| Traveling should be fun. Staying safe takes little | | | | a street. Do not appear lost. |
| effort - so follow these 16 tips: | | | | 9. Stay on main streets (when you can) that are well |
| 1. Travel with a friend or group. The saying, "there is | | | | lit. |
| safety in numbers," is certainly true. | | | | 10. Carry traveler's checks or credit cards. Try to |
| 2. Get good directions and have an excellent map. | | | | carry as little cash as possible. |
| One of the bigger print ones is my favorite. | | | | 11. Keep important papers at home. Carry only copies |
| 3. Make sure your map is new. Old maps carry | | | | when you can. If you must carry these papers, keep |
| outdated information. | | | | them locked up in the hotel/motel safe. |
| 4. Plan your route and let your friends/family at home | | | | 12. After you check into your room, find the most |
| know where you are going. | | | | direct escape routes in case of fire (or other major |
| 5. Check in frequently by phone. If you don't have a | | | | disasters). |
| cell phone - then purchase a pay as you go phone to | | | | 13. Always keep your door locked in your motel/hotel |
| carry. They are around $30 and well worth the | | | | room. |
| money. | | | | 14. Take a small tissue and stuff it into the peephole. |
| 6. Do not discuss your route with strangers. And be | | | | You can remove it if you wish to see out, and it will |
| very cautious around strangers who seem overly | | | | keep others from looking in. |
| friendly. | | | | 15. If someone is outside your door and you do not |
| 7. If you feel suspicious (about anyone or anything), | | | | know who they are - do not open your door. If they |
| then go with your gut instinct - get away from the | | | | persist outside your door - call motel/hotel security. |
| situation as fast as you. | | | | 16. Do not stay on the ground floor. Especially if you |
| 8. If you get lost, then stop at an open business and | | | | are alone. |
| get directions. Do not ask just anyone you meet on | | | | |