first place that criminals look and it is an easy target for them. Generally speaking there is no reason why you shouldn?t have a great vacation if you just remember to travel safely, listen to your instincts and act using your common sense.

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