Travel for so-called “baby boomers” (anyone born between 1946 and 1964) is an ever-growing part of the travel industry.  Many ‘seniors’ have retired from a long, successful career and now have the time, the resources, AND the energy to take vacations – on their own, with a partner or, with family.  And, many are in excellent physical condition to take on whatever may come their way throughout their travels!  These people are known as the trend-setting group called “zoomers”…. boomers with ZIP!!

Certainly, as we age, our ‘must haves’ when traveling change considerably from what we would/could endure when we were much younger.  Gone are the days when we could ‘sleep anywhere’ no matter the conditions or noise.  Sleeping on an airport bench or lugging a cumbersome, heavy backpack loses ALL of its appeal….and may be physically impossible in later years.

So, while you still may be in great physical shape, there now are things you need to concern yourself with and travel gear that becomes necessary to ensure your vacation is as stress-free, comfortable and fun as it can be!

For easy-breezy travel as a senior, consider these dozen very useful travel gear options:

1. Lightweight, Rolling Luggage – You really don’t want to be carrying large, heavy pieces of luggage every place you go!  Invest in lightweight luggage that is on rollers for easier transport.  Your back will thank you!  If you learn how to pack lightly and smartly, you might be able to avoid checked luggage (and the fees that come with that!) all together!  If there are two of you, each of you is allowed 2 pieces of carry-on (including carry-on luggage, handbag, computer, etc.).

2. Small Travel Bag – Pack all your necessary medications in one small travel kit. Keep all of your medications in your handbag or other carry-on luggage to ensure it arrives at your vacation spot with you.  Take along enough medication to last the entire trip, plus a little extra in case your trip is delayed by a day or two.

3. Compression Socks – Proper fitting compression socks will help to keep the circulation going in your legs and feet – thrombosis can be very serious.  When you’re on the plane, get up and move around or do some exercises in your seat.  About once an hour – walk up and down the aisle – just ensure you’re not in the aisle when the flight staff have service carts in the aisle – and not when the seatbelt sign is lit.

4. Neck Pillow – If you’ve ever fallen asleep on a plane WITHOUT the benefit of a neck pillow, you know how stiff and sore your neck can get!  A neck pillow makes it much more comfortable to get some rest, maybe even some much-needed sleep, while you’re flying.

5. Folding Cane – These canes fold up to a very compact size and often come with their own storage bag.  No need to worry about tripping other passengers or flight attendants with your cane when they are walking down the airplane aisle.  Simply fold it up and store it in your hand luggage until you need to use it again. Check out the cool colors and designs available.  Canes are not, as my father-in-law insists, for ‘old’ people….(HE’S nearly 98!!) – they are for anyone of ANY age who may need a bit of assistance with their balance.  Don’t be vain….use a cane!

6. Folding Cane with Attached Seat – This may not be quite as compact as a folding cane, but it’s wonderful travel gear to have with you on vacation.  Use it when you’re waiting in a line-up or if you just need a break from walking.  These seats are very durable and designed to hold the weight of an adult.

7. Small Knapsack – Use a small, lightweight knapsack to carry what you need for a day of sightseeing, shopping or other vacation activities.  No need to leave behind items that you’ll be using throughout the day – water, camera, rain jacket/sweater, snacks, etc.  And you’ll have something in which to carry back all those adorable souvenirs you’re sure to find!  Just make sure the bag isn’t so heavy that it will hurt your back or shoulders.  If there are two of you, why not take 2 small knapsacks and distribute the weight.

8. Cross Body Bag – If you have a bad back or simply don’t want to use a knapsack, opt for a cross body bag that will hold all your day’s needs without weighing a ton!  A cross body bag also allows for easier access to your items than does a knapsack and is always within eyesight.

9. Attachable Eyeglass Case – One of these can be snapped on to your belt, handbag or carry-on luggage.  Your glasses will be at your fingertips when you need them….and they will be much less likely to be lost or left behind.

10. TSA Approved Luggage Locks – Secure your luggage with some TSA Approved locks. These locks have big dials for fingers that aren't so nimble and the numbers are easy to read. They also let you know when the TSA have searched your bag. The indicator turns red when the lock has been unlocked using the TSA master key.

11. Magnifying Glass with Attached Light – Restaurants can be dimly lit making it difficult to read the menu.  And, it seems the print on menus gets smaller and smaller as the years go by  You could also use this handy travel gear item to find the keyhole to access your hotel room or your ship’s cabin – if an entry key is used rather than a key card.

12. RFID Money Belt or Neck Stash – Even though you’re on vacation, try not to let your appearance scream “Tourist!”  as this may make you more susceptible to muggers and pickpockets and other nasty people that we all want to steer clear of!  Carry your important documents such as ID, passport, credit card, tickets, extra cash in one of these belts/neck stashes which can be carried discreetly under a jacket or shirt.  Keep handy (in your pocket/handbag) only the cash you may need for the day and store the rest of it in your money belt or neck stash, or, leave it in the hotel or ship’s safe.

In addition to the items mentioned above, here are a few more suggestions to make your vacation go smoothly:

• Comfortable Walking Shoes – A pair of comfy shoes really is one of THE most important items you need for ANY vacation.  If you end up with blisters after a day of sightseeing – it certainly can put a damper on your vacation’s activities for at least the next day.  When packing your travel gear, toss in some moleskin or bandages – just in case.

• Refillable Water Bottle – Fill up your water bottle once you have cleared security at the airport to keep yourself hydrated on the plane.  Purchasing water at the airport every time you travel can get pricey….and water service once on the plane, doesn’t come nearly often enough to keep you as hydrated as you should be.  Use your refillable bottle throughout your vacation as you sightsee, hike, and take part in other activities.

• Prescription for Medications – It’s a good idea to carry your prescription for all medications with you when you travel.  Have your prescription available to show to security personnel to diminish the chances of your medicines being confiscated at an airport or border crossing.  And, if you should lose or inadvertently spill your medications, you may be able to get your prescription refilled if absolutely necessary.  Of course, this will depend upon where your vacation takes you in the world.

• Prescription for Eyeglasses – If you break or lose your glasses – you’ll want to have your prescription with you to expedite a replacement.  Even if you don’t understand the language for the items listed on the menu in Thailand….. you at least should be able to SEE the items listed on the menu

• Inclusive Travel Insurance – Do your homework when it comes to choosing your travel insurance.  You may need to shop for coverage that includes pre-existing medical conditions and/or trip interruption in the event you need to cut your trip short for any reason.  Ask questions and read the fine print carefully to ensure you are getting the coverage you want.
• Reserve a Wheelchair – If using a wheelchair at the airport will make it easier for you to get where you need to go – be certain that you book one in advance with the airline so that one will be available when you get there.  Some cruise ships have wheelchairs available only for embarking and debarking and are on a first-come-first-served basis.  If you require a wheelchair throughout the cruise, however, you will need to bring your own with you.  Let the cruise line know at the time of booking that you will be using a wheelchair as most cruise ships have cabins which are designed to accommodate guests with limited mobility.

You’re only as old as you feel!  Don’t allow an arbitrary number to keep you from exploring our beautiful planet!

Written by Emma Ghattas

I give up…You are the most difficult person to buy a present for!

Stumped with what to buy for that discerning traveler in your life this Christmas? Before you consult a Magic 8 ball, we’ve researched and found 14 travel gifts that may be among those the recipient actually uses…again and again.

Gifts for the Traveler Who Puts Safety First

From prying hands sifting through checked baggage to identity theft to a dead cell phone, even a savvy traveler can get caught off guard. Give the risk-averse traveler peace of mind with these gift ideas.

1. The World’s Lightest Carry On

The best ways to avoid baggage stress are to carry on and to travel light. Why not use baggage that’s streamlined, too? This 20-inch, four-wheeled spinning carry-on weighs in at only 4 pounds (66% less than most 20-inch bags).  Balancing form and function, The World’s Lightest Carry On features classic good looks and sturdiness (the luggage must pass 6 separate durability tests before being sold).

2. Tarriss RFID Anti-theft Neck Wallet

Prevent illegal scanning of RFID credit cards and passports with the RFID Blocking Neck Stash. RFID Blocking Technology uses top-quality electromagnetically opaque shielding to block RFID signals from all standard North American credit cards and passports. Made of soft fabric and sturdy nylon, with three separate compartments and adjustable strap, the light and comfy RFID Neck Stash can be worn around the neck, in front of the body or across the body, and above or below clothing. Easily convert the RFID Neck Stash into a compact RFID Blocking Travel Wallet. Not only for travelers, buy a neck stash for family and friends to protect them from identity theft every day.

3. Brita Premium Filtering Water Bottle

This water bottle will not only replaces 1800 plastic waters, making it better on the environment, but it also produces great tasting water! Perfect for the traveler who is environmentally conscious and wants to stay hydrated where ever they travel. 

4. The Hand Crank Emergency Cell Phone Charger

A hand crank charger offers extra protection for the traveler who wants to be sure he can make that all-important phone call or text when his phone is out of juice or when power is simply not available. This backup battery with charger turns one minute of hand cranking into four minutes of emergency power for a mobile phone. Features a 2,000 mAH lithium-ion battery which recharges fully in 2 1/2-hours from a USB connection to most computers or USB AC adapters using the included cable. Compatible with all devices that use a USB connector, including all iPhone models, iPod models, and all Android devices.

5. Tarriss TSA Luggage Lock with SearchAlert®

The newly designed TSA Luggage Lock with Search Alert from Tarriss makes the perfect gift for the traveler who frets about keeping luggage safe. This cable lock is notably wider and shorter than the older model. The lock’s numbered tumblers are also wider and larger than the previous design and feature large, easy-to-read white numbers set against a flat black background; even in dim lighting, the numbers will show. A Search Alert indicator changes color to alert you that the TSA has opened your lock. A large push button opens the lock after dialling the combination. Relock without setting your lock to its combination.

6. Jetsetter Digital Luggage Scale

For those times when it’s difficult to travel light, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Any traveler is sorry when they have to hand over their holiday money to pay for excess baggage fees. Weigh your luggage before you leave home and know that your bags are below the baggage limit. This light weight and compact digital scale can slip into your bag so you can use it on the way home too!

7. Tarriss LessLost Customizable Luggage Tags

Do whatever you can to make sure your luggage arrives with you at your destination.  A highly visible Luggage Tag is a must-have travel accessory.  If your luggage should go astray and arrive at a destination not of your own choosing, having an ID tag attached will make it easier for the airline to bring the two of you together again….oh, happy day!

Gifts for the Traveler Who Loves Gadgets

Always equipped with the latest technology, it’s difficult to keep pace with gadget lovers. The following gifts may be less likely to end up buried in a closet.

8. The Cell Phone Camera Lens Kit

For the traveler who wants to get creative when they travel. This handy lens kit can replace that bulky SLR camera for all the wide angle or zoom shoots they want to take. And they will save room in their luggage as this kit is super portable.

9. EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter

A practical gift for the world traveler, this gadget adapts to plug outlets in over 150 countries worldwide. Comes with 4 USB Ports, 1 USB TYPE C and 1 AC Socket and fits most 110- or 240-volt outlets used in Europe, Africa, Asia, the Americas and Caribbean, and Australia. The adapter can charge 6 devices simultaneously with high speed.

Gifts for the Fastidious Traveler

For a bona fide fastidious person, the vacuum cleaners and blenders of this world are often welcomed as gifts. Beware: the equipment better do what it claims because perfectionists will test, analyze and find fault with even the “best of the best.” While unromantic in every way, one of these gifts might please the Felix Unger or Monica Geller in your life.

10. The Traveler’s Germ Eliminating UV Wand

Worry no more about MRSA, H1N1, and E-coli when touching that hotel door knob, headboard or TV remote. This alternative to alcohol sanitizer is also good for anyone allergic to mold and dust mites. The 10″-long wand kills all of the above offenders (up to 99.9% of germs) using safe UV-C light—the same disinfecting method hospitals use. Just hold the wand over a surface for 30-60 seconds, and the UV-C light destroys the DNA of microorganisms.  Disinfect surfaces everywhere-from light switches to head rests. Sanitize without harsh chemicals, and feel confident against bugs.

11. The Two-Person Sandless Beach Mat

Originally designed for military use to contain sand and dust when helicopters take off and land, even Adrian Monk would be hard pressed to fault-find: it’s impossible to cover this 36’ sq. mat with sand. The mat’s two layers of patented woven polyurethane filter sand as soon as it falls on its surface. And…the mat also eliminates dirt, dust and water from its surface. The mat won’t absorb moisture, either, preventing mold and mildew. Fold and store mat in travel bag (included). A Christmas gift likely to please anyone tormented by dirt.

12. Jiffy ESTEAM Handheld Travel Steamer

For the traveler set on de-wrinkling garments with neither fuss nor iron nor ever removing clothes from their hangers, a Jiffy steamer is the answer. Compact, lightweight, and easily packed into a suitcase, the Jiffy works so well during travel, it might just replace the traditional steam iron at home, too. Use on fabrics from delicates to business suits. Touch up dress shirts in a flash. Equipped with a nice, long cord, Jiffy heats up,  starts steaming in minutes, and works well with distilled or tap water. Fill her up, and get enough steam to press several items of clothing. The average iron spits up so much water, it needs a bib. Not so with the Jiffy.

13. Microfiber Towels

This MicroFiber 3 pack is unlike the average microfiber towel. For the traveler (swimmer, yoga lover, car detailer, you name it), there are few things about this travel gear not to like. A cinch to pack, the towel compresses to 1/8 of its full size, which is equal to or larger than a full-size beach towel. Four times as fast to dry and incredibly thirsty (absorbs six times more water than other microfiber towels), you’d think this one could take on the Pacific. Its anti-bacterial zinc oxide coating is the towel’s crowning achievement (goodbye, old towel smell), and it’s gentle and safe for skin. Order and get an extra 15″x 15″ Sport Towel and a durable Mesh Bag. Joan Crawford would surely approve.

14. TAB Seatback Organizer: Messenger

A dream come true for travelers who like things neat and in place. A tickler for short-term memory, the Messenger style “Never Forget” TAB seatback organizer offers just enough extra real estate to have everything you need at your seat. The organizer fits inside a seatback pocket or hangs from a plane tray table. A SmartFlap stores large smartphones, and the PLUS feature reminds the traveler to take TAB when deplaning. Includes two insert bags for small essentials, a separated tablet area, two SnapStraps to attach to tray table legs, a headphone hook, and 60″ adjustable cross-body strap. Can be used as an everyday bag—not just for travel.

Still not sure if any of these 14 travel gear gifts idea would suit the traveler in your life? Be sure to click on their links to discover other unusual gifts–which would likely beat that snowman-making kit with plastic pipe and nose you gave ‘em last year. Let the holiday shopping begin!

Written by Katie Anton

Thanksgiving travel—and everything that can go wrong with it—brings to mind the John Hughes’ 1987 film, Planes, Trains, and Automobiles. Unlikely travel companions Neal Page and Del Griffith may never get home for Thanksgiving. They get bumped. They get delayed. They’re robbed of all cash and forced to use plastic to pay their travel expenses—until Neil’s Diner’s Club card catches on fire in a burning car (originally rented by Del with Neal’s plastic, of course).

Although your Thanksgiving travel is unlikely to bring you the hassles and hardships experienced by Neal and Del, there’s a chance that things won’t go as you’d originally planned. Read on for 25 tips on how to survive travel delays and hassles and how to keep yourself and your luggage safe.

25 Travel Tips to Survive Holiday Travel

1. Travel low key. Leave the expensive jewelry at home. Don’t be flashy. Also, part of being low key is blending in. If you’re visiting a destination for the first time, study ahead of time what to wear and what not to for various situations and venues.

2. Be alert to your surroundings. Plenty of crimes happen in broad daylight, even when you are paying attention. If you’re distracted, you will stand out and make yourself more vulnerable. Talking on the phone using earbuds at 2:30 a.m. while meandering along a dimly lit area is not advised. Change your behavior at night (same as you would in your hometown after dark) and don’t get lost in your head.

3. Beware of transition points in airports. Transition points in airports are favored spots for thieves because their victims tend to be distracted, turned around, and often at their most vulnerable. Talk about an easy score. Watch out at baggage claim areas, ticket counters, on escalators, and at other transition points.

Be extra cautious when at airport transition points

4. Put luggage tags and ownership information on your luggage. At the very least, make a giant X or something on your luggage so it stands out once it’s thrown on that carousel.  Fluorescent duct tape makes a perfect X.

Tarriss Customizable Luggage Tags

5. Keep all belongings in front of you in your field of vision when riding on escalators.  Use any small bag that you can wear in front of you cross-body.

6. Wear a small bag over or underneath your clothes. Think of it as your secret hidden stash. You might try the RFID neck wallet or money belt worn under the clothes will keep your items safe even when you sleep.

Hide your essentials in a neck stash or money belt

7. Use a phoney wallet. We’ve written before about carrying a dummy wallet (as a decoy) while carrying a real wallet. This is one way to outsmart and get rid of a pickpocket. Place a few expired cards in the decoy wallet and a few bills of low value. Limit what you carry on your person.  An RFID credit card sleeve and an RFID money belt are good alternatives which remove the wallet from the equation, not to mention protect your identity.

8. Bring a three-foot extension cord with multiple heads on it so your electronics are always charged.  Today, almost everyone carries a mobile phone for safety and convenience, so be sure you keep it charged. The beauty of this extension cord is that you can charge multiple items at one time when there are few plugs to spare.

9. Take a photo of where you parked in the garage at the airport. You have enough to remember as it is.  Another plus: you’ll exude confidence as you walk to your car since you’ll know where it’s parked. People who wander aimlessly around parking garages are easy targets for theft and other crimes.

Know where your car is parked by taking a photo

10. Program your airline’s phone number into your phone. It’s a good idea since your flight could get canceled. Stand in line with the other travelers, but know that you’ll probably get quicker service if you phone the airline. The people standing in front of you will likely still be waiting there long after you’ve been reassigned a new flight.

11. Be nice to hospitality workers on all levels; those with power can ding you badly in your travels. It’s depressing that the holidays tend to bring out aggression in some travelers. Respect the gate agent at the airport. Be patient with the front desk clerk. Be kind to the bus driver. If you have a complaint and need to get a supervisor, you’ll probably get to the manager sooner if you respect the people on the front lines.

12. Travel light. Although traveling light and carrying on is not always possible during the holiday season, you might find a good shipping company and ship ahead to your destination what you’d otherwise check with the airline or schlep on the train or bus. There’s always a chance your luggage could get lost and end up in any number of places: remember that, and you might just ship the big things ahead of time and carry on this holiday season. Wrap any gifts at your destination. Better yet, keep it simple and lightweight and give cash or gift cards this year.

13. Lock your luggage. TSA-approved luggage locks with SearchAlert can bring extra peace of mind; plus, the airport security staff can’t just snip it off and leave your baggage unlocked. The Search Alert feature lets you know if an agent has gone through your suitcase.

Use a TSA lock with SearchAlert function

14. Store small valuables (such as jewelry) in a clear bag, and announce to the TSA agent that you are putting it through security when you put it on the belt. By drawing attention to your valuables for the brief time that they are out of your hands, you will send a message to security — and potential airport thieves — that you have an eye on them. Del Griffith would certainly draw attention to his shower curtain rings.

15. Get a Kensington lock to secure your laptop. Of course, it’s best not to even bring your laptop, but sometimes you have no choice. Also, don’t carry your laptop in a case that’s intended for a laptop, which will signal thieves.

16. If you nap on the plane, train, bus, or whatever, make sure your belongings are secured. This is especially true if you’re traveling solo. Wearing your belongings underneath clothing is particularly wise for the traveler who sleeps like a log.

17. If you sleep in the airport, make yourself as comfortable as you can. You might have a layover. You might not find it worthwhile to pay for a hotel room. Thus, you decide to bunk in the airport. You probably won’t get the best sleep since lights, noise, and other things will distract you. Plus, you’ll be sleeping with one eye open and on guard for the safety of yourself and your belongings. You might get a series of naps but probably not very restful sleep.

Samsonite Eye Mask with Ear Plugs | Source: Samsonite.com

Be sure to bring a small blanket, ear plugs, and an eye mask. Turn your cell phone alarm to the vibrate setting and put it in your pocket. You might spread yourself across two seats. Failing that, you could try asking the airport staff for a fold-out cot. A cot will be much more comfortable than the floor. Wedge the cot in a quiet spot, stash whatever belongings you have on your person, and try to catch a few winks. Also, ask for a blanket since it will be chilly at the airport.

18. Turn to the airport’s security staff if you sleep in the airport. Security staff should know that sometimes travel doesn’t go as planned, and some people may arrive in airports at 11 p.m. and can be stuck there until 5 a.m. because nothing else is really practical. Well, chances are, security will point you in the direction of the safer spots to sleep, like a spot that is equipped with a camera. The security officer probably knows of other travelers who are staying overnight at the airport. The officer might direct you to sleep near those people; nevertheless, don’t let your guard down completely.

19. If you sleep at the airport, make sure you find out if you can leave your luggage overnight and retrieve your things from baggage claim the next morning. You might sleep near the baggage claim area since unattended luggage could mean your belongings will wander off. If you’re afraid your belongings will end up in a warehouse or something, you’ll have to keep your belongings with you somehow—a good reason to carry on and keep things light.

20. Airport sleepers, visit the website sleepinginairports.com to see how your airport rates for spending the night. Before the events of 911, airports in the United States had baggage lockers for this kind of situation. Not so these days in most American airports since someone could put a bomb in the lockers or something. However, you should research since your airport may have these lockers. Also, if you’re in a European airport, you might find a baggage locker.

21. Stay safe in train and bus stations. Del Griffith knew how to make the most of a bus station. Always selling, Del managed to unload $100 worth of shower curtain rings while awaiting his bus.

Train and bus stations, especially the latter, are often located in transient, higher-crime parts of town. They can range from mildly unpleasant to terrifying. The best way to protect yourself and your belongings is to be aware of what’s happening around you. Stay off your smartphone, the ultimate modern-day distraction that has made people sitting ducks for criminals.

Stay off your smartphones

22. As for your personal safety in train and bus stations, abide by your gut. Don’t be overly concerned with “hurting the feelings” of strangers. Make assertive statements, and do it loudly. Also, you might carry pepper spray; use grizzy spray to get further range than ordinary pepper spray. If you’re considering pepper spray, make sure it’s legal and know how to use it.

23. If you’re traveling by train, the good news is that most train stations have lockers where you can store your belongings for a few dollars. You might have a long wait between trains, and securing your valuables will help you relax. Remember that train stations, like bus stations, are a prime location where thieves conduct their business, so beware.

24. When riding the bus or train, remember that thieves hide in plain sight. A fellow passenger might get off at the next stop–with your things. Rather than using the luggage rack, which is never big enough anyway, use your luggage as a footrest.  If you loop the strap of your luggage around your foot, it would take effort for a thief to get at it, and thieves prefer the easy scores. Try to pack light so you’ll be free to take your belongings with you if you want to get up and walk around.

25. Get travel insurance if you decide to travel with anything valuable.  The practical, buttoned-down Neal Page would give you his blessing.

When you travel this Thanksgiving, plan to watch the film Planes, Trains, and Automobiles at your destination if you can. Follow our tips, and at least you won’t have to live it.

Written by Katie Anton

“A Weekend in New England Las Vegas”

Needless to say, these would be two TOTALLY different travel experiences requiring you to pack totally different items in your travel gear!  So….what DO you pack for a weekend in Las Vegas?

Are you traveling to Vegas in the heat of the summer or for New Year’s Eve?  Depending on the time of year you go and….your age…., packing for a weekend in Las Vegas may be as simple as a bikini, high heels, and a little black dress!

No matter when you are planning your Las Vegas weekend, there are some essential items you will want to make sure to pack to make your Vegas weekend complete.

MUST-HAVES to Pack for a Vegas Weekend

1. Valid ID to prove you are at least 21 years old – trust me…they WILL check!
2. Jacket/sweater for chilly evenings – it may be sun, sun, sun during the day…but once it’s gone – it’s GONE, and the blistering heat can set along with the sun, making it feel quite cool by contrast.  Even 70F will feel cool after a day of well over 100F temperatures!  Evenings during the winter months will dip into the 40F range – definitely “Jacket required” temperatures!
3. A good pair of walking shoes – Vegas usually requires a good deal of walking, so packing a pair of comfy shoes is a must.  You’ll likely spot girls hobbling barefoot on the Strip because walking around all night in their fabulous-looking stilettos has resulted in blisters and their feet are killing them!  Vending machines sell fold up ballet-type slippers to quiet ‘barking dogs’!
4. Sunscreen – no matter when you go, protect your skin by applying sunscreen liberally and often.
5. Sunglasses, and a hat, cap, or visor – unless you LIKE crows’ feet, a hat and sunglasses are your friends in the desert heat and sun.
6. Collapsible Water Bottle – it’s always good to have water on hand when you suddenly realize that you’ve had 1 too many margaritas or just too much sun. Having a collapsible one makes it super easy to throw in your bag before you leave the hotel.

   

   Nomader Collapsible Water Bottle - Source: Amazon.com

7. Aspirin or Tylenol – for that morning after headache.  In fact, if you take one before you sleep, it will go a long way to alleviate the effects of your night (or day) out!
8. A luggage scale – because you know you are going to shop, right? So many of the hotels have such terrific shopping malls built right in, it will be hard to resist. Don’t get caught with overweight bags on your way home ….a MUST-HAVE for a successful weekend in Vegas!

   

   Jetsetter Digital Luggage Scale

9. Travel Wallet – when you want something small but with lots of pockets and versatility, the Tarriss Neck Wallet is perfect. Wear it crossbody, hidden under your clothes or trifold it in your pocket, it’s perfect travel wallet to protect your chip enabled cards when you are roaming the Vegas strip.
   

   

   Tarriss Crossbody Trifold Wallet

10. TSA luggage lock – undoubtedly you and your ‘girls’ will do some shopping while in Vegas.  Ensure that your luggage, containing all of your new purchases, is securely locked with a TSA luggage lock to get them home safely. In fact, a TSA luggage lock is a good idea for all of your luggage whether you do any shopping or not.

Carry enough cold, hard cash for cabs or bus fare (AND gambling – it’s Vegas after all). Also, be advised that cabs are not allowed to stop on the Strip and pick up fares, only at designated cab pick-up areas which you’ll find at each resort casino.

Written by Emma Ghattas



No matter if they’ve been ‘naughty or nice’ this year, your friends and family who love to travel are easy to please when it comes to stuffing their Christmas stocking to overflowing!  There is always something new and useful for them coming into the marketplace. ‘Stock’ up on stocking stuffers that include any sort of travel gear and/or travel accessories.  As long as your gift is compact, light, and inexpensive (so you can buy a variety :-), your globetrotting recipient will be ever so delighted!

To show you just how simple it is to choose some incredible stocking stuffers, here is a list of 15 gifts that any traveler will be excited to add to their travel gear and try out on their next far-flung adventure.

1. FitKit

Lounging on an exotic beach or poolside on your Caribbean cruise is a great way to unwind.  Such a vacation, fabulous as it would be, could wreak a little havoc with your exercise routine.  This handy and compact set of fitness items (a jump rope, resistance band, and other useful items) that you can use anywhere….on the beach, in your hotel room….will help to offset your idle hours catching rays and sipping fruity cocktails.

2. Bottle protector

For the oenophile on your gift list, a wine bottle carrier or protector is a wonderful idea.  With one (or more) of these, your traveler can pack safely and bring home a bottle of that lovely wine they sampled in the Tuscan vineyard. Just make sure they crack open a bottle to share with you when they invite you over and bring out their travel photos. And, inevitably they will….yawn

3. Digital luggage scale

It’s annoying (and expensive) to find out at the airport that your luggage is overweight!  With the Jetsetter Digital Luggage Scale, you’ll know exactly what your luggage weighs before you leave home.  Leave yourself some ‘wiggle room’ to add souvenirs from your vacation destination and still keep within the allotted weight restriction for the flight home.

4. iPhone telephoto lens

Most travelers now use their smartphones to take photos.  Mix things up a bit in your picture taking by snapping a telephoto lens over your iPhone camera lens. It even comes with a mini-tripod.  A very cool gift for the aspiring photographer on your gift list.

5. Teeny travel book light

Overhead lights on the plane may be annoying for fellow passengers when they are trying to sleep.  Or, if your bedmate is zonked out but you want to read in bed, one of these little numbers just may be the cat’s meow to keep everyone happy.

6. SleepPhone

No earbuds or headphones required!  Play soothing music or listen to white noise when you need to rest or wish to relax.  Ideal for travel. Using this item won’t disturb the person next to you the way most headphones tend to.

7. Fleece travel blanket

Airplanes are often chilly and the supply of blankets provided by airlines always seems to run out just before the flight attendant reaches your seat.  Foiled again by Murphy’s Law!  Be proactive and pack your own warmth.  A most welcome gift for any traveler.

8. Eye mask with earplugs

Unless you’ve shelled out for a first class ticket that comes with a comfy bed, falling to sleep on a plane is seldom easy.  An eye mask with earplugs may help by blocking out light and minimizing surrounding noises.  Perfect for long-haul flights and/or if your hotel room is in a busy part of town.

9. TSA luggage locks with SearchAlert®

All stocking stuffer recipients will love to find a set of these to lock up their luggage safely and securely.  These locks can be opened easily by TSA agents if they need to inspect checked luggage.

10. Worldwide power adapter

The international traveler on your stocking stuffer list will thank you again and again for one of these adapters that will keep their electronics from being ‘fried’ when they plug into an outlet with a different voltage from what is at home.

11. Luggage strap

Wrap your luggage with a luggage strap to keep it more secure in transit.  If the zipper has been broken, a luggage strap will prevent your ‘unmentionables’ being spilled onto the Baggage Claim carousel for all the world to see (well, at least those people who are standing near the carousel

12. Faraday Cage

A GoDark Bag is a Faraday cage for your mobile devices. Stop hackers and location trackers from accessing your personal data. Blocks all cell, Bluetooth, GSP and wifi signals and is perfect for that family member that can’t put their phone down during Christmas dinner. Simply put their phone in the bag and it won’t receive any incoming signals until the phone is out of the bag. Now isn’t that a gift for the whole family? 

13. Tarriss Customizable Luggage Tags

Do whatever you can to make sure your luggage arrives with you to your destination.  A highly visible Luggage Tag is a must-have travel accessory.  If your luggage should go astray and arrive at a destination not of your own choosing, having an ID tag attached will make it easier for the airline to bring the two of you together again….oh, happy day!

14. RFID Blocking Passport Holder

Think of it as your secret hidden stash. You might try the RFID Neck Stash or Money Belt worn under the clothes to keep your items safe even when you sleep. Avoid ‘flashing cash’ in public, and stay organized as you travel.  Your cash, credit cards, and passport can be ensconced safely either around your waist or neck when you choose to protect yourself with an RFID Travel Wallet from Tarriss.

15. Travel bottles

If you want to travel with only carry-on luggage, the size and quantity of liquids and gels you can pack is restricted.  Transparent, plastic bottles, like GoToobs, are within regulation size are the answer.  Pack them in a clear one-quart plastic bag and place them in the tray when clearing security.  Use them in your checked luggage as well.

See how easy it is to find something for the traveler on your list?  Don’t you wish all the people on your gift list were so easy to shop for?  Admit it…travelers are special Now get stuffing!

Written by Emma Ghattas

If you, or the ones you love, are bitten by the travel bug, you know that travel can be fun, adventurous, stimulating, educational, and mind-broadening.  You also know that travel safety plays a key role in making it all of these things.  If you don’t feel that you and your belongings are secure, then travel won’t be nearly so much fun as it could be.

Any time of year is a good time to give travel safety gifts to your kids, parents, siblings, or friends who are off on an adventure.  At this time of year, though, when you’re wracking your brain for ideas for Christmas gifts…ones that actually will be appreciated and used…we’ll give you a few ideas that will make you the ‘thoughtful and caring’ one to those on the receiving end of a travel safety item in their stocking or under the tree this Christmas.

Christmas Gifts That Aid Travel Safety

1. Hidden Money Belt

In previous articles, we’ve advised against ‘flashing cash’ in public. This advice is especially prudent when you’re traveling.  Flashing cash can be an open invitation to pickpockets and other thieves, who know all too well how to separate you from your hard-earned cash and other valuables.  A good rule of travel safety is to use a money belt to stow your extra cash or credit cards.  A money belt lies flat against your body, around your waist, so it is not visible to prying eyes.  What a great Christmas gift for the safety conscious traveler…and that should be all of us!

2. Neck Stash 

Instead of, or in addition to, a hidden money belt, the neck stash is another great gift that will provide the traveler with peace of mind while they are out and about.  Your cash, credit cards, and passport can be ensconced safely inside a neck stash which then hangs conveniently around your neck and is stuffed under your shirt.  A neck stash makes you less of a target for a ‘grab and go’ thief than does a handbag slung over your shoulder or, worse, a wallet carried in your back pocket.

3. RFID-blocking Passport & Credit Card Sleeves

They’ll love you for this one! Get them RFID-blocking sleeves in which they can store their credit cards and/or passport.  There are readers out there that can be used to skim information from your credit cards and passport – and you won’t feel a thing…until later!  Your identity can be stolen and a fake passport or counterfeit credit card produced using your personal information.  This is definitely an inconvenience for you, but also can be a nightmare as you fight your way through all the red tape, paperwork, and phone calls it will take to fix this, not to mention the valuable time you will spend to get your identity back. Certainly not the way you want to spend your vacation!

4. TSA Safety Locks with SearchAlert

What a great travel accessory and Christmas gift idea!  Most times TSA agents put a card into your luggage to indicate they’ve searched it….sometimes they don’t.  A TSA safety lock with SearchAlert will allow TSA agents to open and search your luggage but, with SearchAlert, you will know that someone has been through your things – whether they leave a card or not – as the indicator changes from red to green when the lock has been opened.

5. Colorful Luggage Tags

Another great gift idea! This gift will protect your identity from prying eyes and will help the airline find you more easily if your luggage is lost. These colorful luggage tags will also help you easily spot your luggage as it tumbles onto the conveyor belt. You can even personalize these tags with a picture of your pet or a funny message. Wouldn't you love to find these in your stocking Christmas morning?

6. VPN

This stands for ‘Virtual Private Network’. A Christmas gift that is sure to be greatly appreciated – you can sign up your loved one for a service that will provide public wi-fi/hotspot protection while they travel. If they use public wifi without it, their computer security may be compromised, allowing a hacker to access important personal details such as banking information. With a VPN, your computer is connected to a secure server, and any activity on your computer is encrypted, making it very difficult to be hacked by would-be thieves.

7. Travel Insurance

Things can happen that you aren’t expecting.  Something as innocuous as a sprained ankle can turn into a major expense if you don’t have the proper travel insurance in place before you leave home.  You can imagine, then, how much more expensive a more serious injury could be! What if someone at home becomes seriously ill while you’re away and you need to return mid-trip?  A wonderful Christmas gift idea for your loved one would be a monetary amount ear-tagged just for travel insurance.  That should give them the ‘warm and fuzzies’

8. Safety Whistle

This would be a welcome little addition to any safety conscious traveler’s Christmas stocking!  Hopefully, they’ll never need it….but you just never know, right?  Better to have it and not need it than to be in a situation where they wish they had a whistle to attract attention and they don’t.

9. Travel Scarf

A scarf that contains a secret zip-up pocket to store your passport, phone, credit cards, cash and hotel key? Now that’s a great Christmas gift idea – for both the ladies and the gents on your list (they come in unisex styles). You can get a light-weight one if they are traveling to the tropics or a heavier one for colder climes.  Now they can enjoy a little ‘hands-free’ time instead of toting a handbag or knapsack.

10. International Calling Card

Or a roaming cellular service that allows your loved one to ‘call home’.  This may be more for your own peace of mind rather than for travel safety on the part of the traveler

Travel tips:

• Consider separating your cash and credit cards when you travel.  Carry some cash and a credit card in a money belt perhaps, and another portion of it in a neck stash.
• Carry with you the contact information for the local American embassy or consulate – in English and in the local language.
• Always be aware of your surroundings. Don’t be so absorbed checking your cell phone or chatting with your travel mate that you suddenly find yourself in a less than desirable situation.

Written by Emma Ghattas

Traveling anytime can be pretty stressful and if you are flying somewhere this Thanksgiving weekend there can be a lot to be anxious about. Crowds, flight delays – just to name a few, top that with flying anxiety and you are going to wish you stayed home. Thankfully there are things you can do to help prepare yourself so you can enjoy the holidays instead of stressing about them.

Checked Baggage

* updated September  2019

Carry-on Baggage

* updated September 2019

You are all ready for your vacation, you have double checked everything and triple checked the weight of your bags. So what’s the deal when you get to the airline and the airline scale reads 5lbs over?

This scenario is actually very common, just google “are airlines scales accurate”. The sad truth is many airline scales are not very accurate. In fact, they are only calibrated once a year so it’s understandable that airlines scale may not match your handy luggage scale. Even if you weigh your bags at home on a luggage scale or bathroom scale, and you don’t leave yourself a 5lb buffer you could face an embarrassing public luggage repacking or worse – paying the excessively high overweight baggage fees.

What can you do?

1. Make sure to give your bag a buffer of 5lbs from the reading on the luggage scale.
2. You can ask nicely to have your bag weighed on a different scale.
3. Pack a foldable bag that you can throw a few items in from your luggage.

A digital luggage scale is going to become your new best friend

With many airlines, like United, now offering a new fare option called Basic Economy Class, a digital luggage scale will definitely be your new best friend. Basic Economy doesn’t include a carry-on bag, you are only allowed a personal item that fits under the seat in front of you. With no chance of slipping an extra bag overhead, you will have to pay for your bag to be checked. If your luggage is over the weight limit all that cash you saved on your fare will get eaten up with excess baggage fees. Not a great way to start a vacation.

So next time you are heading to the airport make sure to leave that 5lbs weight buffer. Also, you may want to bring your scale with you just in case there is a discrepancy and to use on your way home.

Happy Travels!

Before 2008 crossing the border into the United States was easy peasy. In fact, all a Canadian needed was to show a driver’s license as proof of citizenship! To tighten border security the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative was passed and travelers had to have a valid passport to enter the United States regardless of where they were from.

Fast forward to today and security has tightened even more and a conversation with a border officer could look like this:

Border officer: (Flashing a badge) I’m not here to interrogate you. We’re gonna let you into the United States. This is just a formality. Let me see your passport. I’m interested in your travels.

Hmm.  Geneva, Switzerland.

Canberra, Australia.

Islamabad, Pakistan.

Pakistan? What were you doing in Pakistan?

Traveler: For one year, I lived in Islamabad for work.

Border Officer: Did you like living in Pakistan?

Traveler: Yes.

Border Officer: Why?

Traveler: Although I had guards and armed drivers, I felt safe there. I found the people to be welcoming, and I enjoyed the natural beauty of the land and the architecture.  I stayed in a house overlooking the Margalla hills.

Border Officer:  Did you speak to anyone there who didn’t like America?

Traveler:  Yes.

Border Officer:  Did they give you anything?

Traveler:  No.

Border Agent: Did you ever read the book Arabic Script: Styles, Variants, and Calligraphic Adaptations?

Traveler: No.

Border Agent:  Did anyone try to recruit you into a terrorist training camp or offer you money?

Traveler:  No.

Border Agent: What is your heritage?

Traveler: I am Canadian, third generation, with roots in Israel, Germany, and Poland.

Agent: How long have you had that beard?

Before the traveler could answer, he was detained by US Customs and Border Patrol (CBP). He was then pressured to surrender his smartphone, along with his PIN to unlock the phone and passwords to his social media accounts.

Crossing the border from Canada into the United States has long been an experience that can vary wildly. For those travelers who are treated with respect and dignity, it can be nearly stress-free; other travelers, sometimes through no fault of their own, are judged to be suspicious. Some travelers might experience lengthy detainments and car searches. Others might be detained for having passports stamped with visits to countries perceived as posing a threat to the security of the United States. Others may be held because they “look” like a threat. Recently, a number of travelers have been getting detained and asked to hand over their smartphones, laptops, tablets, and other electronics containing sensitive information.  Below, we will discuss changes in crossing the border from Canada into the United States, along with tips to reduce hassles when crossing.

Travel ban: beta and 2.0

Although not every visitor to the US is being microchipped, attitudes toward national security have been getting more conservative in America, which could change laws. On January 27, 2017, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order to suspend the US Refugee Admissions Program for 120 days and temporarily ban admission of individuals from seven Muslim-majority countries (Iraq, Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen).  The order also included an indefinite ban on Syrian refugees. With wide protest and legal challenges, the order was suspended a week later by a federal judge in Seattle.

In a revised travel ban in March, Mr. Trump signed “Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry Into the United States.” The updated ban temporarily (for 90 days) stops entry to individuals of six Muslim-majority countries (Iran, Libya, Syria, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen). This ban removes Iraq from the previous list because the country has increasingly been vetting its own citizens. The ban allows current visa holders to travel to the United States. It suspends the refugee program for 120 days, and it treats Syrians like any other refugee or immigrant. A religious clause giving preference to those of certain religions was removed. This ban, too, has been halted by the court system by a federal judge in Hawaii.  It remains to be seen how the ban might be further altered by the Trump administration.

In light of the ban, market researchers have predicted a decline in international travelers entering the US in 2017. Fewer flights and visitors could mean a flatter economy for America, with many travelers opting to visit Canada or Mexico instead of the US.  Living in this era of mandatory passports and ever-tightening security at US borders could make crossing more difficult and stressful than it already tends to be. Below are 12 tips to help ease the stress.

1. Know What Information Border Agents Mainly Want to Know

It might be reassuring to know that border agents are generally concerned with the following:

• Are you immigrating?
• Are you bringing any alcohol, tobacco or firearms?
• Are you smuggling in illegals?
• Are you a person they shouldn’t let into their country?
• Will you be doing something that you need a visa for?

If you can say “no” to these questions, you should satisfy the border agents (theoretically at least).

2. Prepare: All things are ready if our mind be so

Crossing a border can become stressful and time-consuming if you don’t prepare beforehand. Be sure to provide written proof of who you are and why you’re entering the country.  If you’re not sure what documentation you need, check with US Customs and Border Protection or the Canadian Border Services. In case you didn’t know, since 2008, American and Canadian citizens and permanent residents need to carry a passport or PR card to cross the border. Know the citizenship and residency status of every person in your group. Be sure that each person has the required visas/permits.

If you’re traveling to the US with children in tow, you’ll need to prove to the border agent that the children belong with you and aren’t kidnapped or something. If you’re traveling with a friend’s children, you’ll need written permission from and contact information for absent parents/legal guardians for any children younger than 15.  Children need proof of identity. A photocopied birth certificate or citizenship care is fine for those aged 15 and younger. Note that, if you’re flying, you’ll need to get your child a passport.

The border agents aren’t shy about questioning children, so allow the kids to speak freely and don’t speak for them.

Without knowing internal CBP procedures, any number of questions can come up, so be prepared with travel documents. Use printouts/receipts to serve as proof of where you are going. Include the address of the place where you’ll be staying and your itinerary.  Is the purpose of your trip business?  Pleasure?  Bits of both?  No matter. Just be prepared with something in writing to show the officer where you’re going.

For example, if you’ll be attending a business conference, bring documentation of an agenda.  If you’ll be visiting friends, have documentation of who they are, where they live, and if you’ll be staying with them or at a hotel (remember to bring the address of the hotel and any documentation of your reservation).

3. Know how to answer questions you will likely be asked at the border.

Expect the following questions, at a bare minimum, and prepare your answers in advance so you won’t get rattled.

What is the purpose of your visit? (Example: I’m going to attend a conference and visit my friend).

Why are you attending a conference? (Example: It’s part of a training to get promoted at work).

Why are you visiting your friend? (Example: My friend is in the hospital).

Why is your friend in the hospital? (Example: He has heart failure).

For how long will you visit? (Example: I’ll be here for one week).

Be ready to stress to the officer that you will only be staying for a limited period of time. Most importantly just be truthful and you shouldn’t have any problems.

4. While interacting with the officer, show respect

This is very basic, but remember that, if you’re wearing sunglasses, remove them so the officer can see your eyes. If you have trouble making eye contact because it’s painful for you (and it is for some people), look at the officer’s nose. Use this trick, and it will appear that you’re looking him in the eye. In addition, keep any passengers quiet, and mute your phone.  Have all of your papers organized, and speak in a respectful tone.

Remember that the job of border agents is to probe, often asking very pointed questions, which can come across as inappropriately personal, intrusive, and blunt.  The border is not as friendly as it once was, although it depends on the officer you get. As infuriating as unprofessional behavior can be, resist the urge to retaliate against the officer (whether overtly by cussing out the officer, or passive-aggressively by deliberately taking a long time to retrieve documents you have at the ready). Retaliating might cause you more grief and potential detainment.

If you’re outspoken, have no filter, have an intense activist streak, or are prone to getting into yelling matches or telling off people in authority, you might think twice about going around with a border agent. Are expressing your convictions worth getting arrested?

If you’re traveling with another adult who has the patience to deal with the officer, delegate the interaction to this person. After all, the officer can potentially ask hundreds of intrusive questions.  Very unlikely, but it can happen. Remember:  everything is scanned at the border, from your passport to your interactions with the agents. You could be earmarked as a problem and be refused entry.

5. Be aware of your appearance.

Everyone gets profiled at the border, on both sides.  This is a depressing reality.  However, if you want to avoid the hassle, as far as revealing your religion, you might avoid displays of religious denomination. If you worry about your ethnicity, you might wear the American costume or some version of that.  That is, wear something bland or neutral to avoid standing out.  When in doubt, go conservative in your attire. Wear T-shirts with offensive or political messages at your own risk.  You want to send the message that you respect the border agents and that you’re a decent, law-abiding person (and they associate those traits with a clean-cut look). Make yourself appear as conformist as you can, and they are likely to give you less hassle.

6. If driving, clean and unclutter your car.

To experience the least hassle at the border, attack your car with a UN-inspector approach. You’re entering another country. Treat it with at least the importance of a job interview or first date. Remember that it’s easier to hide something if you have a lot of clutter, which could raise red flags and cause you to be detained at the border. If the condition of your car is bordering on calling-the-board-of-health dirty and cluttered but you can’t get motivated, get a clutter-warrior friend or family member to get rid of the rotten vegetable smell, empty pizza boxes, old utility bills, magazines piled high on the floor, dirty laundry stacked on the back seat, and heaven knows what else. Also, be sure to dust and hoover. Don’t wait for a drill sergeant at the border to render you suspect and detain you for a search.

If you smoke marijuana, be aware that crossing any border with marijuana is a bad idea, regardless of what the laws are on either side. Make sure your car is clean before you get to the border, and know the laws before you go. The US has much stricter laws on grass than Canada, so beware, you could be prosecuted for a tiny amount of marijuana, not to mention face an entry ban.

7. If you are carrying a firearm, be sure to disclose that to the border agent.

Concealing a weapon is a big deal, probably taken more seriously on the Canadian side of the border.  Still, in the US, consequences for packing heat are pretty strict:  you could face fines, entry bans, or worse.

8. Tell the truth, but keep it brief.

Obviously, you don’t want to be deceptive about your intentions. Even if you think your story will sound odd, be candid with border agents.

On the other hand, it’s a good idea to know when to close your mouth, so don’t tell them your life story or volunteer information about the person you intend to marry in the other country. You’ll open up a can of worms if you discuss your romantic life.

Don’t joke around or be too informal with the agents. They can be prickly pears, and a level of decorum is the norm.

9. Don’t get caught in a long line at the border crossing.

Although it’s not always possible, try to check border services wait times by visiting their website if you’re crossing in Quebec, British Columbia, or Southern Ontario.  Learn about the most convenient border crossing for your situation.

10. Cell phones: Damned if you do, damned if you don’t

The story of the man above whose smartphone was confiscated by the border agent could be your story.  A few options: You could rent a cell phone and leave at home the cell phone you ordinarily use.  However, doing this could make you look suspect. What are you trying to hide?

If you opt to bring your smartphone, if possible, you might spend some time cleaning up any content that could raise eyebrows. Still, even with a clean phone, you could be seen as suspect as they may wonder what you’re trying to hide. When in doubt, err on the very conservative side with the content on your phone if you know you’ll be crossing a border in the near future.

Courts have upheld the power of customs agents to search devices at the border, although the laws about all of this are still very murky. In addition, searches made solely on the basis of race or ethnicity are still unlawful. That doesn’t mean the laws will be followed, unfortunately. However, if you refuse to surrender your phone, you could be detained for hours if the agent wants to make an example of you.

Whether or not you’re a non-US citizen, the border agents basically say that your civil rights don’t apply when you’re within 100 miles of the border.  If you’re stopped beyond that 100 miles, they cannot legally search you without good reason.

11. Don’t cross the border with any prohibited fruits, plants, or other organic materials.

Which fruits, vegetables, and plants are prohibited at the border crossing?  There are certain restrictions on importing food across the border in either direction.  For up-to-date information about what foods you can bring into Canada, use the online AIRS.  If you’re entering the US, use this page.

12. Declare all items you bring (or bring back) with you.

If you’ve indulged in some shopping, make sure you know what you can and cannot take with you. Don’t try to hide any item you buy at the duty-free shop, where your name and license number are recorded and stored in a database that is shared with border agents. If you lie, you will likely be detained.

In this modern era of mandatory passports and heightened security, there is definitely more suspicion in crossing the border to the US than there used to be.  If you follow these tips, your chances of encountering stress at the border will be slim to none.

Written by Katie Anton

This is our final part in our 3 part series on How to Travel Safe When Using Ground Transportation. In part 1 we focused on what to do if you find yourself in a situation where you don’t feel safe. Part 2 covered travel safety tips while using a cab, bus or train. We’ll finish off with hotel safety and other general safety tips when using ground transportation.

Travel Tips for Hotel Safety

Book a room between floors 2-8. These floors are generally safer than the ground floor, where there is easy access. Avoid high floors (e.g. the 25th) which pose risk in case of fire as firefighters might not have ladders tall enough to reach top floors.

Avoid low-budget hotels unless you’re sure of their location. Often, but not always, these hotels are located in higher crime areas.

Ask the desk clerk to write down your room number and not say it aloud when you check in. The wrong person might be within earshot.

Don’t hang room service cards on your door. Call room service to place your order. Ask that a woman deliver your order.

Don’t open the door to a stranger, even if the person knocking claims to be hotel staff. Call the front desk to verify the person.

General Travel Safety Tips

Be extra aware of your surroundings when in crowds. Keep your luggage within your vision, in front of you and close to your body at all times.

Don’t take shortcuts. Don’t take the quicker route back to your hotel if it means walking through vacant lots, alleys, wooded areas, and other secluded spots. Stick to the well-lit, busy main circuit.

Seek the advice of locals in choosing transportation. What neighborhoods are unsafe? Is public transit best, or is a cab the better choice in certain areas? Avoid small unmarked buses or vans, which could be dangerous, especially if you’re traveling alone.

Learn language basics if you’re traveling to a foreign country. Learn enough of the language that you could call for help if someone were trying to rob, rape, kidnap or otherwise hurt you.

Prevent abduction by car. If someone tries to force you into a car, if you can’t run away and he already has you in his grip, poke him in the eyes. If you carry something sharp, stab him in the eyes. Use your elbow or palm to strike sensitive spots like his nose or throat.  Knee the life out of him as you aim for his groin or kidneys. Stomp on his feet. Hard. Use a chemical weapon like pepper spray. Use a stun gun or baton that you carry. Wear a whistle around your neck and blow a piercing surprise in his face.

If you do carry weapons, you MUST always carry one ready to be used at the drop of a hat; never carry a weapon in a purse or backpack where it’s useless.  Weapons should be carried and concealed in your hand, ready for action.

If you don’t carry weapons, pick anything you have on your person or see in your surroundings that you could use to beat him with. You must get away. If you can get away, run and keep running. Scream and yell that a man is trying to abduct you (don’t just scream).

Wherever you are, walk against traffic to see what’s going on, which can minimize the risk of someone driving up behind you and abducting you. They’d have to drive on the wrong side of the road to get you.

If someone is following you, try to go where there are other people. Don’t be afraid to duck into a business, a building with a front desk, or another public place.

Keep your cell phone charged, and program emergency numbers in the phone. Bring the charger with you.

If you feel in great danger of a crime, act off-balance yourself. Babble incoherently. Spit or hiss at an assailant. If you have food, eat in the most revolting way, getting food all over yourself. Wave your hands wildly and proselytize. Criminals tend to avoid the unpredictable.

Wear neutral clothing that blends with the culture. Don’t wear anything too tight, too bright, or too busy. You may attract the wrong person’s attention.

Leave your expensive jewelry at home. Don’t invite crime.

You needn’t be icy to strangers, but be guarded and ready for a situation to turn bad at any time. The traits of traditionally socialized females are dangerously exploitable.

Wear clothing and shoes that are comfortable enough that they allow you to run. Imagine wearing high heels and having to run from an assailant.

Travel light. Having more than one piece of luggage will make it difficult to get around. Plan to have one free hand to deter thieves.

Use a decoy wallet or handbag. If you’re robbed, immediately give up your wallet or handbag since it’s a fake containing expired credit cards and a few dollars.

If someone approaches you with a gun, give up your purse or wallet, turn and run away. It’s not easy to hit a moving target. Run in a serpentine pattern (in an “S” pattern). Scream as loudly as you can. Your chances of getting shot at are about 50-50, as are your chances of being hit. If someone comes at you with a knife, drop to the ground, get in a fetal position to protect your torso, and use the self-defense methods described above. Become dead weight on the ground. It will be difficult for him to lift you up.

It’s scary to imagine the potential dangers of using ground transportation, although it’s unlikely that anything bad will happen if you take precautions, heed your intuition, and watch your surroundings.

Written by Katie Anton

It’s almost guaranteed that you’ll take a cab, bus or train, at least once while on vacation. Whether it’s from the airport to the hotel or taking a bus tour while sightseeing. In part 1 of our series on How to Travel Safe When Using Ground Transportation, we covered what to be aware while traveling on ground transportation, in part 2, you’ll discover how to travel safely while taking a taxi, bus or train.

Traveling in a Cab

Cabs are not always a safe option—there are plenty of unlicensed operations that exist. Never hail an unmarked cab off the street; you can’t be sure of what you’re getting. Never use a cab with another passenger in the front seat.

If a cab driver makes you feel uncomfortable, call your significant other or pretend to have one and say, “I’m in the cab, honey. I’ll be home in 15 minutes” so the driver knows that someone is expecting you. If you don’t have a significant other, invent a “husband.” Have a fake husband waiting for you in every hotel, restaurant, and bar in the world.

To increase the odds of being safe in a cab, phone a reputable, well-known, licensed cab company ahead of time if you can. Program the phone number of the cab company into your cell phone.  A licensed cab will have a decal on the window or windshield. It will usually have a meter. When your cab arrives, write down the cab’s license plate number, text it to a friend or family member, and promise to call or text when you arrive at your destination.

At the airport, you’ll generally find a professional and regulated cab line or airport shuttle bus. Research these options long before you get to the airport. If someone offers you a cab ride while you’re still inside the airport, say no and head to the cab line.

Bottom line: if you call a licensed, legitimate cab company, the driver is probably at greater risk than you.

Segregated Travel

To protect women, segregated travel is continuing to grow in many parts of the world. Currently, in the U. S., She Taxis is the only well-known taxi and car service app that caters to the needs of women.  Currently available in New York City, She Taxis is looking to expand (the challenge they face is finding enough women drivers).

Beyond America, pink taxis are being driven by women for women in Mexico. Pink-striped subway cars have become an option in Rio De Janeiro. In Tehran, Iran, mini-vans driven by women for women. In India, the female Ministry of Railways has created women-only commuter trains in New Delhi, Chennai, and Calcutta.

Trains and Buses: How to Travel Safe on Them

Trains are a comfortable and pleasant choice, but for some travelers, a bus is the only option. Bus travel and bus depots can be unpleasant and even frightening, so be careful in a depot.

When you travel by bus, choose a well-known and reputable carrier with a long track record of safety. Anyone can open up a bus company, and shady operators can get away with lax maintenance and unqualified drivers.

Unlike the airline industry, the commercial bus industry is not overseen by the U. S. government. Regulations are weak, and bus travel can be risky on a poorly maintained bus. Too many American buses lack up-to-date safety equipment, something the bus industry has been slow to rectify.

Although the U.S. government does not require seat belts in buses, the Greyhound line equips its coaches with seat belts, which will hopefully influence other carriers.

Treat yourself to a first-class ticket. You’ll have not only more comfortable seats, but the bus itself may be more mechanically sound. Also, first-class buses generally use two drivers who take turns behind the wheel.

Where to sit. In the case of an accident, the middle is generally safer since most accidents involve head-on collisions or rear-ending. However, if you’re alone, you might feel safer sitting near the driver.

Choose a seat where you feel most comfortable. You might sit next to a woman or teen if you’re a female traveler. When you buy your ticket, state your preference if seats are assigned ahead of time.

Know the schedule of the bus or train, especially if you’ll be traveling late at night. You may miss the last bus or train. Don’t get caught stranded on a deserted platform or bus stop.

Catch your bus or train from somewhere well lit. You may decrease the chances of being targeted for crime.

Is the route itself safe? Check local travel advisories, and research crime statistics for the bus route. If the route passes through areas where robberies and accidents are common at night, you might decide to take a bus that travels during the day.

Keep your luggage and other valuables by your side at all times. Don’t place your day pack under your seat or overhead. Place it in your lap or get a cable lock so you can attach the luggage to something that can’t be moved.  

Decline if someone offers to help you carry or stow your luggage on ground transit.  The person might grab the luggage, hand it to a runner, and take off.

Use a luggage lock. An alarming number of people think nothing of dragging around their half-open luggage through airports, bus depots, and train stations.

Make life inconvenient for a thief.

Wear an RFID neck stash or money belt underneath your clothing to keep your items safe. Spread your valuables around on your person. Scatter things in zipped pockets, bra stashes or hidden compartments in clothing.

Avoid overnight buses and trains, if possible. You’ll be sleeping at some point and more vulnerable.

When you leave the bus depot or train station, arrange transportation to your destination ahead of time if you can. Don’t walk to your hotel or home in the dark.

In the 3rd part of this 3 part series, we’ll finish off with how to stay safe in your hotel.

Written by Katie Anton

Most of us experience excitement when planning a trip.  We look forward to seeing and learning amazing new things, meeting interesting people, expanding our understanding of customs and languages different from our own, or merely relaxing and enjoying a change of pace and scenery from our regular routine at home.

In addition to the excitement, though, we also may experience a bit of apprehension, some doubts, some anxiety, a little travel stress.  What if something goes wrong?  Did I pack too much…not enough?  What if I get sick?  What if I lose (or have stolen) my valuables or passport?  What if no one understands me?

With all these possibilities….should I even be going??

We have listed 5 situations that may cause you some travel anxiety…and ways to deal with each of them in order to alleviate stressful travel:

1. Travel Stress in Airports

Situation:

The queue to go through the Security checkpoint snakes through the airport like the line up outside an Apple store the night before the latest gadget is released! You’ve already wasted time – traffic to the airport was a ‘bear’…then, your luggage was overweight and you had to take the time to pay extra for that.  Now, it’s a crapshoot on whether or not you’ll even get through Security and to your departure gate before the plane takes off without you!

Solution: In a word…PREPARE!

• Use a digital luggage scale to weigh your baggage BEFORE you leave home.  This will save you both time and money when you get to the airport.  Home is the place to sort through your clothes to see what you can live without and what you must have on your trip.  The airport floor is not that place
• Allow yourself extra time to get to the airport, to check-in, clear security and get to your departure gate.  Cushion your time to deal with ‘what ifs’ that may arise.  What if you have a flat tire en route to the airport? What if your taxi is late picking you up? What if the traffic is snarled? What if the check-in/Security line is l-o-o-n-n-g?
• It is recommended that you allow yourself at least 90 minutes for domestic flights and up to 3 hours for international flights.  Factor in travel during busy holiday times (particularly Christmas, spring break, summer) – you know the airport is going to be especially busy then – plan accordingly.
• Apply for an ‘entrusted traveler’ program such as TSA’s PreCheck, Nexus, or Global Entry – each of which allows you expedited screening at participating airports.

You will start your trip with far less travel anxiety, if you give yourself plenty of time and arrive early to your departure gate,  Now you can relax and amuse yourself while waiting for your flight to board.  Explore the airport, do a little shopping, read, surf the web, grab a snack… or catch a few winks.

2. The Language Barrier

Situation:

Oftentimes, having people misunderstand you….or fail to comprehend you at all….can be a very humorous part of the international travel experience :-).  On a chilly evening at an outdoor cafe in Cannes, France, I once asked the waiter to ‘light my shoes on fire’ when what I meant to ask was for him to ‘light the heater’ on the patio.  On another occasion, in Mexico, I asked for ‘la nota’ thinking I was asking for the bill….the waiter brought me yet ‘another’ margarita.  Oh, don’t worry…I drank it

At other times, however, it can be downright scary trying to make yourself understood – particularly if you are in a less than ideal situation.  The taxi driver seems to be taking you somewhere you don’t want to go…or, you’ve lost your passport….or any other scenario where you feel threatened or uncomfortable.  How can you get your point across when you don’t speak the language?

Solution:

• Ask for a business card (or a written note) with the name and address of your hotel written in the local language.  That way, you can show it to a taxi driver when you wish to return to your hotel or, if you are lost, show it to a local who should be able to point you in the right direction.
• Download a translation app on your phone before you leave home.  Google Translate is one that can help you out in a plethora of languages.  Simply point your camera at the written text (think menus, hours of operation, etc.) and ‘presto’…the app changes it to English right before your eyes!  If you’re speaking directly with someone, they can speak into your phone and, once again, the Google Translate app will magically change the speech from the local language to English for you.  How handy is that??  And, bonus…it’s a free app for both iPhone and Android users, and you can use it even if your phone isn’t connected to the internet.
• Pack a phrasebook for those times when you’re somewhere that your cell phone won’t work, or you forgot to charge your battery.  Select from the English section the phrase that you wish to say, show it to a local and let them read the phrase in their own language.  That person will then be able to respond by using the same process. Do try to learn some basic phrases for wherever you are traveling – ‘hello, please, thank you’, etc. will go a long way in most countries.  People generally will appreciate your efforts.
• Seek out a hotel or a local travel agency.  Many will have someone on staff who speaks at least limited English – particularly if they regularly have English-speaking guests or clients.  Or, they may be able to direct you to someone else who can help you.

3. Getting Sick While Traveling

Situation:

Getting ill while you’re away from home is a definite cause of travel stress.  Maybe you’ve eaten something that your stomach is really wishing you hadn’t and diarrhea has struck with a vengeance – damn you, Montezuma!!. Or, you fell asleep on the beach and your skin is crackling like a lamb on a barbeque spit at a Greek festival.  Or, you feel like crap and fear you may have picked up some local bug or dread disease.

Solution:

• Stay hydrated…on the plane, when you’re out and about exploring, regardless of the temperature, but even more so if the weather is sweltering or you’re participating in strenuous activities.  Ensure the water you drink is purified and safe for consumption.  In many countries, such as Mexico, it is not recommended that you drink tap water or eat any raw foods that have been rinsed in tap water.
• Get plenty of rest – before you start your trip and throughout.  Squeeze in an afternoon nap if you’re planning a late evening.  As often as you can, get your 8 hours of sleep.  Being rested will help you to fight off any bugs or colds going around.
• Keep your hands clean and use sanitizer. Airplanes and other forms of transportation are breeding grounds for germs and contagious diseases – especially colds and flu.  Carry antibacterial wipes and don’t be afraid to use them – on the back of the seat ahead of you, on your tray table, on armrests, on the toilet seat in your hotel room.  Wash your hands often with soap and warm water.
• Eat regularly and retain a semblance of healthy eating. That’s tough to do when you’re on vacation and may need to eat out for every meal. Use the 80-20 rule – choose healthy meals 80% of the time and indulge yourself the other 20% of your meals. Experiment with and enjoy the local foods, of course, but be aware that not all countries have strict laws for food storage and preparation as we have here.
• Check with your doctor regarding the vaccinations you require for certain countries and get them well in advance of your travel date.  While many dreaded diseases have been all but eradicated in North America, the same does not hold true for other parts of the world.
• Check the government site to get informed on what illnesses/diseases may be prevalent or possible to contract in the country you will be visiting. To relieve some of your travel anxiety about necessary vaccines, disease alerts, and other health-related topics, check out this page as an excellent resource https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel.
• Ensure you have a sufficient supply of any prescription medications you require.  Pack enough for the entire duration of your trip, plus a few extra… just in case.
• Purchase travel medical insurance.

4. Culture Shock

Situation:

Each country comes with its own culture, set of ethics and values.  What is totally acceptable in one country may be taboo in another.  What we, as North Americans, may view as ‘rude’ or ‘aggressive’ behavior, is the norm in many countries.  Alternatively, actions, gestures, or words that are acceptable to us, may be misunderstood or even deplorable to people from another country.  For instance, throughout much of Asia, it is customary (and totally acceptable) to slurp your soup or noodles.  The slurping sound ensures the cook that you are enjoying the food.  In North America, slurping your soup is considered impolite and lacking in manners.  Another example is a woman’s handbag placed on the floor near her is considered ‘bad Feng Shui’ in Asia but is perfectly acceptable in North America.

Solution:

• Do some research before you visit a country.  Learn what is considered polite and what would come off as very rude.  Pay attention to hand gestures which may be familiar and okay to us, but may have a very different connotation in another country.
• Read a guidebook containing detailed and valuable information about local manners and customs.  These books are readily available in travel shops, libraries, or online.
• Hire a local guide, or at least confer with your hotel’s concierge if they have one.  Having some assistance, especially when you first arrive in a strange country, may prove invaluable in keeping you from making an embarrassing faux pas.
• Don’t expect things to be the same as they are at home.  Every nation has its own way of doing things – not better….not worse than we are accustomed to…just different.

You travel the world in order to expand your mind, to learn about other cultures, and to explore our beautiful home.  It is impossible to have a learning experience if you travel to a foreign country and expect everything to be the same as it is at home.  When you encounter new customs and norms, make the decision to adjust your own point of view and learn to go with the flow.  Your travel stress will be reduced exponentially if you do!

5. Security Concerns

Situation:

Security today is a major cause of travel anxiety.  Card readers can skim personal information from your credit cards and passport, even from a distance.  Con artists and others who are out to take advantage of ‘rich’ tourists abound.  Your luggage passes through many hands from the time you drop it off until you retrieve it from the baggage claim carousel.  Along the way, someone may have sticky fingers and steal valuables you have packed.

Solution:

• Protect your personal information by using an RFID-blocking wallet/passport/credit card holder, and your cash by storing it in a neck stash or money belt.
• Travel with a credit card that has a restricted credit limit.  A thief can’t go on an extravagant shopping spree at your expense and to the detriment of your credit rating, should this card be stolen or lost.
• Don’t flash wads of cash or expensive jewelry!  You may not view yourself as filthy rich, but in comparison with the majority of citizens of many of the countries you may visit, you are!  The fact that you can travel to their country, stay in a hotel, possibly rent a vehicle is a good indication to them that you may be an easy mark to pickpocket, to a con, or worse, to rob.
• Lock your luggage with a TSA luggage lock and pick it up as soon as possible upon arrival.  The TSA agents can open the lock if they wish to inspect the contents of your bag while making it more difficult for a would-be thief to open. Collecting your luggage from the carousel as soon as possible will make it less susceptible to being picked up by someone else…either by mistake or intentionally.

Written by Emma Ghattas

The last thing you may be thinking about when you are relaxing on vacation is your travel safety. Those moments when you are distracted searching for a bus stop or trying to hail a cab are the moments you are most vulnerable. In part 1 of this 3 part series, you’ll learn what to be aware of when taking ground transportation as well as what you can do if someone is hassling you.

It Can Happen to Anyone

You’re pickpocketed as you nap on a bus headed for Buffalo. Your assailant gets away with your ID, credit cards, and cash. This causes problems for years, as you try to clear your good name.

Waiting for the train in London, you absorb yourself in texting. Your phone attracts the attention of a thief, who promptly grabs the $700 phone right out of your hand.

Even the best-planned travel is random chaos. When it comes to crime, although you can’t control when a wave might come at you out of nowhere, you can learn to surf it.  Below we discuss crimes and other dangers you might encounter in using ground transportation and how to minimize your risk.

The Nature of Ground Transit Invites Crime

Ground transit keeps you temporarily stranded from the outside world. This inability to summon help immediately tends to enable crime and other abuse. Behaviors on public transport range from theft, verbal abuse, aggressive staring and offensive gestures to being photographed against one’s will, groping, flashing, lewd comments, rape, threats against the driver, and other disturbing behaviors. These behaviors can happen on the way to the bus shelter, at the bus shelter, and in and around transit facilities.

Certain Destinations are More Dangerous

Traveling overseas to certain destinations puts women and men at risk. Travelers who venture to parts of South America and the Middle East must be astute at handling their fears and projecting confidence through their body language.  Generally avoid buses outside of North America, Europe, and Australia.

Research before any international trip to find out if any safety bulletins have been issued in the country you plan to visit. The U.S. State Department website posts travel warnings for specific countries, along with details.  American travelers can also register with U.S. consulates and embassies in the nations they plan to visit.

Behind that Smiling Face…

Real-life predators are not Michael Myers or Hannibal Lecter. Criminals could be anyone: they hide in plain sight and try to look like everyone else. In choosing their targets, criminals seek out a power differential—often their decision is based purely on the physical power and the body mass of their target.

Mental Strategies Can be Powerful

To bypass the power differential, take martial arts classes. Maybe you can’t beat up anything larger than a stuffed animal right now; with commitment, speed, timing, agility, and body mechanics, even a smaller person can learn tactics that, if done right, make body mass and size a bit less relevant.

You’ll also learn mental strategies that could save your life. In fact, mental strategies of being aware of your surroundings and trusting your intuition may be more important than physical strategies, which you would only use in the worst-case scenario—when you can’t get away from an assailant. Avoiding, deterring, and de-escalating situations are far better than sticking around for a fight. Most important is to learn to be assertive.

Assertive Scripts You Can Use When Being Harassed

Learn as much as you can about assertiveness—and then practice on people in your own life.

You may be tempted to ignore bad behaviors, but you do have dignified options beyond that. You can set limits with harassers.  In fact, your harasser could have darker intentions and might be testing your boundaries. If you react swiftly and assert yourself, he’ll probably decide to move on.

Most of the following scripts are intended for situations of sexual harassment.

1. Name the behavior and say that it is wrong. For instance: “You can’t touch me! You can’t just grab someone’s butt. That’s not okay!”
2. Tell them what you want from them. You might say, “Get away from me!” “Stop putting your hand up my skirt,” or “Stop trying to grab my purse.”
3. Make it personal. Ask them, “Would you want your mother or sister to be treated the way you’re treating me?” Personalizing a bad behavior might make a harasser stop and think. It won’t work on offenders who aren’t in their right mind or on those who know better but don’t care.
4. Make a general statement about harassment. Say, “Stop harassing me. I don’t like it. Show some respect.”  Say it in a serious tone.
5. Call out the offender, which is especially helpful if bystanders are near. You could say, “Guy in the blue suit, stop rubbing against me.” Announce it to the whole train or bus, and the harasser will hopefully be humiliated enough to get out at the next stop.
6. Call out the behavior. Don’t call names. Say “You’re sitting too close to me” rather than saying “What a sick pervert you are.”
7. Take a cell phone picture of the offender or thief. It can throw him off balance. Criminals are used to employing the element of surprise; do something unexpected and turn the tables on them.
8. If you’re getting panhandled, create a bit of cognitive dissonance. Say “no” with a cheerful tone in your voice. It might throw the person off.

Part 2 of this series will cover how to stay safe when traveling by bus, cab or train .

Written by Katie Anton

Sometimes when you’re an urban traveler in foreign countries, you can end up in a ‘bit of a pickle’ if you don’t do proper planning and preparation.  So…to keep you ‘out of the brine’….following are a few situations that may arise, together with survival tips on how you can plan ahead in order to keep travel safety in the forefront.

Situation #1:  You’re in a city where English is a foreign language

Part of the fun of traveling to foreign cities is the new culture, foods, and language that you’ll experience.  But when you need some assistance to make yourself understood, these travel tips should help.

• Download an app that offers a translation:  There are now apps available that will let you speak English….and voila, your words are translated into the language you need them to be! Both Android and Apple offer various apps for you to download – some are free, others are not.  Google text-to-speech, Google Translate, iTranslate, and iProTranslate are just a few of the many apps you may wish to check out and download.
• Carry a bilingual dictionary:  Find the English word in your pocket dictionary, then show the equivalent word in the local language to whomever you’re speaking with. Hopefully, you’ll be able to get your point across.
• Learn some keywords/expressions:  Before you get there, learn to say basic greetings like ‘Hello’, ‘Good morning’, ‘Good afternoon’, polite terms like ‘please’, ‘thank you’, ‘you’re welcome’;  and, of course….the most important phrase of all, ‘Where is the nearest public restroom?’….or maybe I’m the only one who thinks that phrase is really important :-).

Situation #2:  You need to get from Point A to Point B across a large city

If you’re visiting Amsterdam, you may want to fit in like a local by taking a bicycle across the city.  However, if you’re not into risking life and limb in strange surroundings, your travel safety may remain more intact with one of these options :-).

• Find a bus:  Taking a local bus is usually the cheapest means to get from one spot to…or close to…another.  It is not, however, the quickest.  Ask locals where the bus stop is located.  Unlike North American cities where we are used to designated ‘bus stops’, other parts of the world may use places that look nothing like bus stops – the front of a local restaurant or store, a nondescript area on a road where there may be a crumbling brick wall or some other equally obscure place.  Ask the driver where you will need to get off to be closest to the place you want to walk to.  Be sure to ask the driver if your return trip will be from the same place… or elsewhere.  And, ask what time you need to be back to catch a return bus.  Of course, you’ll need to recognize the spot again, so pay close attention to where the driver lets you off.
• Download the Uber app:  Uber is available and gaining in popularity in many countries including the U.S.A, Mexico, China, and India.  However….Uber also is banned in many countries.  Check online before you leave home to find out if Uber is operating in your destination city.
• Take a taxi:  Ask at your hotel (or look it up online) for the names and contact information of local cab companies. It’s often wise to ask a hotel to call a cab for you.  Whether you are a guest of the hotel or not, by having the hotel make the call, you are assured of getting a legitimate taxi cab for your crosstown trip.  For your own travel safety, beware ‘phantom’ cabs that are rampant in many cities.  These drivers are not legally licensed to carry passengers and may charge you more than a legal cab would.

Situation #3:  You’re in a city with many homeless people asking you for money

In some cities, there are much more homeless than in others.  Of course, you’re not heartless and do want to help others….’there but for the grace of God’….and all that.  However, if you were to give even just $1.00 to every homeless person with hat or cup in hand, you may end up way over your own travel budget by the end of your trip!  These survival tips should keep you from breaking your own bank while allowing you to do something charitable at the same time.

• Split a meal:  Ask your restaurant food server to divide your meal in two, and take half ‘to go’.  Offer this ‘to go’ portion to a homeless person.

• Shop at a charity:  Most cities have shops or second-hand stores where at least part of the proceeds from sales they make are donated to a local charity. Pack light, then shop here for some great casual clothing deals…..even donate them back to the same shop before you leave for home. Everybody wins!
• Offer to purchase a meal:  Rather than handing money over with no guarantee that it will not be spent on booze or drugs instead of food, offer to buy food for a homeless person who no doubt is in much need of sustenance.

Situation #4:  You have food allergies/intolerances to contend with

The last thing you want to deal with when you’re on vacation is an illness caused by eating something you shouldn’t.  Here are some survival tips to keep that from happening.

• Carry medication:  If you are allergic to peanuts, seafood, or other foods, it is imperative that you carry with you the medication you require in the case that you inadvertently ingest one of these food items.  Be sure to carry a letter from your doctor explaining your requirements; otherwise, you may not be allowed to take items like an EpiPen (epinephrine injection) or insulin needles with you on the plane.
• Pay close attention to foods:  If you are gluten- or lactose-intolerant, pay close attention to the food you order.  Throughout most of Europe, gluten-free food is much more readily available than it is yet in North America. Write down the translation for each of these terms so you can show it to your server for a better understanding of what you require. In French, it would be ‘repas sans gluten’ (gluten-free meal), or ‘sans lactose’ (lactose-free).  In German, ‘ich laktose-intollerant’ (I’m lactose intolerant).
• Purchase one of these cards:  If you suffer from celiac disease or are gluten-intolerant, these translation cards may be the best thing for you ‘since sliced bread’…that’s gluten-free sliced bread, of course :-). These travel translation cards currently are available in several languages with more being added.  Check them out here: http://www.legalnomads.com/gluten-free

Situation #5:  You don’t want to wind up in the ‘bad part of town’

It’s easy enough for this to happen, especially if you’re walking and chatting, enjoying the sights and sounds.  All of a sudden….your surroundings become ‘rough’ looking – lots of garbage on the streets, people loitering in groups, boarded up shops/homes. Uh-oh…

• Ask locals:  Don’t hesitate to get information from your hotel desk clerk, your cab driver, your server at a coffee shop.  Ask them directly if there are areas of the city that you should avoid for your own travel safety.  The citizens want tourists to have a good time and to see the best of what their city has to offer, so they will be happy to share with you both where you should go….and where you shouldn’t.
• Do research:  Before you leave home, do some online research on the cities you plan to visit.  Your research should give you a feel for the city and the best places in that city for you to see, to dine, to shop, to see attractions, etc.

• Trust your gut:  If you think the area is a bit ‘sketchy’ and you start to feel unsafe, leave….immediately.  Never doubt the power of your own intuition in keeping you out of sticky situations.

Situation #6:  Your bank unexpectedly suspends your credit card

Well….this could prove to be embarrassing!  You’ve just enjoyed a delicious meal and…..horrors….your credit card is ‘declined’.  Here are a couple travel tips to keep you ‘out of the red’

• Advise your bank/credit card company:  Sure, the entire world of Facebook doesn’t need to know when/where you are traveling.  However, it’s very important that you let your bank/credit card company know that you are leaving the country, how long you will be gone, and in which country you will be using your credit card.
• Carry separate credit cards:  If two of you are traveling together, each of you should have a different credit card so that if some mix-up occurs with one, you have another to fall back on.
• Contact your credit card company:  If a problem should arise, your credit card will have a toll-free number listed on the back.  As soon as you’re able, call that number to report the problem and get this less than ideal situation rectified as soon as possible.

Written by Emma Ghattas

Have you ever arrived at the airport to discover your luggage is over the baggage weight limit? Even though you double-checked to make sure it was under the limit when you left home? We could blame a change in gravity if we were traveling through space but it’s all the same as long as we are on Earth. How does our luggage miraculously gain or lose weight without us changing a thing?

Many of us are now in the habit of weighing our luggage either with a bathroom scale or a luggage scale before we leave home, which makes it so befalling when our scales don’t match the airlines. One of the reasons this happens is airline scales are usually only checked annually. Airfarewatchdog.com’s George Hobica wrote in this Huffington Post article “Most local jurisdictions have a bureau of weights and measures responsible for checking the scales at least annually, but a lot can happen between checks”. CBS News reported last year about the inaccuracies of some of the airline scales, which have cost customers up to $100 in overweight fees.

Thankfully we have a few tips to help you pack like a pro and keep that money in your pocket instead of the hands of the airlines.

1. If your bag is only over by a few pounds ask for it to be weighed on a different scale. According to the CBS Story, most airlines will honor this request.
2. Even though no one wants to do the embarrassing luggage repack at the counter you’ll appreciate that $100 you didn’t have to spend at the airport when you’re sipping a cocktail on your vacation. Pack an empty extra lightweight bag, if your luggage runs over, throw some stuff in it to take as carry-on.
3. Although today’s high-end luggage scales, like our popular Jetsetter Digital Luggage Scale, are quite accurate, it’s unfortunate that some airline scales are not. To have that extra reassurance leave a 3 lb buffer when weighing your own bags, it might just save you when you get to the check-in counter. You can pick up a Jetsetter Scale for under $14 with the 10% store coupon, and unlike other digital luggage scales, the Jetsetter is built to last a lifetime and comes with a lifetime warranty.

*Article revised March 6, 2017

Why You Need a Travel First Aid Kit

Often, you have our own preference when it comes to what medical products and supplies you wish to use.  There are brand names that you are used to and that you rely upon to do the job of getting you back to health.  When traveling, particularly overseas, it may be difficult to find similar products, and if the language on the package isn’t English, your chances of getting what you’re looking for won’t be a simple task.  You don’t want to end up with hemorrhoid cream…when what you actually were looking for was aloe cream for sunburn :-).

Depending what part of the globe is your destination, your travel first aid kit will require specialized items for specific climates and for specific activities.  For instance, if you’re going on a ski trip, you’ll want to pack some muscle reliever for those aching muscles at the end of a full day on the slopes, and something to alleviate a headache when your apres-ski partying carries on into the wee small hours of the morning :-).

Basic Travel First Aid Kit

For your travel safety, there are basic items that your travel first aid kit should contain no matter if you’re traveling near or far from home.  These will include:

• Prescriptions (a list of all prescribed medications traveling with you). A letter from your doctor if you require needles to inject your medicine (diabetic).  Research that your medicine is legal in the country to which you’re traveling.
• Your health insurance card, plus documents regarding travel insurance if you purchased additionally.
• Bandages (for makeshift slings and ankle wrap), cotton swabs and pads, Band-aids, gauze
• Medicine to reduce fever or bring relief from aches and pains (such as Acetaminophen or Tylenol).  Remember to pack children’s strength tablets if you’re traveling with little ones.
• Moleskin – For those inevitable blisters you’ll get walking or hiking.
• Anti-bacterial ointment – For minor scrapes, cuts, and scratches.
• Diarrhea medicine and laxatives
• Antacid – To relieve the discomfort of testing out all those unfamiliar foods you know you’ll want to try.
• Sunscreen and sunburn relief medicine
• Get any required vaccinations well enough in advance when traveling to specific regions and/or countries.
• Anti-nausea, motion sickness medication
• Insect repellent
• Tweezers – For plucking out splinters and slivers, or bee stingers (ouch!)
• Cough suppressants and lozenges to relieve a sore throat
• Antiseptic wipes

Some items listed in the Basic Travel First Aid Kit are mentioned again in the following lists.  Repetition for emphasis – these are items that you’ll really be glad you packed!

Cold Weather Travel First Aid Kit – (the Basic Kit plus)

• Hand cream – Make it a rich, concentrated cream to prevent chapping and roughness.
• Pocket hand warmers – To slip inside your gloves and keep your hands toasty as you’re swooshing down the hill, or trekking in the Alps.
• Lip balm and sunscreen – The wind and sun can wreak havoc on your skin and lips.  Opt for a with a lip balm with a high SPF content.  Apply sunscreen and lip balm liberally and regularly when you’re out in the elements.
• Waterproof matches and a thermal blanket (also known as a space blanket) – If you’re hiking in sub-zero temperatures or skiing the backcountry,  these items could save your life if you become lost, stranded or injured.
• Waterproof/warm gloves – To prevent frostbite.

Desert and/or Tropical Weather Travel First Aid Kit – (the Basic Kit plus)

• Sunscreen and lip balm –  with a high SPF factor
• Sunburn relief medication
• Oral rehydration solution (ORS) – contains electrolytes ‘salts’, carbs, and purified water.  This mixture should be taken if you experience dehydration, particularly as a result of diarrhea.
• Insect repellent – Both the tropics and the desert have more than their fair share of hungry little critters.
• Topical steroid – (such as Hydrocortisone) for relief from insect bites or minor infection
• ADDITIONAL ITEM – Mosquito netting – If your travels will take you to an area where mosquitoes spread diseases such as malaria, yellow fever or Zika virus.

Road Trip First Aid Kit – (the Basic Kit plus)

• Motion-sickness medication (such as Gravol or Dramamine)… don’t forget the bucket or bag to go along with it :-).

Headache relief (Aspirin or Anacin) – Constant chatter from your kids in the back seat, the GPS’s nagging voice ‘Turn right here’; ‘As soon as possible, make a u-turn’, even those favorite road trip tunes blaring while someone sings along….badly….oh, it’s you :-), can all combine into one throbbing headache before too long.

Additional Health Items to Include When Packing for ANY Travel:

• Water bottle – Keep yourself hydrated (not part of your medicine kit, but an absolute necessity….in any climate really).
• Sunglasses – The sun glistening off the tropical ocean or the winter sun reflecting off the white snow – both look so amazing – but both can do damage to your retinas.  Protect your eyes!

If this all sounds like just too much time and effort to put one of these travel first aid kits together, there are companies who have done all of the work for you….no muss, no fuss :-).  Just head on over to a website like this one:

select the kit that works for your own travel safety, and voila….you’re ready to take on the world…and stay healthy doing it!

Written by Emma Ghattas

Travel safety is an extremely important issue wherever you may roam in this big, beautiful world.  At times there is absolutely nothing you can do to prevent a dangerous situation from occurring.  Unfortunately, you do hear of tourists who were minding their own business, and yet they end up being in ‘the wrong place at the wrong time’. Unless you avoid listening to the news these days (and who could blame you), you likely have heard of the recent rise in traveler safety issues, specifically in areas of Mexico and the Caribbean.  Innocent tourists have been injured or killed as brazen criminals fight to guard their ‘turf’ in the drug trade, with no regard for the lives of innocent bystanders. Many Caribbean islands have high murder rates per capita and, of course, the drug trade and the violent activities that come with it are increasing in these spectacularly beautiful islands as well.

This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t travel to either Mexico or the Caribbean. There are still so many wonderful things they have to offer – sun, sand, surf, aromatic hibiscus and other extraordinary flora, friendly people and, don’t forget…tequila and rum :-).  What is necessary though, is that you need to be extra vigilant, take precautions, and be aware.  There are basic travel safety measures that you can take to make yourself as safe as possible when traveling to these regions.  Here are 10 travel safety tips to add to your repertoire in addition to relying on a ‘gut feeling’, using common sense….and not drinking the water in Mexico.

10 Travel Safety Tips to Help You Travel Safe in Mexico and the Caribbean

1. Don’t backpack across Mexico.  Backpacking makes you far too vulnerable in a country where the authorities have lost a great deal of clout over the past decade.  If the criminals know there will be no repercussions for their crimes, they are far more likely to commit them.  And, if you are away from populated areas, you make yourself a ‘sitting…or walking….duck’ if you are backpacking around the country.  Obviously, everything of value that you are carrying would be stowed in that knapsack, and thieves know it!

2. No matter where your travels take you….never leave your drink unattended.  Too many horror stories are told of a tourist being drugged without their knowledge, then ending up in a strange place, robbed, or worse.
3. If you get the sense that a situation may be unsafe, follow your gut and GO! Nine times out of ten, our own intuition gives us the best advice we could ask for.  Listen to it.
4. Read the reviews and experiences of other travelers for the area to which you wish to travel. You will learn the safest areas to visit as well as those areas that are to be avoided.
5. Avoid walking late at night.  If you are on your own, or with friends, keep to the well-lit, populated areas.  If you hail a cab, ensure it’s a legitimate taxi before you get in.  Illegal taxis in Mexico are called ‘taxis pirata’ or pirate taxis.  The car does not have a meter, and the driver is not licensed to carry paying passengers.  Of course, not all of these drivers are out to do you harm, but it’s best not to take the chance.  Hire a bona fide cab instead. Your travel safety needs to take priority over saving a couple bucks.

6. Ask the hotel Concierge for areas that you should visit and he will likely advise you of the areas to steer clear of as well.  If he doesn’t volunteer this information, politely ask if there are areas that would be considered unsafe, especially to tourists.
7. Ciudad Juarez, Mexico – just across the border from El Paso, TX – is a particularly violent city due to narco-related crimes, and that violence is spreading to other cities as drug gangs fight over new turf.  So far, the east coast of Mexico remains fairly safe from drug-related crimes, as do Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, and many other resort areas.
8. Stick to the ‘tourist’ areas.  Whether in Mexico or the Caribbean, there are areas that are not safe, particularly for tourists who look the part.  In fact, that tip applies to anywhere you may travel.

9. Don’t seek out, sell or buy drugs, or get yourself involved with any other illicit activity.  If you do, your chances of serious consequences increase exponentially.  In other words, if you go looking for trouble, it will find you!
10. Research any area of Mexico or the Caribbean that you wish to visit.  Check the latest foreign travel and safety advice given at the US Department of State website.

Relax with a Dos Equis…or two, or a delightful Caribbean rum concoction, soak up the sun and enjoy the beauty of your surroundings.  Don’t wear expensive jewelry or ‘flash cash’ in public.  Follow these tips and, in the majority of resort cities in Mexico and on the Caribbean Islands, you should be just fine….’no problem, mon’.

Written by Emma Ghattas

The sad truth is that there are too many people looking for the opportunity to relieve you of your cash and credit cards, particularly when you look the part of the tourist.  If you’re immersed in enjoying a tourist attraction or entertainment, that is one of the best times for pickpockets to make their move.

Others are out to skim the personal identification information off your passport and credit cards, so they can steal your identity and cause you no end of grief as you attempt to straighten the mess they so selfishly made for their own gain.  We are able to spend (or charge) our hard-earned dollars quite readily ourselves when we’re traveling….we don’t need anyone else to help us do that…thank you very much

It’s not all doom and gloom, of course.  We certainly don’t intend to scare you…or put you off the joys of travel….however, we do want to make you aware that your travel safety, in many regards, lies squarely with you and you alone.

How to Protect Your Money & Passport as You Travel

We’re not talking about ‘hiding’ your cash in the Caymans or in a Swiss bank account….but you may find our tips ‘valuable’ in protecting your valuables.

Following are a number of items you can employ to foil would-be thieves.  You may wish to consider getting yourself one, or a combination, of these travel safety products:

1. Neck wallet or neck stash – This item is similar to a money belt, but worn around your neck.

• Tuck it under your shirt collar, so it’s not visible.  As these are very popular with tourists, thieves know to look for them…don’t make their job easy for them!
• Since it will be dangling around your neck for a good part of the time, stow your items in it to keep it as flat as possible so it rests against your body.
• It will be more convenient to access your cash when you need to if you loosen the lanyard cord to reach nearer your waist.  If you wear a loose-fitting top, you will be able to remove what you need without performing a public strip-tease :-).
• You can get a neck wallet or neck stash with a built-in liner to keep the contents from getting wet in the rain or when the humidity has you sweating like you’re in a sauna.  No one appreciates being handed dripping cash :-).

2. Hidden money belt – These belts are available in a variety of sizes and styles, so you can be sure to get one that suits your personal taste.

• Some styles are waterproof, making it so much easier to get out to that swim-up bar in the middle of the pool for a refreshing cocktail, or to take a dip in the ocean without a lifeguard thinking you’re in trouble when he sees you swimming while wildly waving one arm, clutching your wallet to keep it from getting wet
• For additional travel safety, look for a hidden money belt that includes RFID-blocking technology to prevent your personal ID being skimmed and used in identity theft.
• Generally, a money belt is worn tucked down into the front of your pants and is hidden under your shirt.  If you don’t want to tuck it in, you’ll want a shirt that is long enough to cover the belt….otherwise, it’s no longer a ‘hidden’ money belt and will be easily spotted by a thief.
• Since a money belt cinches around your waist, consider one that has a steel wire running through the waist strap; otherwise, it’s vulnerable to determined thieves who can move in behind you, cut the waist strap, and run off with your money belt.
• If you’re traveling with a large amount of cash (why???)…. don't put it all in your money belt. Leave the majority of it behind in the hotel safe.  Take only what you’ll need for the day, plus one credit card.

3. RFID-blocking passport sleeve – Thieves don’t need to be right near you to skim personal information from your passport; they can do so while standing several feet from you.

• All US passports now contain an RFID (Radio Frequency ID Device) chip.  All of your personal information is stored on this tiny chip, making it vulnerable to an illegal card reader.
• Even when stored in your leather attache case, or carried in a wallet in your slacks, a card reader still can skim data from your passport.
• An RFID-blocking passport holder is a valuable piece of travel gear that will help to protect your identity.  It blocks a reader from obtaining all of your personal information which could be used to produce a duplicate passport or to steal your identity for nefarious uses.

4. RFID-blocking credit card sleeve – This is another travel safety item that will keep your personal information safe from identity thieves.

It can be frightening if you become ill while you’re traveling in a foreign country. From finding equivalent over-the-counter medicines for minor aches and scrapes to locating medical assistance for more serious illness/injury, to relaying your symptoms to a non-English speaking doctor, travel sickness can be a daunting occurrence.

An acquaintance got sick while traveling in India.  She had a very difficult time to get the correct diagnosis.  Then she heard a local man in a coffee shop speaking English…overheard part of his conversation where it was mentioned that he was a doctor.  She pretty much accosted the poor man right on the spot.  Fortunately, he was compassionate, listened to her symptoms, knew right away what she was suffering from, and gave her the names of the medicines she needed to purchase.

“Do as we say….not as we do”- Learn From OUR Mistakes

The necessity of preventing travel sickness has been learned the hard way… through personal experience.  For instance:

• In Mazatlan, Mexico, a friend ate chicken which had not been cooked thoroughly – the result, by way of an extremely upset stomach, was not pretty, or pleasant.

• On this same trip, I went for a long walk along the beach, taking in the beauty of the brilliant sun dancing off the ocean….all without the protection of sunglasses.  The resulting excruciating headache was one like I had never experienced before (nor ever want to again!).  Attempts to find a doctor who could correctly diagnose the situation (I had burned my retinas), and prescribe a medication, was very difficult.  The Spanish-speaking ‘el medico’ couldn’t understand the severity of my situation, so I left with a recommendation to buy ‘aspirina’ at a nearby pharmacy.
• In Honolulu, a friend and I fell asleep for a few hours on the beach our first day there.  Needless to say, until our burns subsided, the next few days weren’t very comfortable.  “Sunburn red” is not a good color on either of us :-).

“An ounce of prevention” – How to Avoid Getting Sick When Traveling

If you take the following 5 measures –  you can decrease your chances of suffering from a travel sickness in the first place.  Your best defense is a good offense….be prepared before you leave home.

1. Take a basic mini medicine chest with you from home.  This allows you to have the over-the-counter medications that you (and your body) are familiar with.  If you’ve ever tried to search a drug store overseas for something as simple as a Nasal Decongestant, Dramamine (for nausea/motion sickness), Neosporin (for small scrapes and rashes), Tylenol (for a headache), or Imodium (for diarrhea), but the package is not labelled in English, or worse yet, it is kept behind the pharmacy counter, it could be a bit of a crapshoot to get what you actually need for your travel sickness.  For your own travel safety, pack a bottle of each of these, together with any prescribed medications you are taking (in their original containers), plus Band-aids.

2. You can find additional help to deal with travel sickness, by downloading and using an app called MEDMap. This app can assist you with identifying a drug which is the equivalent of what you would use at home, and with finding the appropriate medicine based on your symptoms.  This app also provides you with emergency phone numbers in various countries, as well as the numbers of nearby pharmacies, and of the local American Embassy or Consulate.
3. Pack a high-SPF sunblock, and don’t spend hours lying on the beach or by the pool. Your skin glowing red and feeling like it’s on fire is NOT the way you want to spend any part of your vacation!  In addition, pack good quality sunglasses – whether you are going to the tropics or not.  In fact, take two pairs, in case you lose or break one pair.

4. Keep yourself well hydrated and get the rest you need.  Doing these two things alone will go a long way in keeping you healthy to start with, but also will aid in your recovery should you suffer from any travel sickness.
5. Beware tap water and ice cubes made from tap water.  Stick to bottled water, even to brush your teeth.  Montezuma is determined to get his revenge…and he will  This warning doesn’t apply in the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, and most western European countries, but it does apply in large portions of the world. This travel safety advice also applies to raw fruits (those with no removable peel) and vegetables that have been washed in tap water.  Salads are especially sketchy and should be avoided unless the components have been washed with bottled water.  Vegetables that have been boiled are your safest choice.  Also, be sure that any meat (particularly poultry and pork) that you are served is cooked well.

“The Best Laid Plans….” What to Do If You DO Get Sick When Traveling

You’ve done all you can to avoid getting sick but….wham-o…..something hits you like a brick wall and you feel awful!  Consider these 5 pointers that can help to alleviate some of the stress and discomfort if you do become ill while you’re far away from home.

1. You’ve taken vacation days from work for this holiday….and now you’re sick! Why not ‘call in sick’?  There’s no reason you should lose vacation days when you truly are sick.
2. Carry your health insurance card, and tuck an insurance claim form in with your passport….just in case. Additionally, complete the ‘Emergency Contact’ information in your passport.  This will make it easier for authorities to contact someone in the event of an emergency should you be unable to do so for yourself.
3. If you suffer from any travel sickness, contact the local American Embassy or Consulate.  The staff there will be able to provide you with a list of local doctors, hospitals, and other medical contacts.  If your illness is of a serious nature, they can assist you with getting medical attention and will contact family or friends on your behalf.
4. The names of local hospitals, doctors, and other medical care providers in foreign countries can be found through the U.S. Department of State website, or through major credit card companies.

5. Consider becoming a member of IAMAT – International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers.  This will grant you access to their network of reputable English-speaking doctors as well as other excellent benefits.  You can sign up here:  https://www.iamat.org/index.cfm

Written by Emma Ghattas

If only ours was the world that can be seen through ‘rose-colored glasses’.  Alas…it is not… and, there are shysters, rip-off artists, pickpockets, con men and women, and outright thieves all over this beautiful earth who want to take what you have and will stop at nothing to get it!  Would you be able to spot and avoid a travel scam?  It can be very difficult….these people are very ‘crafty’ and are masters at their ‘craft’!  When you travel, you meet so many wonderful people – locals, fellow travelers – and you don’t want to become so cynical that you lose all faith in everyone you meet; however, in the interest of your travel safety…you should be aware that these sorts do exist…in droves, sadly.

Numerous travel scams are alive and thriving throughout the world…with new ones rearing their ugly heads all the time.  Some cities are more notorious for scammers than others – Paris, Rome, Hanoi, to name a few – but wherever your travels take you, you need always to beware. It’s a sad commentary on our society that we need to be wary of ‘friendly’ people, but when it comes to travel safety, you are wise to err on the side of caution in these matters.

For your travel safety, here is a list of some of the many travel scams from which you need to protect yourself, and tips on how to protect yourself, your belongings, and your hard-earned travel dollars from ending up in the wrong hands.

Travel Scams to Avoid

1. Shady Tour Operators

We all want to get the biggest ‘bang for our buck’, and when we see an exceptional deal on travel, particularly tours…we may be tempted to think ‘where do I sign?’ and reach for our credit card before this ‘time-limited offer’ expires!  Unfortunately, not all tour operators are legit!  Some are downright scammers, that will gladly take your money….and then disappear off the face of the earth…or, at least, from your computer :-).  Others will provide you with some service, but it may turn out to be a mere shadow of what you thought was included in the price you paid.

How are you supposed to sift through all the ‘time-limited’ and ‘once in a lifetime’ deals to determine which ones are travel scams – where you “pays your money and takes your chances”…and you end up in some ramshackle hotel sharing the bathroom with the two other guests they were able to look into their ‘deal’, and which ones are legit – where you end up in that cozy mountain chalet tucked away just minutes from the chairlift that will take you high aloft so you can swoosh your way down again?

Tarriss Travel Safety Advice: The wisest thing you can do is to book with a reputable tour operator or one that is recommended by your travel agent.  The ‘cheap’ deal may end up costing you more than you budgeted for.

2. The Overly Friendly Cabbie

Some taxi drivers are very informative; others may offer you assistance of all kinds – whether you ask for it or not.  “Oh, that hotel is closed down now, but I can take you to another nice one.”  “That attraction is closed today.  Let me take you to another one that’s even better.”

Tarriss Travel Safety Advice: Thank him, and ask him to take you to your planned destination anyway.  Likely your hotel and the attraction both are very much open for business.  He possibly was hoping to take you to one owned by his brother or his cousin, or to another place where he is paid a ‘kickback’ for bringing in customers.

3. The ‘Good’ Samaritan

A person is nearby when you get something on you – mustard, relish, bird poop (often they are responsible for putting it on you).  They rush over and start to wipe it off for you.  What they actually are doing, is feeling for your wallet so they, or another of their team, can take it from you in the very near future or right then and there.  Or, they may approach you from behind to let you know that you have something spilled on your backpack, hoping you’ll remove your bag to clean it, and they can grab it and take off.

Tarriss Travel Safety Advice:  If someone offers to wipe something off of you, thank them, but say you can manage.  If something has spilled on you, head to the nearest restroom and clean it off by yourself.  Don’t remove your backpack to check it until you are in a safe location.

4. The Pickpocket

Usually, a pickpocket won’t engage in any conversation with you.  They merely take advantage of your surroundings – as you wait in a crowded subway station, browse in a busy market, or stand to enjoy live entertainment.  They may watch you for a while to see which pocket you pull your wallet out of.  Once they know and have their ‘mark’ in sight, they quickly and seamlessly move in for the attack.  They are so good at what they do, you will be completely unaware.

Tarriss Travel Safety Advice:  Carry your cash and credit cards in a neck wallet or in a hidden money belt…someplace where it is not clearly visible or easy to get at.  If you do have your money in a handbag….always keep it fully zipped or snapped, and keep your hand over the top of it.  Otherwise, it’s easy enough for a pro to unzip, reach in, and grab your wallet without you being aware.

NEVER carry your wallet in your back pocket!  For a pickpocket, that is like ‘taking candy from a baby”.

5. Begging Children

Unscrupulous gangs often use children to get money from you, as like most of us, you’re a sucker for a hungry/sad/needy-looking child.  In some places in India, children will ask you to buy bread for their family.  Of course, you want to help, so you pick up a loaf of bread for them. Then they ask you to add some other necessities….milk, rice.  When you pay for the items, you may think, “That was pretty darned expensive!” and you wouldn’t be wrong.  The scheme here is that once you have purchased these items, the children then give it back to the grocer for resale, and are given a share of the ‘profits’ – the excess amount you’ve just paid for items – to be handed over to the ‘employer’ of the children.

Tarriss Travel Safety Advice: Buy something for the child – such as a fast food meal, or give him something you may have brought with you for that purpose – a pack of gum, a pencil, and eraser, a small toy – anything that will not make money for their ‘employers’.

6. Specific Scams

In Rome – a friendly local may inquire as to which bus stop you wish to get off at, then will proceed to show you this stop on your map.  His stop, conveniently, is the one just before yours and, once he’s gone, you realize that while he was close to you, ostensibly to look at your map, he has lifted your wallet!

In Paris – women who appear to have ‘found’ a gold ring and wonder if perhaps you have lost one.  Apparently, their ‘schtick’ is either to pickpocket you while you are examining the piece of jewelry…or to try and sell it to you at a very discounted price (which undoubtedly is still far more than its actual worth).

In Hanoi – a scam that comes up time and again…a friendly local man chats with you (particularly a lone male traveler) in a bar.  When he learns where you are from, he tells you his sister is a nurse wishing to work in your country, and he’d like you to meet her…usually at a place of his choosing (alarm bell!).  She may show up (she’ll be gorgeous…ding, ding!), and you end up going with them to dinner, and eventually…in some convoluted scheme… being asked to cheat a casino at which he ‘works’ (ding, ding, ding!!).  Of course, it is all done so very slickly that you may be tempted to fall for it!

Tarriss Travel Safety Advice: Run, don’t walk, away from any circumstance that sets off alarm bells in your head, or gives you a ‘bad’ feeling.  Trust your gut instinct….9 times out of 10 it is right!

7. Guard your Drink

It’s easy enough for your drink to be ‘spiked’ if you aren’t paying close attention.  Many tourists have ‘come to’ in unfamiliar surroundings, valuables and money were stolen, with no means by which to get themselves back to their hotel.

Tarriss Travel Safety Advice:  Never take your eyes/hands off your drink, and most definitely, don’t accept one from a stranger.

8. Questionable WiFi Connection

WiFi is widely available in most locations in the world now.  Just beware of any ‘free’ public WiFi connections, as they may be the work of hackers waiting for you to sign on so they can gain access to your passwords, maybe even your online banking site.

Tarriss Travel Safety Advice: Rather than calling the Front Desk of your hotel from your room, physically go and ask at the front desk for the secure WiFi connection.  These hackers are ingenious and may have wired your hotel phone to go directly to them rather than to the actual Front Desk. The same in a coffee shop or wherever else you may find a ‘free’ connection – ask the manager or person in charge before logging on.  Better yet, get yourself a VPN (virtual private network) which allows you to input and receive data as if you were using a private, rather than a public, connection.

9. Say ‘Cheese’

Some kind soul offers to take a photo for you – of you and your sweetheart, or of your entire group – with your camera or your cell phone.  You hand it over, and off he goes!  What the heck just happened??

Tarriss Travel Safety Advice: Tourists regularly do this favor for one another.  Ask other tourists to take a photo for you in exchange for taking one of them. It’s better to ask someone to take your picture with your own equipment rather than accepting an offer from ‘Joe Blow’ to do it for you. Not everyone has bad intentions, though. I’ve often asked tourists in my own city if they would like me to take a photo of them so that they are all together in their photo rather than the photo being minus the group’s designated ‘cameraman’….and I have zero intention of absconding with their camera or cell phone

10. But He’s Wearing a Uniform

Unfortunately….not all uniforms are created equal.  You’re walking along, minding your own business when someone approaches and offers to sell you something illicit….”Psstt….wanna buy some amazing hash (or some other drug)?”  Faster than you can say, “No, I’m good, thanks dude”, a couple of ‘uniformed officers’ appear and ask to see your passport and other documents.  You hand them over, but they won’t return them….until you pay them a tidy sum.  Officer, smofficer!!

Tarriss Travel Safety Advice:  If you feel something suspicious is afoot and that they are not genuine ‘officers’, don’t hand over your passport or any other documentation.  If you know where the local Police Station is located, and it’s nearby, offer to walk there with them where you will be delighted to show them your documentation.  If they are ‘faking it’, they’ll likely just walk away…..and try their scheme on someone less savvy than you.

Of course, not everyone is out to ‘get’ you while you are traveling, and there probably are more genuinely kind, friendly, generous people in the world than there are crooks.  However, it behooves you to be aware that there are people who prey upon and take advantage of tourists.  Don’t take that to mean that you’re better off to sit at home – it means simply that ‘to be forewarned, is to be forearmed.’

Written by Emma Ghattas

Your goals when traveling likely include, among other things, having fun, spending time with family and/or friends, taking in the sights, perhaps learning about a new culture, shopping, and tempting your taste buds with tantalizing flavors and exotic dishes. Another major goal of every vacationer these days is travel safety.

While there occasionally are circumstances which are beyond your control, still there is much that you can do before and during your trip to make it go safely and smoothly. Take a look through the following checklist for travel tips that we hope you will find useful when planning and enjoying your next vacation.

Travel Safe With These Tips

1. Ensure your passport will be valid for at least 6 months if you plan to travel internationally. If it is too near its expiry date, you may not be allowed to fly.

2. Don’t pack valuables in your checked baggage. Better still, leave your expensive jewelry and electronics behind.

3. Use an RFID-blocking wallet or neck stash to protect your personal information from credit card/passport skimmers, and to keep your identity from being stolen.

4. Use the 3-1-1 rule for your liquids and gels when proceeding through airport security. Each liquid you store in your carry-on luggage must be in a container no larger than 3.4 oz. (3). Put all of these minuscule containers in 1 clear plastic bag (1). Each passenger is permitted 1 of these plastic bags (1).

5. Be prepared at airport security. If required, remove your shoes and place them in a bin together with your jacket, hat, and everything from your pockets. Place your 1 plastic bag of liquids/gels in a tray. Your laptop, tablet, cell phone also need to be in clear view for TSA staff to inspect. Of course, if you’re traveling internationally, you’d be wise to leave your laptop at home. You’ve spent all that money to get there, why not absorb yourself in the culture, scenery, architecture, food, and other aspects of your chosen destination rather than checking your Facebook page to see what your friend Jackie had for dinner last night, or the cute antics John & Sara’s little ones have been up to

6. If you’re traveling internationally, look up the address and phone number of the local American Embassy in the city to which you are traveling. Record this information both in English and in the local language so a cab driver or local resident will be able to assist you with finding the Embassy if an occasion should arise when you are in need of their help.

7. Be aware of your surroundings – always! If someone/something looks suspicious – trust your gut and get yourself away from the situation.

8. Don’t ‘flash cash’. When you’re shopping or dining at a restaurant, don’t pull out wads of cash in order to pay your bill. Extra cash and credit card should be stored in your RFID-blocking neck stash or money belt. Keep easily accessible, only the amount of cash you’ll need or the one credit card you intend to use for the day.

9. Learn, before you leave home, about the currency of the country you will be visiting.  What values does the currency come in?  What is the approximate exchange rate?  The more familiar you are with the unfamiliar coins and bills, the less likely that you will be taken advantage of by a shady merchant who may see you struggling with the local cash.

10. If you’re in a bar or lounge, never leave your beverage unattended, nor accept a drink from someone other than the bartender/server. Don’t over drink – particularly if you are alone. This leaves you far too vulnerable to thieves, pickpockets, and others who may wish to do you harm.

11. “When in Rome….”  Respect the customs and culture of the country you are visiting. Obey the laws.  Don’t assume that because you are an American, you may somehow be exempt from following the local laws – you most definitely are not!

12. Pack an extra pair of prescription glasses in your carry-on baggage, and take your lens prescription with you as well… Just in case you have a really bad day where you lose both pairs of glasses!  It could happen :-). No need to be a Mr. Magoo….you should be able to get another pair of lenses made up if you carry your prescription with you.

13. Ensure you have enough medication with you for the duration of your trip.  As an added precaution, take an additional week’s worth of pills. With the additional pills, you will still be okay if your flight home is delayed by a few days, or if you drop a pill and it rolls away as quickly as little ‘Johnny-Cake’ from the old children’s tale. Wear a medical alert bracelet if you have a pre-existing condition or a serious allergy. Carry your own EpiPen kit if necessary. If you are diabetic and use a syringe to self-administer your medication, be sure to carry a letter signed by your doctor that explains this.

14. If you’re following the sun and heading farther south during the winter months, be kind to your skin!  If it has been hidden under sweaters and parkas, a sudden change to the hot sun will not be its friend. Pack sunblock (or purchase some upon your arrival) and apply it liberally; wear a hat; don’t spend hours ‘soaking up the sun’ – sunburn is not a good look (nor is it healthy for your skin)…tanning is a gradual process.

15. There are many areas in which you can cut costs while traveling, but your travel insurance shouldn’t be one of them. Be certain that you have adequate medical insurance that will cover you in the event of illness, accident, or emergency evacuation while you are traveling. Ask questions of your insurance agent to ensure you know what you are covered for and that you are satisfied with the coverage.

16. Traveling by yourself with your children to visit grandma and grandpa?  Be sure to get a signed letter of permission from their other parent. If you can’t satisfy the airline that your ex, even your current spouse, has knowledge that you are traveling alone with the children, the airline is perfectly within their right not to let you fly with them.

17. Leave a copy of your passport, travel itinerary (including contact info for hotels and airlines), and other ID with a trusted family member or friend at home. Take another copy for yourself to carry somewhere separate from the ‘real things’. If your passport or credit card should be stolen or lost, it will be much faster to replace them if you have the pertinent contact information at your fingertips.

18. If you plan to rent a vehicle while you’re traveling, be sure to use a reputable rental agency. Most hotels have an in-house service or can recommend a rental company to you.

19. Once you have decided on your vacation destination, check with your physician regarding which vaccinations may be necessary. Once you have received all of the required vaccinations, have your doctor record the names and dates and pack this information with the rest of your travel documents. For an extensive list of countries and their requirements, visit this website.

20. Check this government website if you are uncertain about any of the souvenirs and gifts you wish to bring home for family and friends. Don’t be disappointed by being told that what you have bought isn’t allowed to come into the USA.

21. Lastly, don't forget to prepare your home before you go. Why invite trouble if you don't have to? Keep your home safe while you are gone so when you get back you don't encounter any unwanted surprises!

Written by Emma Ghattas

Ever find yourself on vacation…wishing you could ditch your travel companion?

She is controlling, dogmatic, and says you don’t spend enough.

He is passive-aggressive and humorless, going along with what you’d like to do but giving you the silent treatment the whole time.

Solo travel means you can thank your lucky stars that you’re free of difficult companions. You have freedom from eating Japanese food when you really want Thai. You have freedom from a boring museum when you want to take a bike tour.

Few travel situations require you to be a duo. Plus, if you get lonely and feel like socializing, you can always join groups–on your terms–knowing that you won’t be stuck with them the whole time.

Travel safety is always a concern, of course—especially when you do it alone. To fully enjoy the freedoms of solo travel, technology in the form of apps will help you prepare for the unexpected before your trip. We’ve researched six travel apps that will help you feel safer and more confident as a solo traveler.

Your Personal GPS and Guardian

1. StaySafe App. Your family constantly worries about you when you travel alone for your job. Who could blame them?

You take every reasonable precaution to stay safe during your lone travels.

You’re alert, carry pepper spray which can be used from a distance, and wear a hidden money belt to protect your cash and credit cards. You joined the auto club long ago, and you even know a bit of self-defense.

Still, if you could have your own personal GPS so your location could be traced if something bad did happen, it would probably ease your mind and the minds of your family. Ideally, the device would send emergency alerts to your loved ones to let them know that you’re in trouble and need help.

StaySafe is the answer to this scenario, providing personal security and a way to stay in contact with people when you’re traveling alone. The app has a timer which starts counting down from the time you tell the device that you will be alone. The location tracking system updates your location in real time. If for some reason you can’t reach your destination, you can list up to three contacts who can be alerted to your GPS location so you can be found quickly.

So, you tell the device that you will be alone on the road for four hours.  A few minutes before the four hours have passed, you’ll get an alert asking if you want to extend the session. If at the end of four hours you do not enter your four-digit pin, StaySafe’s GPS app will automatically broadcast your last identified location and notify your emergency contacts through email and text.  If your battery dies or if your phone gets damaged or turned off, the app will still keep alerting your contacts. You can also tap the featured panic button to instantly alert your emergency contacts. Hopefully one day StaySafe will be able to contact the police.

Know the Language of the Locals

2. Google Translate App. You’re going to Croatia. Although you may have built some basic conversational skills in Croatian, will you remember what to say in an emergency? Google Translate will come to your rescue. You’ll be able to relax on vacation with this app on your phone, knowing that, if something happens, you’ll have the help of a reliable translator.

How do you ask for help in Croatian?  According to Google Translate, “Help me” is “Pomozi mi.”  The app can translate conversations and text between 90 different languages. Using voice activation, simply ask a question in English and let the Croatian person hear it in Croatian. Google Translate can also translate with your camera, keyboard, and even your handwriting.

You’ll also like the feature of real-time conversation mode. Just select two languages, introduce one of the speakers, and Google Translate will recognize the spoken language and begin to translate. The best news: you don’t even need an internet connection. You can also save and retrieve your translations from any device. When using voice-to-text, remember to speak slowly and distinctly since voice recognition technology, although stunningly accurate, does not always get it right.

With the Word Lens feature, you can even point your camera at any sign or text and have it translated in the language of your choice. Just remember that translations might not always be perfect, so beware when pointing your camera at a sign.

If You Take a Road Trip

3. AAA Mobile App. For your vacation this year, you’ve driven to a peninsula in the Upper Midwest. You visit a state park for a picnic as you admire the area’s marvelous bluffs and rock formations.

When you eagerly jump into your car to head to your next destination, a winery, you find your car won’t shift at all. Thank goodness you’re a member of the American Automobile Association. You’re about to call the number on your AAA card when you remember that you have the AAA app on your phone.

Released in November 2016, the redesigned AAA app is easy to use. Just tap the app and ask for roadside assistance.  At once, you’re connected to the AAA call center, and a rep sends a tow truck, who takes you to the nearest dealership to fix a faulty throttle cable.

Also good to know: during bad weather events, using the AAA app will let you bypass any phone queues. The AAA app also has a map function which gives you directions. Find more than 59,000 AAA approved hotels and restaurants. Be alerted to membership discounts on dining out, shopping, entertainment and more. You’ll also get alerts on the cheapest gas prices in your area. Just tell the app what kinds of savings you like. You’ll get member discounts at over 164,000 locations.

Avoid High-Crime Areas

4. Safety Map Worldwide App. “I’m not from around here. What areas are best to avoid?”

Friendly locals might be eager to answer your question, but their perceptions of “safe” might be different from yours.

When it comes to avoiding what may be high-crime areas of an unfamiliar location, Safety Map Worldwide will help you research (or it can do all of the research if you like). When it comes to choosing your hotel, the app will advise you on districts which have statistically lower crimes rates. In addition, Safety Map Worldwide will provide you with the safest routes to get to your destination.

Get Monetary Conversions Worldwide

5. XE Currency App. From the Argentine peso to the Croatian kuna, this app will convert every world currency. You’ll get live proprietary currency rates and charts. With over 50 million downloads, you can trust XE Currency to do your conversions accurately.

A great feature of this app: it stores the last updated rates, so you can use XE Currency even without the Internet. You can simultaneously watch up to 10 currencies if you like. The app even offers conversions for different currencies to precious metals (find out what that gold or silver is worth). XE Currency is free, easy to use, and the only app you’ll need to convert money worldwide.

When Nature Calls

6. Sit or Squat App. You wanted to beat the traffic, so you decided to drive all night to stay with your friends for the weekend. They live five hours away.  It’s 3 a.m. and you’ve had coffee, but you’d sooner wet yourself than stop at some deserted gas station.

Where can you find a public restroom that’s clean and in a safe, well-lit, relatively busy area at this time of night?

Sit or Squat, a free app that lists 95,000 bathrooms around the world, is the answer. People rate their experiences with a Sit (which is good) or a Squat (which is average). Pictures can be uploaded by travelers to share their experiences with public restrooms. You can map the locations of the restrooms with an interactive map.

If you’re traveling overseas, here are a few foreign-travel bathroom safety tips.

The world is full of people who travel solo.  Join them and be free to do as you please.  With technology in the form of travel apps, traveling alone has never been safer.

Written by Katie Anton

There are people who have made a very lucrative career out of pickpocketing unsuspecting ‘marks’.  A ‘mark’ is a victim specially chosen by a pickpocket (or group of pickpockets) that is viewed as an easy target or mark.  They have mastered their craft and are exceptionally good at emptying your pockets without your knowledge.  You may think that you would notice if someone had their hand in your pocket but, rest assured, they are so slick and so fast, that you will be, essentially, clueless until it’s too late.  Even if you do ‘catch them in the act’, the penalties for pickpocketing are not harsh enough to warrant their getting another career.  So, as a traveler, the onus is entirely on you to protect your valuable belongings.

When are travelers the most vulnerable to pickpocket theft?

1. When you look like a tourist!  Camera dangling around your neck, luggage in tow, tote bag thrown over your shoulder…..oh, yes….you’re a tourist!  Being this obvious may set you up as a ‘mark’ ripe for the picking.  A single pickpocket, a pair, or a group of pickpockets may have you robbed blind in a few seconds…and you may be blissfully unaware.

2. In large crowds – Pickpockets love crowds!  They can get in, scout out a vulnerable ‘mark’ and, like a pride of lions, move in for the attack.  Once they have stolen your wallet, credit cards, watch, or other valuables, they are able to make a quick getaway, disappearing back into the crowd.

3. Watching a performance – Pickpockets thrive in a crowd that has gathered to watch a street performer, a concert, or even an argument- which can be staged to get your attention away from your valuables.  While you’re mesmerized by the entertainment or by the scene taking place, another member of the pickpocket crew takes advantage of your inattention to nab your wallet and other valuables.  You won’t even notice, they are that good at their ‘craft’.

4. When wearing a knapsack – A knapsack makes you particularly vulnerable to pickpockets.  The distance between the exterior of your backpack and your body makes it nearly impossible to be aware when someone opens a compartment and removes contents.

5. Flashing cash – You should never do this whether you’re at home or traveling.  A pickpocket will see all that cash, watch where you stow your wallet, and wait for his opportunity to slip it out of your pocket.  Make it a habit to carry only the amount of cash that you’ll need for the day in a readily accessible wallet.

6. When carrying several things at once – You’ve been shopping, and you are carrying several bags as well as your handbag.  It’s difficult to know if someone removes something from one of your shopping bags, or from a compartment in your handbag.  Even a zipped compartment is fair game if you aren’t protecting your handbag.

7. When you carry your wallet in your back pocket or handbag over your shoulder.  How many men with bulging wallets poking out of their back pocket have you seen?  We see it every day!  Carrying your wallet in a back pocket is like a gold-gilded invitation to help yourself to it!  How easy would it be for someone to come up behind you, slide your wallet up and out of your pocket and be gone in a flash?  Way too easy!  The same with a handbag.

How often have you seen a woman with their handbag over their shoulder and hanging behind their elbow?  Often times with compartments in plain view, even unzipped!  Again, it would be ‘like taking candy from a baby’ to stick a hand in and pluck out whatever you want.  And, unlike the baby, you won’t cry… until later when you realize what has happened!

8. When you’re distracted – A ‘nice’ person comes up to you and asks for the time, or directions, etc.  As you’re being ever so helpful, their partner in crime is rifling through your pockets, taking whatever their ‘sticky fingers’ latch onto.

9. When a person bumps into you – “Oh, I’m so sorry!”, says that person when he/she bumps into you.  Again, this may be a ploy to feel out where your wallet is stashed or to reach into your pocket and take what is in there.

10. When you’ve had one too many – You are especially vulnerable when you’ve been drinking.  A pretty lady (or handsome young man) may approach you and be a little ‘touchy-feely’.  Just when you think you’ve made a new….um….’friend’, they take off!  What just happened??  Well….you might want to check your pockets; chances are…they’re empty!

Okay…now that you know when you’re most susceptible to pickpockets, what is the solution?  How can you keep your valuables safe and secure?

How can you make yourself less of a target to pickpockets?

1. First of all, travel safety dictates that you be aware of your surroundings at all times!

2. If you must carry a handbag, keep it in front of you at all times, ensure that all compartments are zipped up, and keep your hand over the top of it.

3. Likewise, for a wallet.  Store it in a front pocket, and keep your hand on the opening.

4. Consider carrying a ‘fake’ wallet that contains no, or very little, cash.

5. One of the safest ways to protect your valuables is to wear a money belt which is hidden from view under your clothing.

6. Or, store your cash, credit cards, and passport in a neck stash which you wear under your shirt next to your body.

7. Carry only the cash and one credit card, that you’ll need for the day, in a wallet that you can protect by keeping your hand on it.

8. Don’t access your neck stash or money belt in public.  If you need to add more cash to your daily allotment, it would be prudent to make a trip to a restroom stall to transfer cash from your money belt to your wallet. Don’t flash your cash!

9. If you plan to have a few drinks, prepare in advance by carrying a minimum amount of cash.  Lock the rest in your hotel safe.  This is to your advantage for 2 reasons…you won’t lose a large amount of money if you DO get pickpocketed by that Greek god or goddess… and, you won’t have a hangover the next morning because you weren’t carrying enough cash to get too drunk

10. Don’t carry valuables in the outside pockets of your knapsack.  It’s too easy for anyone to unzip or lift a flap and help themselves to the contents without your knowledge.

It’s up to you.  Too many travelers have had their vacations ruined by pickpockets making off with their valuables.  Practice travel safety, be aware, and have fun!

Written by Emma Ghattas

In the years before deregulation of the airlines in the U.S., air travel was a comfortable, middle-class privilege. Flying could be quite glamorous, and, before 1978, it was an experience affordable to only a few.

Today, air travel is not what it once was, especially in economy class. In modern times, although most travelers can now afford tickets, most airlines have designed seats that assume everyone must be the size of an average 9-year-old child (and, in some cases, a frail, underfed 9-year-old). Long-haul flights can be especially brutal in today’s airplanes if you’re not prepared for the trip.

Below are 13 tips to take the edge off of long hauls, from ways to amuse yourself, to sleep tricks for avoiding jet lag, to ideas on what to pack, among other things.

1. Read. Buy a magazine or two—a few meaty ones that will take time to slog through. If you have trouble concentrating, bring a few lighter magazines, which tend to require less concentration than heady magazines and books. Bring/keep on your Kindle a few of the classics that you’ve always wanted to read but never had the time. You should have more than one in case you try reading one and get bored. You’ll feel a sense of accomplishment to have read a good portion, if not the entirety, of a classic.

2. Write. If you’re the type, and not everyone is, catch up on any writing you might need to do for work, or write a letter to a friend for pleasure. Write a to-do list for yourself. If you’re able to concentrate while squeezed into an unnaturally compact space, you might be able to let your mind wander and lose all sense of time when you enter the writing mode. The time will fly as fast as the aircraft. You’ll be relieved and feel accomplished to have gotten a chunk of work done, too.

3. Sleep or meditate. Maybe you can’t calm yourself enough to effectively sleep or meditate with two strangers spilling over onto your seat. But if you can actually sleep in a vertical position, why not take the opportunity to vegetate during this long haul?

If you do sleep and are crossing time zones, keep jet lag in mind. What time will you arrive at your destination? If you’ll get there when it’s still daytime, you might want to take a short nap and then try to tough it out; otherwise, your sleep schedule will be thrown off, and you’ll feel like a disoriented, nauseous, and unwell shift worker at quitting time. If you’ll arrive at nighttime, you could take more of a marathon nap. Once you arrive at your destination, you can go right to bed and continue your slumber.

4. Binge-watch your favorite shows and movies. Take in two movies, and you’ll kill about four hours. Not bad for your eight or ten-hour haul. Plus, if flying gives you anxiety, distracting yourself can be the perfect antidote.

5. Bring your own food and a bottle filled with your favorite beverage. Food is fuel, and you’ll need it to keep your blood sugar even and to preserve your energy. Maybe you have gluten sensitivities, food allergies, or diabetes. Maybe you’re dieting and only eating healthy food these days. Whatever the case, bringing your own snacks will increase the chances you’ll feel well. Eating airline food is always a bit of a gamble. And bringing your own bottle of filtered water or other beverage will give you peace of mind and give you the hydration you need with the dry air on the plane. You’ll also save money by bringing your own food and drink.

6. Imbibe if you must; just don’t get smashed. Alcohol in moderation will soothe your travel jitters. Just don’t overdo it and get dehydrated. It’s dry enough at 30,000 feet. Remember to hydrate with lots of water if you do drink alcohol.

7. Get a good seat.  SeatGuru is a great resource for accurate data on the size, location, and anything else you could want to know about your airline seat. You can find out exactly where you’ll be sitting, not to mention get the whole layout of the plane.

Once you see the location of your seat, you might decide to upgrade to first class if you use miles or points. If you don’t use miles or points, this is a good time to become a frequent flyer; you’ll rack up a lot of miles from the long haul you’re doing now. Get a window seat (ideally in a bunk head or an exit row) to slump against something while you sleep. Try an aisle seat if you plan to get up and walk around a lot.

8. Bring items for comfort. Especially if you plan to sleep or meditate or whatever, you’ll want to block out your surroundings as much as you can and create privacy for yourself. Bring noise-canceling headphones (airline engines make quite a racket, from a low rumble to a sustained screech). Wear a sleep mask. Bring a blanket and an inflatable neck pillow. Pack moist wipes for your hands and body wipes to take a waterless shower.

9. Prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Developing blood clots in the legs is always a risk to keep in mind when you’ll be sitting for a long transoceanic flight; we’ve written about this before.

If you know you have a tendency to get fat, bloated legs when you sit for a while, wear compression socks. Even if you don’t have a history of leg swelling and associated problems, it’s not a bad idea to wear these support stockings.

10. Get up and walk/stretch every hour or so. Walking, stretching, and doing a bit of light cardio will help improve circulation to your legs and can help prevent DVT, not to mention reduce the chances of neck aches and backaches. Get the blood flowing out of your lower extremities.

Walking up and down aisles is probably better than hopping up and down like a toddler (if the plane is empty, though, why not?). Windmill your arms if you can find a spot where you’re not swinging your arms in somebody’s face. An aisle seat will be an advantage here since you won’t feel trapped, and you can get up and move around whenever you want.

11. Stay hydrated. The air at 30,000 feet is bone dry, so be sure to drink lots of water. Gatorade is ideal because it replenishes electrolytes. A benefit of drinking lots of liquids is that you’ll be visiting the restroom frequently—a good excuse to get up, walk and stretch.

12. Research what sleep/anxiety aids might be best for you. Some people are chronic insomniacs for whom a nightly sleeping pill is a must. Many insomniacs, not to mention people with different levels of chronic anxiety, use a class of drugs called benzodiazepines, which can be highly effective in aiding relaxation and sleep (use the smallest effective dose since this class of drug can be habit-forming). If you think you might need benzodiazepines to help you sleep on the plane or to help reduce/eliminate anxiety when you fly, you’ll need a prescription from a doctor.

Other travelers might benefit from a simple dose of Bonine or Dramamine, both intended to treat motion sickness but which tend to have a tranquilizing effect.

Melatonin is a hormone secreted by the body’s pineal gland; this happens when it gets dark outside, around 9 p.m., the time when you may begin to crave sleep. Melatonin can be bought over the counter as nature’s way to induce sleep. Beware: the effective window of melatonin is about a half hour. If you don’t fall asleep during that window, melatonin may not help.

Find out well ahead of your trip how these sleep aids affect you. Don’t wait until you’re on the plane to experience a nasty side effect. Also, don’t mix alcohol with sleep aids, which can get you dangerously snowed—and worse.

13. Travel light. Try to avoid checking luggage, if possible, and have a fraction of the worries.

In the 1980 classic Airplane, a character describes the film’s ill-fated aircraft as a “big pretty white plane with red stripes, curtains in the windows, and wheels,” and said, “It looks like a big Tylenol.” You’ll be cooped up in that big white Tylenol capsule for a long haul, and there’s only so much you can do. However, a neck pillow, good food, entertainment, a walk, and a sleep aid, among our other tips, will get you off to a good start.

Written by Katie Anton

 Do you know where your passport is right now?  Are you certain?  Go ahead and check….you know you want to

It’s just where it should be? Good! But…what if it isn’t?  What if it were stolen or lost either while you’re at home in the U.S. or, worse when you are traveling in a foreign country?  What would you do?

Here is some valuable information that we hope will help you to be reunited with your current passport or will help you to apply for a replacement passport.

Steps to Take to Report a Lost or Stolen U.S. Passport

• Immediately report that your passport has been lost or stolen.  By doing this you are protecting yourself from having your identity stolen by people who will use it to benefit themselves to your detriment.
• Once your passport is reported as lost or stolen, it immediately becomes invalid and can no longer be used for international travel.  So it’s best to be absolutely certain that you didn’t merely ‘misplace’ your passport before you report it as MIA!
• Who ya gonna call to report your passport lost or stolen?  You have 3 options:

1.  Online: Go to the U.S. Department of State’s U.S. Passports & International Travel page which provides you with the steps to take to make your report online.

2.  By Phone: To report a lost or stolen passport

From the U.S. & Canada 1-888-407-4747
From Overseas +1 202-501-4444

3.  By Mail: Submit Form DS-64 which you have completed in full, including your signature. You will find all of the required forms and mailing address on this page.

Steps to Take to Replace a Lost or Stolen U.S. Passport Abroad

If you are outside the U.S. when your passport is lost or stolen, you will have to replace it before you can re-enter the U.S.  Here is what you’ll need to do:

Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for assistance.

For the contact information of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in the specific country you are visiting, do a search on this webpage and take the information with you.

The embassy or consulate will require documentation from you in order to replace your lost or stolen U.S. passport.  This documentation will include:

• Proof of U.S. Citizenship – birth certificate, copy of your passport
• ID – driver’s license
• Airline/Cruise line/Railway/ tickets – to prove where you traveled from and where you will be returning to
• Passport photo – if possible, get this done before going to the embassy to expedite the replacement process
• Police report – if you filed a report with the local police regarding your stolen passport, take a copy of the report with you to the embassy. If you have been the victim of a serious crime, make the U.S. embassy aware of it so they can provide assistance to you
• Form DS-64 – this is the Statement Regarding a Lost or Stolen Passport which you will need to complete.  You can do this in person at the embassy
• Form DS-11 – this is the Application for Passport.  You will be able to complete this form at the embassy

If you are unable to provide all of this documentation, the embassy staff still will do whatever they can to assist you in replacing your passport in a timely manner.

Be aware that most U.S. embassies and consulates cannot issue passports on weekends or national holidays when the embassy/consulate typically is closed.

In the event of a crisis, there are officers available 24-7 for life or death emergencies for any U.S. citizen traveling abroad.  You can contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for assistance at any time if you have been attacked or are the victim of another serious crime, or if you have to travel sooner than scheduled due to a serious emergency situation.

Steps to Take to Replace a Lost or Stolen U.S. Passport in the U.S.

The following information is cited directly from U.S. Department of State’s U.S. Passports & International Travel page.

To replace a lost or stolen passport, you must submit Form DS-11 in person.

Steps to Take to Prevent Your Passport Getting Lost or Stolen

Your passport is a valuable and extremely important document!  Do whatever you can to ensure that it stays safe when you are traveling.

• Carry your passport in a hidden neck-stash that you can secure around your neck and under your clothing
• Alternatively, carry your passport in a hidden money belt which can be worn under your clothing
• Secure your passport (and credit cards) from identification theft by storing it in an RFID-blocking cover.  This will prevent the information on it being ‘skimmed’ from your passport (and your credit cards).

Important Passport Info:

• Apply for a passport well in advance of your travel date, or renew your current passport if necessary.
• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you are scheduled to return home.
• Check the expiry dates of the passports for all family members traveling, as children’s passports expire sooner (valid for 5 years) than do passports for adults (valid for 10 years).
• Confirm if you require a visa to enter the country you plan to visit.  This document is in addition to your passport.

Travel Tips:

• Sign your passport, and complete the emergency contact information.  If your passport is lost, this will assist greatly with getting it returned to its rightful owner….you.
• Carry a copy of your current passport with you (separate from the actual passport). This will expedite the replacement process.  Or, leave a copy with a friend or family member who can email or courier the copy to you if necessary.
• Carry with you the contact details for the nearest U.S. embassy or U.S. consulate, in English AND in the local language.

Written by Katie Anton

The rigors of travel can be exhausting!  From lineups at the airport to flight delays, air travel definitely isn’t the ‘walk in the park’ it was a few decades ago.  What you don’t need to add to your stress, is having your credit card, wallet or passport stolen when you’re traveling.  To have this happen at home is disconcerting enough, but dealing with such an emergency when you’re traveling – particularly if you’re in a country where the language, customs, and laws differ greatly from your ‘norm’ – can be quite traumatic; even more so if you’re ill-prepared and uninformed.

Other troublesome incidents also may occur.  What do you do if your luggage is lost or stolen?  What do you do if you miss your scheduled flight?  ‘Who ya gonna call’ if your credit card gets declined on those ‘must have’ shoes in Milan?  It’s doubtful Ghostbusters will be much help

In this article, we’ll share some travel tips for 3 very important travel components – lost luggage, stolen/compromised credit card, and missed flights – together with what you need to know before you go, and what to do if the unthinkable does happen while you’re globetrotting.

1. Keep Your Luggage Safe when Traveling

Following these tips is no guarantee that your luggage won’t perform a ‘disappearing act’, but it will help considerably:

• Don’t pack valuables in your checked luggage – not ever!  Airlines offer minimal reimbursement for packed items and accept no liability for the loss/theft of your fine jewels, electronics, heirlooms, furs, camera, or cash that you thought would be safe to pack.  Leave valuables at home.
• Take a photo (and/or make a detailed list) of items packed in your suitcase.  Store the photo on your cell phone so you can refer to it if you and your travel gear become separated.  And, no, you’re not being paranoid if you go one step further and snap a pic of the baggage tag before you toss your bag on to that cavernous hole which is the baggage conveyor belt.
• Put a TSA-luggage lock on your bag.  This lock will make your luggage less accessible to thieves, yet still allow TSA officers to inspect the contents if they wish.

• Use Tarriss Customizable Lesslost Luggage Tags for quick identification.

• Go directly to the Baggage Claim carousel.  Don’t dilly-dally once you have deplaned. The faster you get to the Baggage Claim area, the better your chances are of claiming your own luggage (before someone else inadvertently or intentionally takes it).

2. Keep Your Credit Card Safe when Traveling

So much of your travel safety depends on you!  Do whatever you can to protect your credit card – from thieves, from being skimmed, even from being declined.

• Let your bank and your credit card company know where you are going and for how long.  If you use online banking, you will be able to advise the bank of your travel plans online – or you can call your bank.  Now that your credit card company knows where you’re traveling, they will be expecting those charges from a cozy little trattoria in Rome, or a romantic beach cafe on the French Riviera….and you won’t have the embarrassment of a declined credit card.
• Check out the current exchange rates so you can better budget expenses on your trip.  Being informed in advance will help you to avoid ‘sticker shock’ once you’re back home and your credit card bills start rolling in.
• Keep your credit cards in an RFID-blocking wallet or neck stash.  This will prevent would-be thieves from skimming your personal data from your credit card when you’re carrying it.

3. Avoid Missing Your Flight

Sometimes it’s the fault of the airlines that you miss your scheduled flight.  Often, though, it’s a lack of preparation at your end that leads to this annoying occurrence. Whatever you can do to expedite the duration between home and departure gate – that’s what you need to do!

• Get to the airport early!  It is much less stressful to spend time waiting at your departure gate than it is to spend time in the luggage check-in line or the security line as the minutes tick past at a seemingly alarming rate!

• Pack properly.  Ensure that your luggage is compatible with size restrictions enforced by most airlines.  Weigh your luggage with a digital luggage scale before you get to the airport to avoid excess weight charges.
• Prepare for Security.  Don’t get into the Security line with a full or partially full soda can or water bottle.  Drink it and dispose of it BEFORE you get in the line. Have your liquids and gels packed in airline-approved travel-size bottles, and have them readily available to place in the x-ray tray for inspection.

Despite your best efforts, things can go awry when traveling.  Following are some travel tips on what to do if that happens.

1.  What to Do if Your Luggage is Lost

If you’re the only one left pacing at the luggage carousel, and there are no more suitcases making an appearance, chances are your luggage has been lost, stolen, or missed the flight.  Now what?

• Report your missing travel gear ASAP!  The quicker you let an airline representative know that your luggage is missing, or make a report to the proper airport authorities, the more likely it is that you and your luggage will be reunited.
• Be polite yet assertive with the airline rep.  They didn’t take your luggage….and they may be able to help you find it.  It’s never a good idea to tick off the one person who may be your key to getting your stuff back.

2. What to Do if Your Credit Card is Lost/Stolen

As a rule, it is very safe to use your credit card while traveling.  However, thieves are persistent and can put your credit card at risk of being stolen.  Or, your credit card may get misplaced among all the cabs, hotel rooms, restaurants, shops and other venues you visit. If your credit card is lost, stolen, or otherwise compromised, follow these five steps:

• Notify your bank immediately.  Before you travel, make a note of the contact number on the back of your credit card so you have it available when needed. Once notified, your bank will cancel your lost or stolen card and reissue a new one.  The bank may be able to email or fax a copy of the most recent charges on your credit card to determine if the charges were made by you or are fraudulent.  In most cases, as long as you notify your bank/credit card company as soon as you realize your card is missing, you may not be responsible for charges that you did not make.  It’s at a time like this that you’ll be glad you took the time to read that Cardholder Agreement booklet you received with your credit card.  You have read it, right?  If you haven’t reviewed the details in it yet, take the time to do so – particularly before you travel. It contains valuable information you will need to know if your credit card disappears or is compromised.
• Report a credit card theft to local police. If the local police are advised, they just may be able to track down the thief by tracking the charges being racked up on your credit card, and potentially charge them.
• Notify Credit Bureaus.  Have the credit bureaus tag your file with a ‘fraud alert’.  When you get home – sooner if possible – order a copy of your most recent credit report so you can be assured that no other fraud has been committed on your accounts.
  Write it All Down. Keep a record of all the specifics of each conversation you have. Note down the date and time you called, the name of the person you spoke with, and details of that conversation.  No doubt you’ll need to refer to this information so be as detailed as possible with your notes.
• Cancel Card. Your bank/credit card company should have done this as soon as you reported your lost or stolen card to them, but it’s a good idea to confirm.  If you have any payees that automatically charge an expense to your credit card, you will need to notify them of your new card number and expiry date.

3. What to Do if You Miss Your Flight

On rare occasions, missing your scheduled flight is inescapable!  Your connecting flight ran late, and, unless the airline is transferring your luggage, you had to wait at Baggage Claim to claim your luggage and then recheck it.  By the time you’ve done all that….you race to the departure gate just in time to see the agents turn off the departure info light and saunter away..….”Oh, great….I just missed my flight!”  Here’s what you need to do:

• If your flight is late in arriving and, subsequently, you miss your connecting flight (with the same airline), your airline will do what it can to put you on the next available flight to your destination.  If you missed the last flight of the day, depending on what the Contract of Carriage states, the airline may offer a voucher for an overnight hotel room or at least a food voucher.  If they don’t make the offer – ask….nicely!  They may say ‘no’….but they just may say ‘yes’, even if they are not required to do so.
• If you miss your flight due to your own tardiness….look for the nearest “Buy Tickets” line-up.  That’s the one you’ll need to go to.  You, my friend, are out of luck – the airline is under no obligation to refund you, or put you on another flight, and they won’t.
• If the airline makes a change to your scheduled flight, they are under no obligation to make compensation to you except for the price of the ticket you paid for the original flight.  Nor will they refund you if the new flight you book costs more than the original flight or if you need to stay overnight in a hotel.

Travel Tips:

* Consider getting a credit card strictly for travel which has a manageable maximum credit limit – say $500 or $1000.  If it is stolen, at least the thief won’t be able to go on a major shopping spree!

* Consider carrying a ‘dummy’ wallet that you can hand over if ever you are mugged.  Fill it with a few dollar bills, an expired credit card, even business cards which you have collected from local businesses (not one of your own business cards).

* Take a photo of all your travel documents and store the photos on your cell phone.  Or, make two photocopies of all your travel documents – itinerary (include phone numbers for hotels), passport, visas, etc.  Give one copy to a trusted friend or family member at home.  Carry the second copy with you separate from your original documents.

As mentioned earlier, so much of travel safety depends on how informed you are before you travel, and what you know about dealing with less than ideal situations that may arise on a trip.

Check back soon for important travel tips on how to protect your valuable passport and what to do if it is stolen or lost.

Written by Emma Ghattas

When you book a hotel while traveling near home or far abroad, it’s reasonable to expect hotels to look out for your safety. Unfortunately, not all do, and you should expect to be your own security guard in certain ways.  Valuables can be placed into hotel safes; you can’t fit into a safe, and even safes aren’t always safe.  Below are 33 tips to help make your next stay at a hotel a safer one.

1. Research the area you plan to visit before you book a hotel. Is the hotel located in a high-crime area? This is particularly relevant when you travel abroad since, in other countries, hotel security may be quite different from the modern security you may be accustomed to in the U.S. For example, doors may not have deadbolt locks, and old style metal keys with room numbers embossed on them will be standard. Such keys are easy to duplicate and can get into the wrong hands.

2. Affordable lodging and safety are not always mutually exclusive. Being on a budget doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll sacrifice safety.  You don’t always need to stay at a four or five-star place. What matters is that the property uses and maintains modern locks on doors and windows, not to mention takes the privacy of guests seriously.  A few good signs: they don’t issue new key cards without verifying identity; they have strict policies on guest confidentiality; they have a strong background and training in security.

3. The best way to prevent someone stealing from your hotel safe is not to bring valuables along in the first place. Leave expensive jewelry at home. Keep your passport on your person in a money belt or neck stash. Photocopy all important documents and upload them to a cloud storage system.

4. If you must carry valuables, storing them in your room safe may mean you won’t be insured. Most hotels will only insure your valuables if you store them in the lobby safe. Both room safes and lobby safes offer some protection but also a degree of risk.

Safes which let you make your own combination are better than safes which require a key (hotel employees can get a hold of master keys and steal your valuables).  If you must store valuables, the lobby safe is probably a better bet than a room safe (at least you’ll have some insurance if something does get stolen).

5. Keep a watchful eye on your luggage. Be especially careful in a crowded hotel lobby at check-in time. When arriving at the hotel and checking in, you’re often tired, hungry, and stressed from your trip, which can make you vulnerable. Thieves, rapists, and others know this and count on you being less alert so they can take advantage.

6. Keep all of your belongings in front of you, within your view. The best way not to worry about your valuables is to carry them in a neck stash or money belt.

7. When you register, if you’re a woman alone who wants to take extra safety precautions, say you’re traveling with a man. Sign the register “Mr. and Mrs. Jones” or “The Joneses.” Failing that, leave your gender ambiguous, and sign your first initial and last name only.

8. Ask the hotel clerk to write down or point to your room number and not to say it out loud; you never know who might overhear. You really shouldn’t have to remind hotel employees of confidentiality, but it doesn’t hurt.

At most reputable hotels, it is actually against company policy to announce your room number or reveal what floor you’re staying on.  If a hotel breaches this confidence, ask for another room or go to a different hotel if you can. Also, tell the desk clerk not to disclose to anyone any information about you. Advise them to contact you if someone inquires about you.

9. Be careful with your credit card at the front desk (and everywhere). Don’t set the card down or let it out of your sight for a second. Make sure the clerk gives you back the right credit card after the transaction.

10. Get an escort to accompany you to your room if that makes you feel more comfortable. If you’re a woman, see if you can get a female escort. Ask the escort to go into the room and search it to make sure no one is hiding under the bed, in the closet, in the shower, and in any other places where someone could hide.

11. Buy and use luggage locks, especially if you don’t intend to use the room safe or hotel lobby safe. Never leave your luggage unlocked when you’re out of your room. Keep the luggage hidden in a closet or under the bed to reduce the risk of someone rifling through your stuff. For your Laptop, You might consider getting a Kensington lock to secure your laptop when you leave your hotel. Use it at airports or in any public places where someone could grab your laptop.

12. Always place your room key, a flashlight, and your phone in the same place (preferably on a night table next to your bed). In an emergency like a power outage or a fire, you’ll be able to see where you’re going and won’t be fumbling in the dark for your things.

13. Check the peephole on the door before you go into your room. Most of the time, peepholes will be loose and easy to remove; if someone should remove the peephole, you can forget about your privacy.

Some travelers are now buying Reverse Peephole Viewers, spy gadgets that let anyone see inside of your room without your knowledge (and some may video or photograph what they see). Consider the case of Erin Andrews.

You can buy a peephole cover (Privacy Logic makes a good one) to protect your privacy and prevent all types of peephole tampering. Short of that, you can make your own peephole cover out of duct tape or adhesive bandage that you can place over the peephole and remove as needed.

14. Door and lock security. How modern are your room doors and locks?  The most secure doors are solid-core wood or metal, with self-closing and self-locking features.

The most secure type of room lock is the electronic key card. Most of these cards automatically change the lock combination with each new guest. Thus, it’s unlikely anyone will have a duplicate key to your room. Electronic locks are good at preventing former guests and employees from getting into your room.

15. In addition to a doorknob lock, a deadbolt lock and a wide-angle peephole are essential. To assure privacy, cover up the peephole with a piece of duct tape or stuff or tape a little piece of paper in the peephole (you can always peel it back when you need to use the peephole). If you notice signs of wear on any of your locks, try to get a different room or don’t stay at the hotel.

16. Don’t stay in an adjoining room. For obvious reasons.

17. Windows and sliding doors should be tested for security, especially if the only room you can get is located on the lower levels of a hotel. Balconies create additional risk for an easy intrusion when your windows and sliding doors are not secured. If windows and sliding doors do not have secure, functioning locks and you can’t get another room, find a different hotel if you can.

18. Phones. Make sure the phone in your room allows for outside dialing. Get the phone number for local police and place it next to the landline and program it into your cell phone. Keep your cell phone right next to your bed. Having these numbers close and convenient should make you feel safer.

19. Guest phones in hallways and common areas shouldn’t allow direct room dialing. The safest phone policy in a hotel requires the caller to ask for a room by the guest’s name and not by the room number. Find out how good a job your hotel is doing to protect your privacy: pick up a guest phone and ask the operator what room you are staying in. The operator should say, “I’ll connect you” and not give you the room number.

20. If you order room service, call the hotel staff directly with your order. Don’t use the pre-order menu since it hangs on your door and broadcasts to passersby how many people are in your room.  Also, tell room service to knock on your door when they deliver your order and to place the tray outside the door if you don’t want them coming into your room.

21. Tell family and friends where you are. Your family and friends may already know that you’re traveling. If you’re on a trip alone and feel skittish about staying in a strange place, agree to phone or text your friend or family member at an agreed-upon time. Tell them that if they don’t hear from you or can’t reach you by the prearranged time, they should call the police.

22. Carry or create a weapon and keep it in bed with you or next to the bed within reach in case of a hotel room intrusion. You may already carry a gun or other self-defense product(s); make sure you know how to use any weapons you carry. Maybe you keep a baseball bat in your car or carry pepper spray on your person. Grizzly bear spray is exceptional because you can use it on people from a distance. However, it may not be legal where you’re going; be sure to check the laws at your destination before you go.

23. Remember that elbows are the sharpest point on the body. When it comes to self-defense, elbow strikes are highly effective no matter what your size. At least you don’t have to remember to “pack” elbows, and they can’t be taken from you and used against you.

24. Learn the layout of the hotel and create an escape route in case of emergency. Get a map of the layout and walk around to get a sense of where the emergency exits are in case or fire or some other threat to your well-being.

25. The higher the floor of your room, the less vulnerable you may be from criminals who might gain access to the building from the outside. Ground-floor rooms are easy to exploit and paths of less resistance for criminals. Avoid the room at the end of a hallway or the one next to the stairwell. Try to get a room between the fourth and sixth floors, which tend to be safer. If you’re above the sixth floor, you may be at a disadvantage in case of fire or other needs to evacuate.

26. Make your room appear occupied at all times. Potential intruders can be diverted if there are signs of activity in your room. Hang the Do-Not-Disturb sign on the doorknob and leave the television on so it’s audible from outside the door.

Also, leave at least one light on in the room since you may be out for the whole day and returning to your room after dark; having a light under the doorway effect can make it look like someone’s in the room. If you’re traveling alone and feel nervous during the night, leave the light and the television on all night. Be sure to shift the television so it’s facing the door; it will look as if people are up and around.

27. Travel with a door stopper. Wedge the stopper in the door when you retire for the night. You can even get door stoppers with alarms in them (120 dB should be plenty loud to wake you and scare off any intruder).

28. Rig a booby trap for your room door to supplement your locks. Push a heavy object/piece of furniture in front of the door. You really need to wedge the object directly under the door handle. Then, put some coins in a container of some kind (bottle, can, cup). Next, stack the container on top of the object that’s blocking the door. Although a determined person might still gain entry, at least you’d have warning and would wake up as these traps would make quite a racket.

This suggestion is a double-edged sword since doing this will slow YOU down if you need to evacuate the room in case of fire or another emergency.

29. Get to know the hotel staff. When you travel, it can be comforting to develop relationships with those who could become potential allies if something goes wrong for you.  If you have questions or fears about the neighborhood, have a friendly conversation with the hotel staff and try to get information from them.

30. Find out if the front desk is staffed around the clock. Ask if they have on-call security personnel. Do they provide escorts to rooms and to cars?

31. Parking structures, hallways, common areas, and grounds should be well lit. A safe hotel layout will have elevators that lead from the parking garage to the lobby only, not directly to guest floors.

Even when areas are brightly lit, if you’d feel safer or have any doubts, call the front desk and ask for an escort to your room. If valet service is available, use it and avoid parking structures altogether, especially after dark.

32. Don’t open the door to an unannounced visitor.  Many room invasions could have been averted by not trusting people who visit unannounced.

A common ploy, and a devious one, used by rapists, thieves, and others, is to impersonate someone else (e.g. a maintenance person, bellman, housekeeper, room server). Some even go through the trouble of dressing the part.

If someone shows up and asks to get into your room, phone the front desk to confirm that the person is legitimate. Don’t speak to anyone and count on the door chain to keep you safe. Speak to everyone through the door, and look through the peephole.

33. If you’re a woman alone or feel vulnerable, tell the front desk to have the person come back to your room later, at a designated time (when you won’t be in the room). When you return to your room, have a security person escort you if you feel safer that way. Ask them to go into the room and inspect it for you before you go back in (someone could be hiding in the closet or the shower or something). Many hotels have been sued because of inept security; insist on having someone watch out for you.

Hotels are responsible for protecting you. It’s your right, and you’re paying dearly for it. Although chances are good that your hotel will do its job in keeping you safe, it can’t hurt to add a layer of protection–and be your own security guard.

Written by Katie Anton

From tiny terminals to longer lines and beefed-up security, you may be in for a bit of culture shock when using European airports, especially if you’re using a lower-cost carrier.  Just as in America, Europe has its share of good, bad and ugly airports, where good (if not great) might be the Helsinki Airport in Finland, which is easy to navigate, clean and modern, with art galleries, spas, and sleeping pods. The bad might be any of the financially strapped airports of Greece, like the Santorini Thira Airport, notable for its diminutive terminals, limited food options, and bare-bones seating. Bordering on ugly could be Greece’s Rhodes Island, which has been plagued with not only endless lines and understaffing, but also bathroom problems (missing toilet seats, soap, and towels) and sparse choices in food and amenities.

No matter your destination in Europe (and how you might rate it on the good, bad or ugly meter), we’ve outlined some of the main differences you may find in European airports compared to U.S. airports, along with some tricks and tips to help you get through European airports more smoothly.

Service May be Slower in EU Airports Compared to U.S. Airports

Flying is stressful enough when you’re traveling within the United States, where airports tend to be fairly well staffed and relatively efficient at handling everything from checking in to security. However, the European counterpart of the airline you use may have fewer check-in counters (or maybe only half of the counters will be staffed), so you may have fewer resources to handle your needs. With less staff around to help you, as you might take for granted in the U.S., getting through the airport in the EU may take longer.

Security is Strict in EU Airports

You might be surprised by the strict levels of security used in EU airports. Security measures at airports in the EU make it very difficult, though not impossible, for someone with criminal or terrorist intent to exploit them. Typically, you’ll find not one but two security checkpoints in the airports of many EU regions. A model for secure airports in Europe is the Charles de Gaulle, which is among the strictest for screening passengers in the EU.

Airport security in Europe has, in fact, inspired the airport security model in the United States that has been in place following the events of September 11, 2001.  At that time, America finally began to catch up with Europe in security matters, with the Department of Homeland Security and the TSA and its checkpoints being born soon after the events of September 11.

Security Requirements for Packing and Boarding when Flying from EU Airports

The EU rule on liquids allows you to hold a maximum capacity of 1 liter in a see-through plastic bag. Examples of liquids include aerosols, drinks, toothpaste, cosmetic creams, and gels. Contact your airline if you’re not sure of what liquids you may pack.

If you plan to fly with a container of liquid larger than 100 mL, you must place it in checked baggage. Exceptions to the volume restriction: Medicines and baby food.

You may carry on duty-free liquids bought from any airport or airline—as long as you keep the item and its receipt sealed inside the security bag (with a red border) which will be provided at the time of purchase. You must wait until you get to your destination to open the security bag. Security officials have the right to open the bag and inspect its contents. If you have a connecting flight at another airport, tell the security officer, who can reseal your liquid containers in a new security bag.

Explosives and flammable items (e.g. fireworks, aerosol spray paint, and others) as well as toxic materials (e.g. acids) are not allowed in carry-on luggage or checked luggage. Check with your airline to find out guidelines for carry-on baggage and the number of items you’re allowed to take on board.

With these differences between EU and American airports in mind, follow these 12 tips to reduce the stress of your experience:

1. Be Streamlined and Carry on. You’ve heard this one a million times. Try to pack light—just once–and you may be sold on why this advice appears again and again. We’ve written about traveling light before: use our guide. Traveling light will mean fewer things to worry about. Being unshackled from luggage also makes for an interesting test of your survival skills.  Best of all, you’ll be free of the dreaded routine at the luggage carousel.

2. Before you leave for the airport, visit the website of your airline or call them and confirm your reservation. This way, there will be fewer surprises at the airport.

3. Get to the airport early. You’ve heard this advice time and again—and for good reason. Airports vary immensely in how efficiently they operate.  As said earlier, depending on the airline and the location, many of the airlines in Europe feature much smaller and slowing-moving operations than their counterparts in America.

You can’t manufacture time. Don’t be overly optimistic and give yourself one measly hour to get through the airport or you may find yourself having to book another flight.  If you’re risk-averse and get easily lost in unfamiliar places, allow two and one half to three hours to navigate many of the airports in the EU. Better safe than sorry.

4. Learn the layout of the airport before you get there. This tip goes along with getting to the airport early. You may have learned the hard way while trying to navigate a maze of an airport like Charles de Gaulle or Frankfurt Hahn, two EU airports which are frequently named as befuddling to travelers. Being familiar with an airport’s layout ahead of time might ease the stress.

Download a map of your airport terminal onto your smartphone to study ahead of time to get a feel for the airport’s layout before you go. Of course, every airport is different, and everyone’s perceptions will vary, but you may judge some airports to be less intuitively designed than others. Some are plain illogical and poorly signed.

You’ll be able to relax a bit more knowing in advance where to go, and you’ll probably get around faster, too, since you’ll have a map of the layout.

It’s also a good idea to know how to get from the arrival gate of your destination airport to the center of the city. You might try Google Street View.

5. Wear the European costume to blend when possible, and you might get through the airport faster.  You could end up going through a complete body search in France, for instance, if they think you look a bit scruffy or if you stand out somehow. Try not to draw attention to yourself.

6. Don’t waste money on food and drinks if you can’t finish them before you board the plane.  American airports will generally allow you to bring items like bottled water onto the plane.  In the EU, you will most likely be asked to throw out beverage and food containers at the second security point.

7. Don’t be surprised if you’re hit with intrusive questions at security checkpoints. Security personnel in the EU may question you about minutiae, like who packed your bags, what time your bags were packed, where you stayed during your trip, etc. The questions you’re asked might seem overbearing, unusual, or irrelevant compared to your airport experiences in America. Wherever you are, getting visibly offended will only make things worse for you and may needlessly delay you. You can always complain to your seatmate later on about the types of questions you’re asked.

8. Arrive at checkpoints prepared. Organize your boarding pass, passport, and other papers and keep them all in one place if you can. Also, take inventory of metal objects: empty your pockets of coins, keys, and other metal items and place in the same compartment of your carry-on luggage so you won’t be fumbling at security checkpoints. Why draw negative attention to yourself?

9. Be prepared to pass through security twice in some parts of Europe.

When using most airports in the EU, you’ll be subject to the same x-rays and explosives detection as you move from the public areas of airports to the secure zones. Two security stops are a good reason to get to the airport two hours early (two and a half to three hours early if you’re risk averse or easily lost).

10. Use European ATMs, and avoid exchange booths. Sometimes you can’t avoid using an exchange booth, but just know that they’re pricey. You’ll be charged a premium at the airport exchange booths to change dollars to euros. Most every European airport will have ATMs.

11. Be prepared for the no-frills facilities of some airports. This tends to be especially true when you use a budget carrier, although not always. If you don’t arrive early, in some airports, you can expect to stand while you wait in the airport lounge. And don’t be surprised if some facilities are outdated, dirty, and uncomfortable.

12. Find out about airport food options before you go. You might decide to eat before you get to the airport since junk food might be the only provisions on offer. On the other hand, you might be perfectly content with hot dog places or McDonald’s.

You’ll find a wide range of experiences when you fly in the EU. Take the time to research your destination, carrier, and airport facilities so you’ll have a better idea what to expect before you go. Most important: get to the airport very early (preferably with a neck pillow, noise-canceling headphones, and reading materials).  Then, sit back, watch the people, and all will be well.

Written by Katie Anton

AirBnBs and VRBO vacation rental properties are a hot ticket item right now for many travelers.  They offer the advantage of being ensconced in an area inhabited by locals rather than in a hotel inhabited with other travelers.  Sometimes the homeowners will be there during your stay; at others, you may be there on your own.

Before you book an AirBnB or VRBO vacation rental property, be very clear about what you are getting for your rental dollars.  Read the reviews.  Read the description of the property.  Ask questions about the area.  Be sure the home is suitable for your needs.  For instance: Are you a family with youngsters?  Ask if it is a kid-friendly neighborhood.  If the street is inhabited mainly by seniors, it may not be the best choice for your family with small children or teenagers.

Very often the owners reside in the property when it is not rented to vacationers.  They would appreciate your leaving it in the same (or better) condition as when you arrived.

The owners may be there throughout your stay.  Let them know when you expect to arrive and when you expect to ‘check out’.  If you have an early morning tour booked or will be leaving super early to drive to an attraction, give them the heads up.  If you plan to be out late, ask if there is an entrance they prefer you use when you return.

Loud music and over-enthusiastic partiers can be too much for the neighbors.  Having the police show up at the front door definitely will put a damper on your vacation mood, and it may get the owner barred from using his home as a vacation rental for future guests.

The owners should provide an Instruction Manual that includes – wifi password, how to operate the TV remote, quiet hours for the ‘hood, how to adjust the A/C (if it’s one of those ‘energy efficient’ thermostats that just may not be all that ‘user friendly’), maybe even a list of what to see/do, and of good cafes, restaurants, markets, and grocery stores in the immediate vicinity.

We’ve all heard the stories of the Airbnb ‘guests from hell’.  Don’t be that type of guest.  Here are some Travel Etiquette Tips that will result in your hosts clamoring to have you back again and again!

10 Tips to Being a Great AirBnB or VRBO Guest

1. Treat the vacation rental as you would your own home.
2. If you break something, stain the carpet, or cause any other damage – let the owners know.  In most cases, damage and/or breakage will be covered by your ‘Security Deposit’.  The House Rules should have information on this – such as, “If you break something, please replace it with a similar item, or just let us know.”
3. Unless you have been given a James Bond-like ‘license to eat and drink’ anything that is in the house, good travel etiquette dictates that you keep your food/drink consumption to a minimum – feel free to use spices and condiments. If the home is strictly an AirBnB or a VRBO (ie. there are no family photos displayed or clothes hanging in the closets), then it’s open season on whatever the previous renters left behind….pasta, rice, canned food….it’s all yours…go for it…a bottle of wine and a couple of beers?  You, my friends, have hit the ‘mother lode’
4. If the owners have gone away just for the weekend or for a couple of weeks – perishable fruits and vegetables are fine to consume but expect to replace most of what you eat with similar produce.  The same goes for soda, wine, beer, etc. – if you drink theirs, replace it, even if you can’t find the exact brand.  Some owners leave snacks or food and drink specifically for their paying guests – but they will advise you if it’s for you or not.  The name Airbnb implies that breakfast of some form will be available for guests.  This may be as little as a couple boxes of dry cereal and jars of jam and peanut butter – you provide your own milk, bread, etc.  Or, you may find the fridge stocked with breakfast items such as eggs, bacon, juice, and bagels for your ‘dining pleasure’ – once you’ve cooked it up yourself, that is
5. Some owners charge a cleaning fee and others do not. Owners should specify in the ‘house rules/guide’ what they would like you to do before you leave (ie. take out the garbage, wash the dishes, strip the bed linens, etc).
6. Collect all of your travel gear before you leave.  Chances are, once you drive away, you can ‘kiss goodbye’ any items you may have left behind.  If it’s a valuable item, you’ll need to make arrangements with the owner for its safe return to you….or you’ll need to drive back for it.
7. Whether the owner requests it or not – take out all of your garbage prior to your departure.
8. Turn out all the lights and lock the door when you leave. Drop off the key where the owner has requested that you do.
9. Advise your host when you ‘check out’ of the AirBnB or VRBO by sending them an email, text or using another method that you have agreed upon.  They may need to get the home ready for their next guests.
10. Write a review for the benefit of both future renters and the owners.  If you loved it – let everyone know why.  If it wasn’t all it was advertised to be – the owner needs to be made aware of any shortfalls so he can make the required improvements (if possible) or adjust his description to be more accurate.  Don’t write a bad review before letting your host know what your complaints are.

The concept of an Airbnb or a VRBO (Vacation Rental By Owner) certainly can be a win-win for both parties.  The property owners make some money, and you get to enjoy the comforts of a ‘home away from home’ during your vacation.  That certainly sounds like a ‘win-win’ situation!

Written by Emma Ghattas