Everyone enjoys traveling whether it be down the road to Grandma's house for the holidays or to visit new and exciting international destinations. As a hotelier in a major ocean front destination, my foremost concern is always for the safety of our guests, both domestic and international. I recently surveyed some of my company's Facebook Friends on their personal favorite travel safety tips and would like to share them all with you. Enjoy!
- Itineraries are a great way to plan for an "event" free trip. When you make your plans make sure you leave your Itinerary with someone you trust. If traveling outside the States you should also take advantage of a free service provided by our State Department and file your itinerary with them using the web at https://travelregistration.state.gov/. This will allow them to contact you if there is a family emergency in the U.S. or if there is a crisis where you are traveling.
- There should always be someone else who knows where you are, where you will be and when you expect to return. If at all possible check with the clerk or concierge and let them know your general plans for the day.
- You should actually prepare and assume that you may lose everything. Make two copies of ALL of your important documents. One copy you should leave with that friend at home, another keep with you apart and separate from the originals. Use a tamper proof sealed envelope and place in the hotel safe with any other valuables. You can always have a copy of your important papers faxed to you by your friend back home.
- You should have already checked your insurance coverage, take copies of your necessary insurance documents for you and your family; lists of all medications and travel with current prescriptions. It can answer serious questions if they happen to come up at a border inspection.
- Take your passport with you wherever you go. There is no better form of ID in this age of high security. Make copies of your data page, visas and a copy of your drivers license and leave in the hotel safe.
- Women traveling should wear sedate outfits that do not draw attention, also don't carry a purse, instead have pockets for cards or cash. Try to blend in with the locals. Enjoy yourself but you can't be too careful these days. There is safety in numbers, travel in groups and never go out out alone after dark.
- Be inconspicuous and blend in. Leave the bling! A sure tell that you are a tourist is the ever present camera. Luckily today you can store a camera in a little pocket and just be aware of your surroundings when using one.
- Research your destination and places you are to visit, always know where you are going. Exploring new places and stumbling upon a hidden treasure off the beaten path can be the height of a trip. However you may find yourself in dangerous predicaments by straying into areas that you are not familiar with. Don't wander into dark or secluded places that it will be difficult to get out of alive. Some can be just around the corner from a huge attraction at a major destination, like the Forum!
- In todays economy many people are desperate and this is important for all travellers to realize. Travellers should always use the guest room safe for all valuables to include a passport, any other ID, credit cards, jewerly, electronic devices, etc. If the hotel does not have a in room safe, they almost always have a safety deposit box. And always remember digital cameras, Ipods and other electronics are extremely expensive in most countries. Don't display them openly.
- Always use your hotel safe or safety deposit box for your valuables including money! NEVER take any valuables, wallets, purses, to the beach or pool. There are always those that are looking for an opportunity and hotels can frequently be a target for these people. THINK FIRST!
- Don't ever leave your hotel room without shutting your door completely. Whether you're walking down the hall to get ice or just going to the room next door to visit with someone. Anyone can go into your room and steal your valuables or be waiting in your room for you when you walk back in.
- When in your room always keep your door locked and use the view port before opening. Shut and lock your windows and balcony/patio doors when away from the room or at night.
- Always have the establishment call a Radio Taxi - you are assured you are getting into a safe taxi. Hotels and restaurants are very reputable and they do not want you to climb into a taxi that is in question.
- One last tip though that most of us never think about, men or women alike; always know where your drink comes from. If Paulo, Juan or Sergei that you just met shows up with an unsolicited Mojito, Margarita or Black Russina spill it on him in a conspicuous place and get your own!
Well, my fellow travelers, I hope that you will heed these safety tips. If you are thinking you might want to have a nice little getaway, come on down to Miami Beach. The beaches are lovely and the water is oil free. You can check out my hotels at
http://www.cgh305.com/. Safe travels!
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