Drink up While You're Up There

You might think that being in the desert and being on an airplane has nothing in common. Though you'd be wrong. Both airplanes and deserts have almost no humidity. Actually in some cases airplanes have even less humidity --- 1% - 10%. So make sure you keep hydrated on your flight. Take advantage of the drink cart when it comes around. If you are not used to flying it might be best to avoid alcoholic drinks since they can cause dehydration. As an extra precaution pack some bottled water.

Safety in Your Hotel

-Keep your hotel door locked at all times. Meet visitors in the lobby. -Do not leave money and other valuables in your hotel room while you are out. Use the hotel safe. -Let someone know when you expect to return if you are out late at night. -If you are alone, do not get on an elevator if there is a suspicious-looking person inside. -Read the fire safety instructions in your hotel room. -Know how to report a fire. Be sure you know where the nearest fire exit and alternate exits are located. -Count the doors between your room and the nearest exit. This could be a life saver if you have to crawl through a smoke-filled corridor.

Cold Hard Cash Facts

Common sense is one thing that shouldn't change no matter what country you are in. True, in some areas you need to up your travel safety security. However, in all countries (including America) there are basic safety practices we should all practice. One way common sense can easily help you avoid harms way is when you're taking out money from an ATM. Cash machines are plentiful all over the world. So avoid taking money out from ATMs in poorly lit areas. Using ATMs located outside the store is also not a great idea. If you do need to take out money late at night go with a group of people instead of going alone.

Aerobics In The Air

If you've never flown before you can compare it to sitting in the movie theater. Imagine sitting through two 3hour movies. That will give you an idea of how your body will feel on the average international trip (give or take a handful of hours.) After getting up from that experience your body might not feel so great. Your muscles might be cramped and have reduced circulation. To help, a lot of airlines offer in-flight exercise tips. These are simple stretching routines you can do in your seat to help reduce discomfort. Usually you can find them in a seat pocket in front of you or on the airline's website. However, due to regulations and safety you should refrain from these exercises until after the flight is done with the take off portion of the journey.

Celebration In Moderation

Teenagers crave freedom. They want to drive by themselves. Be able to drink legally. And above all stay out as late as they want. If they are going to Europe without parental supervision they probably can get away with most of those things. Though, before they go, the one teenage travel safety tip they should understand is --moderation is the key to survival. This isn't something you are telling your kids because you are being a worrisome parent. Going all out, night and day can have a harsh effect on anyone's body – young or old. Especially if they are not used to that “rock star” way of life. Though, like any life lesson it might have to be learned on their own. The only thing you can do is offer your support. Advice. Respect them. And provide them with a phone card to call you if they get into trouble.

Front Desk: 1st With Answers

Hotels are not only just a place to find a warm meal and a bed. They can also be your lifeline to local life. They can recommend restaurants. Where the good shopping is located. They are part of the local community. So it would make sense to think that they would have an idea of what was going on if something happened. So before you venture to a computer or newsstands you might want to go to the front desk. In most cases they usually have people that speak English working the desk to help the tourist/customers. Since they also speak the local language they can serve as a translator. Letting you know what they hear on the radio or tv. If the hotel you're staying at does issue a warning it's probably best to follow what they say. Depending on how severe the incident is they might be receiving instructions from the local authorities to help keep you out of harm's way.

Safety on Public Transportation

If a country has a pattern of tourists travelling internationally being targeted by criminals on public transport, that information is mentioned in the Consular Information Sheets under the "Crime Information" section. Taxis: Only take taxis clearly identified with official markings. Beware of unmarked cabs. Trains: Well organized, systematic robbery of passengers on trains along popular tourists routes is a serious problem. It is more common at night and especially on overnight trains. If you see your way being blocked by a stranger and another person is very close to you from behind, move away. This can happen in the corridor of the train or on the platform or station. Do not accept food or drink from strangers. Criminals have been known to drug food or drink offered to passengers. Criminals may also spray sleeping gas in train compartments. Where possible, lock your compartment. If it cannot be locked securely, take turns sleeping in shifts with your traveling companions. If that is not possible, stay awake. If you must sleep unprotected, tie down your luggage, strap your valuables to you and sleep on top of them as much as possible. Do not be afraid to alert authorities if you feel threatened in any way. Extra police are often assigned to ride trains on routes where crime is a serious problem. Buses: The same type of criminal activity found on trains can be found on public buses on popular tourist routes. For example, tourists have been drugged and robbed while sleeping on buses or in bus stations. In some countries whole bus loads of passengers have been held up and robbed by gangs of bandits.

Let You Agency Be Your Guide

Booking a trip is also the best time to get information. Especially if you are doing it through a travel agency. They can help you with –

• what hotels to stay at


• when you should go


• Where to eat


• What sites to see

And yes international safety travel tips. Your travel agency has a wealth of informative brochures at their disposal. Plus, something you don't have access to – personal stories. They can give you advice based on people they know who have taken your trip. Did what you are about to do. So if you want to know more than just the basic stuff don't be afraid to speak up. Ask questions. It's the only way you'll get answers.

Patterns of Crime Against Motorists

In many places frequented by tourists, including areas of southern Europe, victimization of motorists has been refined to an art. Where it is a problem, U.S. embassies are aware of it and consular officers try to work with local authorities to warn the public about the dangers. In some locations, these efforts at public awareness have paid off, reducing the frequency of incidents & increasing tourist safety. You may also wish to ask your rental car agency for advice on avoiding robbery while visiting tourist destinations. Carjackers and thieves operate at gas stations, parking lots, in city traffic and along the highway. Be suspicious of anyone who hails you or tries to get your attention when you are in or near your car. Criminals use ingenious ploys. They may pose as good Samaritans, offering help for tires that they claim are flat or that they have made flat. Or they may flag down a motorist, ask for assistance, and then steal the rescuer's luggage or car. Usually they work in groups, one person carrying on the pretense while the others rob you. Other criminals get your attention with abuse, either trying to drive you off the road, or causing an "accident" by rear-ending you or creating a "fender bender." In some urban areas, thieves don't waste time on ploys, they simply smash car windows at traffic lights, grab your valuables or your car and get away. In cities around the world, "defensive driving" has come to mean more than avoiding auto accidents; it means keeping an eye out for potentially criminal pedestrians, cyclists and scooter riders.

2nd Hand Can Be A First Hand Problem

Cultures differ from country to country. Even if you are dealing with the same thing there could be two totally different views -- like tobacco. In the states there all kinds of laws and organizations that look to outlaw cigarette smoking. They not only want to prevent the harm it does to the body, but prevent the 2nd hand smoke that can hurt others. In Europe they are a little more relaxed with smoking. It is still popular and allowed in most places. If smoke bothers you then you should keep this in mind when going to restaurants and bars. A smart travel handy hint would be eating in outdoor, spacious areas to minimize your interaction with tobacco smoke.

A Sign Of Things To Come

Signs. In the US you probably don't think much of them, except when you're driving or seeing if you can park in a certain place. When you are in a foreign country, signs can become much more valuable. Especially if you don't speak the language. Signs throughout the world usually offer an English translation. Which is a huge help. Though, to be on the safe side you may want to learn some of those foreign key words you might find on the country's signs like -- bathroom, hotel, train station, airport, etc. Thankfully even if you don't know the word you'll probably be able to figure out the meaning from the sign's symbol.

Travel Assistance Programs and Plans

Deciding what travel insurance to buy, and for how much, can be a daunting process. Here are some factors to consider: Primary elements of travel insurance include trip cancellation insurance, trip interruption insurance, accidental death or dismemberment, medical/dental coverage, transportation to adequate medical facilities, loss of luggage or personal possessions, and protection against the default or bankruptcy of suppliers. Other insurance options can include personal liability coverage for damages, legal defense, repatriation of remains, bad weather and many other contingencies.

Getting Your Point Across

Language can be a problem when traveling. Especially if you don't know it in the country you are staying. To help communicate there are a number of electronic translators and dictionaries that can assist you. However, you already posses a free universal communicating assistant -- your body. Gestures can be a big help in helping people understand you. You can ask for the time by pointing to your wrist. Do a gesture for eating. And of course fingers can be used when dealing with the number stuff -- like money.

1st Hand Help

Remember playing the game telephone as a kid? A bunch of children in a circle each supposedly whispering the same thing in each others ears. Though, by the time it gets back to the beginning person it's not quite the same. If you are traveling internationally the last thing you want is to get your information that way. That's why your home newspaper might not be the best way to go for international travel warnings. It probably won't give you nearly as much detail as you would get from a local newspaper in the country you are staying in. Though, if it's not in your language it doesn't really help. That's why websites like Interpress are extremely helpful. They are like an international version of the associated press. So you can get a first hand account of whatever incident, in your language. You can find this website by going to - www.ips.org

Surf For Safety

The internet can be a place where you can find endless amounts of useless spam-like stuff. It can also be a source for lots of useful information. Valuable tips that won't cost you a dime. If you know where to look you can find information on any topic including travel handy hints. Aside from the government sites the big name websites are the best places to start. Today, almost every good or service on the market has a website. On the site you will find useful information about the product. Plus, usage tips. So start by going to good or service sites directly related to travel – like travel agencies, airlines, etc. Other “not-so-related” companies might offer helpful information like credit cards because they also offer traveler checks. The best part is you can bookmark the sites you visit or print all the tips out to create your very own customized safety guidebook.

Handicap Help

Having a handicap presents enough obstacles in life. Not being able to travel shouldn't be one of them. If you have the will then you can find a way. The only thing you have to really be honest about is what are your limitations. Then all you need to do is find a way to work around them. Probably your best bet is to not travel alone. Go with a friend. Family member. Someone that you trust will be there for you when you really need them. Though, if you want to travel, and not be a burden on any friend or family -- sign up for a tour. There are all kinds of tour groups that specialize in these types of trips. This way you'll get the professional care you need. Plus, you might be able to make some new friends along your journey.

Out Of Country Tips In Country

US plays host to all types of foreign embassies. In most cases a trip to the bookstore would easily suffice instead of a trip to one of these offices. However, you might change your mind if you are going to be staying for a considerable amount of time in a country with a lot of civil unrest. The embassy will offer you a chance to not only get information on VISAs and passports, but also the chance to talk to a citizen of the country. A person, who can fill you in on the safe travel precautions you should take. If you are interested in finding a specific embassy location you can find a listing of all of ‘em at usembassy.state.gov

How to Handle Money Safely

To avoid carrying large amounts of cash, change your travelers' checks only as you need currency. Countersign travelers' checks only in front of the person who will cash them. Do not flash large amounts of money when paying a bill. Make sure your credit card is returned to you after each transaction. Deal only with authorized agents when you exchange money, buy airline tickets or purchase souvenirs. Do not change money on the black market. If your possessions are lost or stolen, report the loss immediately to the local police. Keep a copy of the police report for insurance claims and as an explanation of your plight. After reporting missing items to the police, report the loss or theft of: -travelers' checks to the nearest agent of the issuing company, -credit cards to the issuing company, -airline tickets to the airline or travel agent, -passport to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.