| BASIC SAFETY RULES: Research the country of | | | | floor as it is the best location for burglars. Get yourself |
| your destination, get as much information as possible | | | | familiar with the location of stairways, fire escapes |
| about the places you intend to visit. Get yourself | | | | routes, emergency exits and alarms. Keep your hotel |
| familiar with local customs and regulations. | | | | room door locked at all times. Before opening the door |
| Travelmake's Destination Guides is a good place to | | | | to a stranger, verify who it is. Never invite strangers |
| start. Our online Travel Store offers a range of safety | | | | into your hotel room. Never leave your valuables (a |
| items for travelers. Here you can also purchase | | | | camera, documents, jewelry, etc.) lying around where |
| detailed maps, informative guidebooks, first aid kits and | | | | hotel employees can see them. Before leaving you |
| other items necessary for making your trip safe. - | | | | room for the day, put the "Do not disturb" sign on your |
| Obtain travel insurance, preferably with the plan that | | | | door to give the impression that the room is occupied. |
| provides direct, immediate payment to the medical | | | | When you are ready for the room to be cleaned, call |
| provider. - Before you leave, photocopy your | | | | the maid. Use the hotel safe to store valuables. Carry |
| documents and tickets so it would be easier to replace | | | | the room key with you, do not leave it at front desk. |
| them if they are lost or stolen. - Keep a low profile. Try | | | | Do not use your name when answering the phone. |
| to blend in with the locals as best you can. Leave | | | | When returning to your hotel at night, use the main |
| expensive jewelry and precious valuables at home. - | | | | entrance. Be observant before entering parking lots. |
| Do not discuss your travel plans publicly. - Stay alert, | | | | HOTEL FIRE SAFETY TIPS: If a fire starts take your |
| especially in high-risk countries. - Do not expose your | | | | key before leaving the room, as most hotel doors lock |
| valuables (money, documents, jewelry, etc.), keep them | | | | automatically. Do not use elevators during a fire. If you |
| locked in the hotel safe. - Carry only small amounts of | | | | encounter heavy smoke in the stairwell, do not try to |
| cash. - Wear a consealed money belt, keep your | | | | run through it, you may not make it. Turn around and |
| essential documents and money in it. - Keep a copy of | | | | walk up to the roof fire exit. If all exits are blocked or if |
| your passport in your money belt at all times. - Each | | | | there is heavy smoke in the hallway, you will be better |
| time you use your credit card, keep an eye on it until it | | | | off staying in your room. If there is smoke in your |
| is returned to you. Check credit cards when they are | | | | room, open a window and turn on the bathroom vent. |
| returned. - Never leave your personal items | | | | If your phone works, call the desk to tell them where |
| unattended. - Respect local customs and regulations. - | | | | you are, or call the fire department to report your |
| Deal only with authorized agents when you exchange | | | | location in the building. Hang a bed sheet out the |
| money or purchase art or antiques. - If you get into | | | | window as a signal. Fill the bathtub with water to use |
| trouble, contact the nearest embassy. - If you are | | | | for fire fighting. Bail water onto your door or any hot |
| unfamiliar with the local language, write down some | | | | walls. Stuff wet towels into cracks under and around |
| key phrases in the local language. - Memorize or write | | | | doors where smoke can enter. Place a wet towel |
| down local emergency numbers. - In case of theft, get | | | | over your mouth and nose to help filter out smoke. If |
| a police report immediately if you'll be making an | | | | you are above the second floor, you will be better off |
| insurance claim. Thefts of traveler's checks must be | | | | fighting the fire in your room than jumping. STREET |
| reported within 24 hours. AIR TRAVEL SAFETY | | | | SAFETY TIPS: Buy a map, familiarize yourself with the |
| TIPS: Check in as fast as you can and do not delay in | | | | city and location of your hotel. With the help of hotel |
| the main terminal area. Do not discuss your travel | | | | employees locate unsafe areas of the city and avoid |
| plans with fellow passengers, crew, or even traveling | | | | visiting them by any means. Do not stay out on the |
| companions. Get yourself familiar with exits and safe | | | | streets late at night. When walking, remain on wide, |
| areas. Try to stay away from unattended baggage. | | | | well-lit streets. If necessary, arrange for taxi service. |
| Verify baggage claim checks before and after flight. | | | | Watch your drinks being poured. Never accept a drink |
| Never leave your luggage unattended. Stay calm and | | | | from a stranger. Get advice from your hotel workers |
| alert. Try to occupy a window seat in the coach | | | | about reputable restaurants and other entertainment. |
| section. This position is less accessible by hijackers. | | | | Never resist armed robbery, it could lead to violence. |
| HOTEL SAFETY TIPS: Get a card with the hotel's | | | | You can find full text of this article and many others on |
| name and address. You can show it to a cab driver if | | | | our informative web site. Visit us at for more travel |
| you get lost. Stay in hotels on well-traveled streets in | | | | tips, advice and useful links. |
| safer areas of the city of your destination. Lower level | | | | We wish you a successful and safe trip! |
| floors are safer in case of fire. Although, avoid the first | | | | |