7 Secrets To Travel Safe On Your Next Vacation

You've got the plane ticket, the hotel reservation, the itinerary. But

have you given any thought or taken any steps to protect your health and

safety? The worst thing that can happen is that you spend your vacation

in a hospital— or bring home a weird, exotic virus that has you

bedridden for weeks.





You also want to avoid theft, mugging, or worst, terrorist attacks. Your

resort may call itself an "island paradise" but let's not be naïve and

assume everyone is as friendly as they look in the brochures.



Be smart. Prepare, make informed decisions, especially if you're

traveling with your family. This vacation is supposed to be fun—and you

can do your part by preventing most disasters.



1. Check Travel Advisories



Your embassy will list places that they recommend "caution" or right-out

tell you to stay away from altogether. This could be because of a tense

political situation, or a low level of security in underdeveloped areas.



But also take advisories with some degree of salt. You can safely

assume that the capitals and major cities of a country will be more

tourist friendly, since governments would've probably taken great

efforts to develop them. The exception, of course, are countries going

through civil war—in which case, read the international newspapers (or

the web-version of their local English paper) to see how bad it really

is.



2. Get Vaccinated



Some viruses that are relatively rare in your country may proliferate in

the climate of another—and you don't have the natural antibodies to

fight them. Get the full range of vaccines (your embassy website will

also recommend which ones you really need, depending on here you want to

go).



3. Bring Medicines and Prescriptions



Ask your doctor for two copies of your prescriptions (carry one in your

wallet, and leave one in your luggage). Also bring enough anti

histamines (for allergies) or any maintenance vitamins or medications.

Asthmatics should carry have a nebulizer—especially since attacks can be

triggered by change in climate or physical exertion (you never know how

much walking you'll be doing during the tour).



4. Never Flaunt Your Valuables



Wearing your Rolex or flashing large amounts of money practically

screams "Rob me!" to the pickpockets. Keep small bills and change in

your belt bag for easy access (these are for entrance fees, cab fares,

snacks). Keep larger bills in a zippered pocket. To be very safe,

divide the money and distribute it among several pockets—at least, even

if you do get robbed, you still have something left.



Another tip: bring only what you need for that day and leave the rest in

the hotel safety deposit box.



5. Travel in Groups



This is unfamiliar land, and you may not even speak the local language.

So stick together (at least divide into pairs), especially at night.



6. Ask the Hotel Receptionist/Travel Agent Which Places to Avoid



Before exploring the area, get a list of places known for its crime

rate, or streets that tend to get dark after a particular hour. Identify

the areas on a map and avoid accordingly.



7. Tell the Hotel Receptionist Where You Are Going



This is very important if you are going skiing, hiking, or

participating in any activity where there is a risk of getting lost or

injured. Name how many people will be in your party and what time they

can expect you. Then, they can alert authorities if you have not

returned.